Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Thank you so much for being here—really! It means the world that you trust me to bring flavor and comfort to your table. And today? I’m sharing a meal that’s pure gold. This Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole is hearty, rich, and bubbling with melty cheese, tender chicken, and comforting layers of goodness. It’s the kind of dish that makes a regular weeknight feel like a warm hug.

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What Is Cheesy Chicken Casserole?

It’s everything you love about creamy, comforting casseroles—tender shredded chicken, pasta or rice (you choose!), a velvety cheese sauce, and a crispy golden topping. This one is the hero of make-ahead dinners, family potlucks, and cozy nights in. It’s also super flexible—use leftover chicken, toss in veggies, and adjust the spice level to your liking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly—seriously, my crew asks for seconds every time.
• One-dish dinner—less mess, more time to relax.
• Make-ahead and freezer-friendly—hello, meal prep win!
• Loaded with protein, flavor, and cheesy comfort.
• Easy to modify based on what you have on hand.

What Does It Taste Like?

Creamy, cheesy, savory perfection. Every bite delivers tender chunks of chicken, a smooth cheese sauce, and just a little golden crunch from the topping. It’s rich, satisfying, and totally hits the spot—without being overly heavy.

Why This Casserole Belongs in Your Dinner Rotation

• Perfect for leftovers—chicken, rice, or even veggies.
• Great crowd-feeder for potlucks or family dinners.
• Customizable with your favorite cheeses, seasonings, or pasta shapes.
• Easily doubled or frozen in portions.
• Total weeknight hero!

Ingredients for Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Base:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
• 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, rotini, or penne) or cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (or homemade)
• 1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp salt (to taste)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1/2 cup crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, or French fried onions
• 1 tbsp melted butter (optional, for mixing with the topping)

Tools You’ll Need

• 9×13” casserole dish
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula
• Aluminum foil (for covering during baking)

Optional Add-ins & Substitutions

• Add veggies like peas, broccoli, or sautéed mushrooms
• Swap the protein: use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or even canned chicken
• Spice it up with a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños
• Make it gluten-free by using GF pasta and soup
• Use homemade cream of chicken for a cleaner version

How to Make Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease your casserole dish.
2. In a large bowl, mix together soup, sour cream, milk, and spices until smooth.
3. Fold in cooked chicken, cooked pasta or rice, and 2 cups of shredded cheese. Mix until well combined.
4. Spread the mixture into the casserole dish.
5. Top with remaining cheese and crushed crackers/breadcrumbs (mix topping with melted butter if desired).
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
7. Remove foil and bake another 10–15 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
8. Let rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with This Casserole

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls
• A cool cucumber or tomato salad for contrast

Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly shredded cheese for better melt and texture.
• Make it ahead and store in the fridge for up to 2 days before baking.
• Freeze before or after baking—just thaw overnight before reheating.
• Add a dash of hot sauce for a flavorful kick!

Storage Instructions

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze baked or unbaked casserole for up to 3 months.
• Reheat: In oven at 350°F until warmed through, or microwave individual servings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 2 days in advance. Bake when ready to serve.

Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, it works in a pinch! Just make sure it’s well-drained and shredded.

What pasta works best?
Short shapes like elbow, penne, or rotini hold up well and soak in the flavor.

Is there a homemade alternative to cream of chicken soup?
Yes! A simple roux with broth and milk makes a great replacement (let me know if you want the exact recipe!).

More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love

If this cheesy casserole was your kind of comfort food, here are a few more chicken favorites to bookmark:

• Chicken Ramen Bowl – cozy, nourishing, and full of flavor
• 30-Minute Chicken Recipes – fast, flavorful options for busy nights
• Black Pepper Udon – a little spicy, super savory, and surprisingly simple

Final Thoughts on This Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole is comfort food done right. It’s the kind of dish that keeps everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds)—the cheesy top, creamy middle, and cozy vibes are just too good to pass up. Whether you’re meal-prepping, feeding a family, or just craving something warm and homey, this one has your back.

Let’s Connect on Pinterest!

Made this casserole? I’d love to see it on your table!
📸 Tag me over on Pinterest @TheKitchenJoyy and don’t forget to leave a review so others can find and enjoy it too!

Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approx. 1/8th of recipe)

• Calories: 410
• Protein: 26g
• Fat: 21g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Sugar: 3g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Cholesterol: 75mg

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