Introduction
The Ultimate Chicken Casserole is the kind of creamy, cozy, all-in-one dish that families come back to again and again. It’s loaded with tender chicken, pasta, savory seasonings, and a rich, cheesy sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection. It’s easy to throw together with pantry and fridge staples, and it feeds a crowd with minimal fuss. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a weeknight winner, this casserole delivers serious comfort in every bite.
Ingredients
Base:
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped; rotisserie works great)
2 cups uncooked egg noodles or short pasta (like rotini or penne)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup corn kernels (optional)
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers, breadcrumbs, or French fried onions
2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Cook Pasta:
Boil the pasta according to package directions, but stop 1–2 minutes early (it will finish cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.
Make the Mixture:
In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add Chicken and Veggies:
Fold in the shredded chicken, peas, corn, and cooked pasta until well combined.
Assemble the Casserole:
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1/2 cup of cheese over the top.
Prepare Topping:
In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake:
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
Rest and Serve:
Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. The rich sauce binds everything together while the crunchy topping adds a satisfying contrast. It’s versatile, family-friendly, and just plain delicious—a comfort food classic that hits the spot every time.
Tips
Use Rotisserie Chicken: A huge time saver and adds great flavor.
Shred Cheese Fresh: Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents and doesn’t melt as smoothly.
Avoid Overcooked Pasta: Slightly undercook noodles before baking.
Freeze Ahead: Assemble (without topping), wrap tightly, and freeze. Thaw overnight and bake with topping added fresh.
Variations
Spicy Kick: Add diced green chilies or a pinch of cayenne to the sauce.
Veggie Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
Cream Swap: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a different flavor base.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute pasta with steamed cauliflower florets or low-carb noodles.
Corrections
Too Dry? Add a splash more milk or use more sauce next time.
Topping Soggy? Bake topping separately and sprinkle on before serving.
Bland Taste? Boost flavor with a little poultry seasoning, thyme, or sharp cheddar.
Enjoy
Dig into this Ultimate Chicken Casserole and enjoy the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, savory goodness. Serve it with a fresh salad or some crusty bread for a full, soul-satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish that turns any dinner into comfort night.