Description

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy casserole to bring comfort to your kitchen. This Cheesy Chicken Casserole delivers on all fronts, blending tender chicken, melted cheese, and a medley of hearty ingredients that make every bite rich and satisfying. Perfect for family gatherings or simple weeknight dinners, this recipe will quickly become a household favorite. The best part? It’s so easy to make that even a beginner cook can whip it up with confidence. Once you serve this dish, expect compliments and requests for the recipe—just like mom, who couldn't resist asking for it after her first bite.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 can of condensed cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups of cooked rice or noodles
• 1 cup of crushed crackers (such as Ritz) or bread crumbs
• 2 tablespoons of melted butter
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Preparation Method

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook and shred the chicken breasts. You can bake, boil, or grill them, depending on your preference. Set the shredded chicken aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream, condensed cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
Fold the shredded chicken and cooked rice (or noodles) into the mixture, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Top with shredded cheddar cheese, covering the entire surface of the casserole.
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers (or bread crumbs) with the melted butter until they form a crumbly topping. Sprinkle this evenly over the cheese layer.
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and added flavor, if desired. Serve warm.

Tips and Conclusion

For an extra layer of flavor, you can add some sautéed vegetables to this casserole. Mushrooms, bell peppers, or even some chopped broccoli would make excellent additions. Simply sauté them until tender and mix them into the chicken and rice before baking. Not only will this elevate the dish, but it will also add a nutritious boost to the meal. Additionally, if you like a bit of spice, try sprinkling a little cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes into the mix for a subtle kick.

Cheesy Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal—it’s a nostalgic trip to the heart of home cooking. Its simple yet satisfying ingredients make it the perfect choice for feeding a hungry family or impressing guests at a potluck. Plus, with minimal prep time and ingredients you likely already have in your pantry, this recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights when you still want to serve something wholesome and delicious. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a crunchy topping is a sure way to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it with a fresh side salad or some garlic bread, and you have a complete meal that’s sure to warm both hearts and bellies.

Don’t be surprised if, just like mom, everyone asks you how to make this dish after one bite!