The Best Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

My grandma’s hearty chicken casserole recipe always sparks memories of cozy Sunday dinners around her rustic kitchen table.

Warm aromas would drift through her farmhouse, drawing everyone closer with anticipation.

Comfort foods like this remind me how simple ingredients can create magical moments.

Layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy edges promise a satisfying meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Seasonal vegetables add vibrant colors and nutritious depth to this classic dish.

Minimal prep work means you can quickly assemble this crowd-pleasing casserole before hunger strikes.

Let’s uncover the secrets to making a chicken casserole that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Classic Chicken Casserole That Feels Like Home

• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Savor a deliciously creamy chicken casserole that brings everyone together with its rich, satisfying flavors and hearty ingredients.
• Simple Preparation Magic: Mix, layer, and bake this no-fuss recipe that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering meal with minimal kitchen effort.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or feeding a hungry crowd, this casserole adapts easily to different tastes and dietary preferences.
• Texture Sensation: Enjoy the delightful contrast between crispy cornflake topping and creamy chicken mixture, creating a truly irresistible dining experience.

Ingredients To Whip Up Chicken Casserole

• Shredded Chicken: A tender and flavorful foundation that provides the main protein for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: These condensed soups add rich, creamy texture and depth of flavor to the casserole.
• Sour Cream, Mayonnaise: These ingredients contribute to the smooth and tangy base of the dish.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: These dried seasonings bring a subtle, savory warmth to the casserole.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential spices that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Cooked Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that adds substance and comfort to the casserole.
• Diced Tomatoes: Optional ingredient that introduces a fresh, slightly acidic element to the dish.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a melty, sharp flavor and golden-brown crust to the casserole.
• Cornflakes, Melted Butter: Creates a crispy, buttery topping that provides a delightful crunch.

How To Prepare Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s toasty and ready for baking when you’re set to go.

Step 2: Create the Flavor Base

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Whisk everything until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Incorporate Noodles and Optional Tomatoes

Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and diced tomatoes.

Stir carefully to keep the noodles intact.

Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.

Spread the chicken mixture evenly across the bottom, making sure it’s nicely distributed.

Step 5: Add Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until the flakes are fully coated. Scatter this mixture evenly across the casserole.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling.

Step 8: Cool and Serve

Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after removing from the oven. This helps it set and makes serving much easier.

Enjoy your comforting meal!

Tips To Master Chicken Casserole

• Shred chicken and cook noodles in advance to cut down total preparation time and make assembly smoother.
• Pat diced tomatoes dry before adding to avoid excess liquid that could make the casserole watery.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or pepper jack for unique flavor profiles.
• Toast cornflake topping in a dry skillet before sprinkling for extra golden and crispy texture.
• Substitute cream soups with dairy-free alternatives and use vegan mayonnaise to create a lactose-free version of this comforting casserole.

Variations To Refresh Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Zucchini Base: Replace egg noodles with spiralized zucchini for a healthier, low-carb version that maintains the creamy chicken flavor.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free cream soups and substitute cornflakes with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond flour to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable cream soups to create a meat-free casserole that's packed with protein.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add crumbled feta cheese, diced olives, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the classic casserole into a Mediterranean-style dish with bright, tangy flavors.

Pairing Ideas To Serve Alongside Chicken Casserole

Toss a light, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.

Prepare a colorful side of roasted carrots, zucchini, and bell peppers to add nutrition and contrast textures.

Select a buttery, medium-bodied Chardonnay that complements the creamy casserole and cuts through its richness.

Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and provide a crunchy counterpoint to the soft casserole.

Storage Advice To Keep Chicken Casserole Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup and potential bacterial growth.
• Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Chicken casserole freezes wonderfully for 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Preheat oven to 350F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying out. Warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through, removing foil during the last 5 minutes for crispy topping.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when temperature reaches 165F for food safety.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of meat instead of chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick alternative.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

• What can I do if I don't have cornflakes for the topping?

You can replace cornflakes with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed potato chips for a crunchy topping.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat cream soups, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or peas to boost nutrition.

Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending creamy textures with golden-brown crispy edges. Wholesome ingredients and simple preparation make this classic dish a perfect weeknight meal you’ll savor down to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (680 grams) shredded chicken

Creamy Base:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) mayonnaise

Pasta and Cheese:

• 2 cups (200 grams) cooked and drained egg noodles
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

Optional Ingredient:

• 1 (14.5 ounces / 411 grams) can diced tomatoes, drained

Topping:

• 1 cup (100 grams) crushed cornflakes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) melted butter

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (175C), ensuring the temperature is consistent for optimal cooking.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture reaches a smooth, uniform consistency.
3. Incorporate cooked egg noodles and diced tomatoes into the mixture, gently folding to maintain noodle integrity.
4. Coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with grease, then evenly distribute the chicken mixture across the surface.
5. Create a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire casserole top.
6. Combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter, ensuring complete coating, then distribute the mixture uniformly over the cheese layer.
7. Position the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, monitoring until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbling hot.
8. Allow the casserole to rest for 3-5 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps stabilize the dish and facilitates easier serving.

Notes

• Swap proteins effortlessly by using turkey, tofu, or plant-based alternatives for different dietary needs.
• Toast cornflakes beforehand to enhance their crunchiness and add extra golden-brown color to the topping.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium soup varieties and controlling added salt quantity.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole a day early and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 440 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg