There’s comfort food, and then there’s the Ultimate Chicken Casserole—the kind of meal that wraps you up in warmth, feeds a hungry crowd, and only gets better with each creamy, cheesy bite. Bursting with tender chicken, egg noodles, vibrant veggies, and a luscious sauce, this dish is everything you crave when you want a fuss-free dinner that everyone will ask for again and again. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or bringing a little extra coziness to a weekend gathering, Ultimate Chicken Casserole is your new go-to for guaranteed smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This irresistible casserole comes together with just a few simple, essential ingredients—all working together to create that signature creamy, cheesy flavor and irresistible golden crust. Don’t be tempted to skip or swap too much: every ingredient shines and plays its part in making this dish a true classic.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for maximum flavor and tenderness.
- Egg noodles (2 cups, cooked): These soft, curly noodles soak up the creamy sauce perfectly without getting mushy.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): A pop of color and sweetness that balances the rich sauce.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and irresistible creaminess to every bite.
- Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): A little secret for extra depth and silkiness—don’t skip it!
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Creates that classic casserole texture we all adore.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melty cheese is non-negotiable, and cheddar brings sharpness and comfort.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): For savory depth you can taste but not quite put your finger on.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lifts all the flavors and brings them together.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Season to your liking—it’s your casserole, after all.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The crispy topping is what makes every bite extra thrilling.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Helps that crunchy topping turn golden and irresistible in the oven.
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Prep the Baking Dish and Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This gives you plenty of time to assemble while the oven comes to temperature. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray or a touch of butter—this keeps all the creamy goodness from sticking, and makes serving a breeze later.
Step 2: Mix the Main Filling
Grab your largest mixing bowl and toss in the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, plus a good pinch of salt and pepper. Use a big spoon or spatula to mix everything together really well. The sauce should coat all the chicken and noodles, creating a luxuriously creamy mixture that already looks tempting!
Step 3: Layer the Casserole
Pour your chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, using a spatula or the back of your spoon to spread it evenly. Take a moment to admire those colorful veggies peeking through the cheesy sauce—this is going to bake into something deliciously dreamy.
Step 4: Make and Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Stir until every crumb is buttery and ready to toast. Scatter this crunchy mixture all over the top of your casserole, covering it edge to edge for that perfect golden finish.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is deeply golden and the edges are bubbling with creamy goodness. When you pull it out, give it five minutes to cool—if you can stand to wait!—so the filling sets and serving is easier.
How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Garnishes
For the perfect finishing touch, sprinkle your Ultimate Chicken Casserole with a little extra fresh parsley or sliced green onions. They add a pop of color and fresh flavor that balance the creaminess beautifully. If you’re feeling indulgent, a handful of extra cheese melted on top never hurts!
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to be the star of the meal, but it pairs so well with crisp green salads, roasted vegetables, or even fluffy dinner rolls for scooping up every last bit of sauce. Choose light, bright sides to keep things balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to put a fun spin on your Ultimate Chicken Casserole, try baking it in individual ramekins for single servings, or use it as a filling for stuffed bell peppers for a colorful twist. It’s also perfect for potlucks—just cut into squares and watch everyone dive in!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers (and that’s a big if!), simply cover the casserole tightly with foil or place portions in airtight containers. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavors only get better as they meld together overnight.
Freezing
For longer storage, the Ultimate Chicken Casserole freezes beautifully. Wrap it well—first with plastic wrap, then a layer of foil—or transfer cooled portions to freezer-safe containers. It’ll keep perfectly for up to 2 months. Be sure to label with the date for easy planning!
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole overnight in the fridge, then bake covered at 350°F until hot and bubbly—about 20-25 minutes. If reheating just a single serving, a minute or two in the microwave will do the trick. You can always add an extra sprinkle of cheese before popping it back into the oven for an extra-melty finish.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here—it’s flavorful, already cooked, and easy to shred, making Ultimate Chicken Casserole even more weeknight friendly.
Can I swap in different veggies?
Yes! Feel free to use whatever you have on hand—broccoli florets, green beans, or even spinach can all be delicious in Ultimate Chicken Casserole. Just make sure veggies are cooked or thawed before adding to keep things creamy, not watery.
How do I make the casserole gluten-free?
It’s easy! Substitute your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and choose a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. For the topping, swap in gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the same crunchy finish.
Can I assemble this ahead of time?
You sure can. Simply prepare the casserole up to the point of adding the topping, cover, and refrigerate up to a day in advance. Add the cracker topping right before baking for best texture.
What if I want an extra cheesy top?
If you’re a cheese lover, sprinkle an extra half cup of shredded cheddar over the casserole before adding the topping. It’ll melt beautifully and make Ultimate Chicken Casserole extra gooey and decadent!
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that’s creamy, comforting, and guaranteed to bring the family running to the table, you can’t go wrong with Ultimate Chicken Casserole. It’s the kind of crowd-pleaser you’ll find yourself making (and craving) again and again, so don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds!
Print
Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for a cozy family dinner. Loaded with tender chicken, creamy sauce, veggies, and topped with a crunchy buttery crumb topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Casserole: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots, sour cream, mayonnaise, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken works great for this recipe.
- You can swap in broccoli or green beans for the veggies.
- Add cooked bacon or extra cheese for a more indulgent twist.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 690mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
