If you’re craving heartwarming comfort food that’s easy to make and universally loved, you absolutely have to try this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. Juicy chicken, tender noodles, and a lush, cheesy sauce all get tucked under a buttery, golden cracker topping for a dinner that feels like a warm hug. This dish comes together quickly with simple pantry ingredients, yet it delivers so much flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re gathering family at the table or prepping ahead for a busy weeknight, this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe checks all the boxes for a cozy, crowd-pleasing favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this casserole is how effortless the ingredient list feels, yet every element serves a delicious purpose. From the creaminess of the sauce to the crunch of the topping, each addition brings out the best in this homey classic.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded or chopped): Use leftover rotisserie or poach your own—this is your base for hearty protein!
- Cooked egg noodles (2 cups): They soak up all that luscious sauce and offer a soft bite.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The ultimate shortcut for creamy flavor without fuss.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Adds tang and velvetiness to the sauce; Greek yogurt works too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): For melty, gooey richness in every bite.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce just enough, making everything perfectly scoopable.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1/2 cup): For color, sweetness, and a little veggie crunch.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Brings aromatic depth without overpowering the casserole.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Another layer of savory goodness for flavor balance.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for bringing out all those delicious flavors.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Just a hint for a touch of gentle heat.
- Crushed buttery crackers (1/2 cup, like Ritz): These make the golden, crispy topping that everyone fights for.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps those crackers turn irresistibly crunchy and golden.
How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
First things first: preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). You want it nice and hot to ensure your Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe bakes up perfectly bubbly and golden on top while everything inside becomes creamy and luscious.
Step 2: Mix the Sauce
Grab a large mixing bowl and stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt if you prefer), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This creamy mixture is the flavor-packed foundation that will hold all your tasty ingredients together.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Noodles, Veggies, and Cheese
Add the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, frozen peas and carrots, and shredded cheddar cheese right into that bowl of sauce. Stir it all up until every bit is gloriously coated and you see pops of color throughout—this is when you know it’s going to be good!
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the chicken-noodle mixture. Spread it evenly with a spatula so every scoop later is balanced with sauce, chicken, veggies, and cheese.
Step 5: Make and Add the Topping
Now for the grand finale: in a small bowl, mix together your crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to ensure you get that signature golden, crunchy topping with every bite.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is bubbling and golden brown, and the smells wafting through your kitchen make everyone hungry. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so it sets up slightly and is easier to scoop.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Top your Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chives right before serving. They add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that balances the rich, creamy filling perfectly.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs perfectly with a crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette, or a side of simply steamed broccoli. Light, fresh sides complement the richness of the casserole without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting or want to switch things up, spoon the creamy casserole into individual ramekins and bake as single servings. Or, serve it family-style right from the baking dish, letting everyone dig in for that ultimate comfort food experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together overnight, making for a quick and tasty lunch the next day.
Freezing
To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe container. It will keep its flavor and texture for up to 2 months. For best results, wait to add the cracker topping until just before baking after thawing.
Reheating
Reheat your casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes, covering loosely with foil to keep the topping from burning. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works just fine, but the oven keeps the topping crispiest.
FAQs
Can I use cooked turkey instead of chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe is just as delicious with cooked turkey, making it a fantastic way to use up holiday leftovers while enjoying the same creamy, satisfying result.
What other vegetables can I add to this casserole?
Feel free to stir in cooked mushrooms, spinach, broccoli florets, or even diced bell peppers for extra veggie goodness and variety. Just make sure to lightly cook any added veggies before mixing them in.
Can I make the Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe ahead of time?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole up to the step before baking, cover tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, simply add the topping and pop it in the oven.
Are there lower-fat options for this recipe?
Yes—swap in low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and stick with a low-sodium cream of chicken soup to make this casserole a bit lighter but still wonderfully creamy.
What’s the best way to crush the crackers for the topping?
Seal the crackers in a zip-top bag and gently roll them with a rolling pin or use your hands to crush them. You want to aim for small, pea-sized pieces so the topping bakes up crunchy and golden.
Final Thoughts
Few dishes say comfort quite like a Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe, and I hope you’re inspired to make it your own. It’s simple, soul-warming, and endlessly adaptable—serving up cozy, homemade flavor you’ll want to return to over and over again. Give it a try, and watch your family fall in love with this classic, creamy casserole!
Print
Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a crunchy topping, this dish is a family favorite.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, noodles, peas, carrots, and cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Combine crushed crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- You can use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Try adding mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- Perfect for using leftover rotisserie chicken.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 710mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
