Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor—this comfort-food classic is a crowd-pleaser!

Why You’ll Love It

✔ Easy to make – One dish, minimal prep!
✔ Budget-friendly – Uses simple ingredients.
✔ Versatile – Swap veggies, proteins, or cheeses to customize.
✔ Meal-prep hero – Tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

(Serves 6–8)

Main Components

• 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced; rotisserie chicken works great!)

• 12 oz egg noodles (or penne, rotini, or rice for GF)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup (or homemade substitute*)

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)

• 1/2 cup chicken broth (or milk for extra creaminess)

Flavor Boosters

• 1 small onion, diced

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1 cup shredded mozzarella (or Monterey Jack)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp black pepper

• 1/2 tsp dried thyme (or rosemary)

• 1/4 tsp cayenne (optional, for heat)

Topping (Crunchy & Golden!)

• 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs, panko, or crushed cornflakes)

• 3 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan

• 1 tbsp parsley (fresh or dried)

Instructions

1. Prep – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2. Cook noodles – Boil noodles al dente (1–2 mins less than package says). Drain.

3. Sauté veggies – In a skillet, cook onion and garlic in 1 tbsp butter until soft.

4. Mix filling – In a large bowl, combine chicken, noodles, soups, sour cream, broth, spices, and cheeses. Stir in sautéed onions/garlic.

5. Assemble – Spread mixture into the baking dish.

6. Add topping – Mix crushed crackers, melted butter, Parmesan, and parsley. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.

7. Bake – Cover with foil, bake 25 mins. Uncover, bake 10–15 mins more until bubbly and golden.

8. Rest & serve – Let sit 5–10 mins before serving.

Customize It!

• Veggies: Add 1 cup frozen peas, sautéed mushrooms, or broccoli.

• Protein: Swap chicken for turkey, tuna, or ham.

• Cheese: Try pepper Jack, Gouda, or Swiss.

• Healthier twist: Use whole wheat noodles, low-fat soups, and extra veggies.

Pro Tips

• Crispier topping? Broil 1–2 mins at the end (watch closely!).

• Make ahead: Assemble (without topping), refrigerate 24 hrs, then bake as directed (+5–10 mins).

• Freeze: Wrap unbaked casserole tightly; thaw overnight before baking.

Serve with a simple salad or steamed greens. Creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! 😋🍗

(P.S. This pairs perfectly with your healing veggie soup for a cozy comfort-food duo!)