A cozy, comforting one-dish meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and endlessly adaptable. Here’s a classic version that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Classic Creamy Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Base Components:
· 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cubed
· 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
· 1 medium onion, diced
· 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
· 8 oz (225g) pasta (elbow, rotini, penne) OR 2 cups rice OR 4 cups cubed potatoes
· 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom/chicken soup
· 1 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
· 1½ cups chicken broth
· 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby Jack, or a blend), divided
· ½ cup milk or heavy cream
Mix-ins & Seasonings:
· 1–2 cups vegetables (frozen peas & carrots, broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms)
· 1 tsp paprika
· ½ tsp black pepper
· 1 tsp dried thyme or poultry seasoning
· Salt to taste
Topping (Optional but Recommended):
· ½ cup breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or fried onions
· 2 tbsp melted butter
· ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prep & Cook Main Ingredients:
· Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
· Cook pasta/rice/potatoes according to package directions until just tender (they’ll finish in the oven). Drain.
· Season chicken with salt, pepper, and paprika. In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until browned (5–7 minutes). Remove and set aside.
· In same skillet, sauté onion until soft (3–4 min). Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
- Assemble the Casserole:
· In a large bowl, combine cream soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and milk. Whisk until smooth.
· Add cooked pasta/rice/potatoes, chicken, sautéed onions/garlic, vegetables, 1½ cups shredded cheese, and seasonings. Mix well.
· Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish. Spread evenly.
- Add Topping & Bake:
· Sprinkle remaining ½ cup cheese over top.
· Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and Parmesan (if using) and sprinkle over cheese.
· Bake uncovered for 25–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.
· Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving.
Popular Variations
Style Key Swaps/Add-Ins Topping Idea
Buffalo Chicken Mix in ½ cup buffalo sauce + 1 cup crumbled blue cheese Buttery panko + blue cheese crumbles
Tex-Mex Add 1 cup corn, 1 can black beans, 1 can diced green chiles, taco seasoning Crushed tortilla chips + Monterey Jack
Broccoli Cheese Use 3 cups fresh broccoli florets + swap soup for cheese sauce (see below) Buttery Ritz cracker crumbs
Alfredo Replace soup with 1 cup Alfredo sauce + add spinach + sun-dried tomatoes Italian breadcrumbs + mozzarella
Quick Cheese Sauce Swap:
Melt 3 tbsp butter, whisk in 3 tbsp flour, cook 1 min. Slowly whisk in 2 cups milk until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in 2 cups shredded cheese until melted. Use instead of canned soup.
What to Serve With It
· Green Side: Simple garden salad, steamed green beans, or roasted Brussels sprouts
· Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or cornbread
· Light Option: Sliced cucumbers with vinaigrette or apple slices
Pro Tips
· Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time with 3–4 cups shredded cooked chicken. Skip browning step.
· Make Ahead: Assemble (without topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add 5–10 minutes to bake time.
· Freeze: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly. Thaw overnight in fridge before baking.
· Crispy Top: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for extra browning (watch carefully!).
Nutritional Info (Per Serving, approx. 1/8 of recipe):
· Calories: ~450-550
· Protein: ~35g
· Carbs: ~30-40g
· Fat: ~20-25g
Adjust based on ingredients used (pasta vs. rice, full-fat vs. light dairy).
This casserole is the definition of comfort food—hearty, customizable, and perfect for feeding a family or having leftovers for days. Enjoy your cheesy, chickeny creation!