Craving a creamy, cheesy, and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is packed with tender chicken, pasta, a rich cream sauce, and loads of gooey cheese! Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal for the whole family, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.
It’s simple to make, customizable, and freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover rotisserie chicken. Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ One-Pan Wonder – Everything bakes together in one dish for easy cleanup.
✔ Creamy & Cheesy – Made with cream cheese, sour cream, and two types of cheese.
✔ Quick & Easy – Uses simple ingredients and comes together in under 45 minutes.
✔ Make-Ahead Friendly – Prepare it ahead of time and bake when needed.
✔ Perfect for Leftovers – A great way to use rotisserie chicken or leftover shredded chicken.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or egg noodles)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup crispy fried onions (optional, for extra crunch)
- ½ cup crumbled bacon (optional)
How to Make Ultimate Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat & Prepare
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
- In a large bowl, mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and black pepper.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked pasta to the creamy mixture.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Add Cheese & Toppings
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese over the top.
- If using, add crispy fried onions and crumbled bacon for extra crunch.
Step 5: Bake & Serve
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes, then serve warm and enjoy!
Tasty Variations & Add-Ins
🔹 Make It Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning or a dash of hot sauce.
🔹 Veggie Boost: Stir in broccoli, peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrients.
🔹 Mexican-Style: Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese and add a can of Rotel tomatoes.
🔹 Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Serving Suggestions
🍽 Pair this casserole with:
- A simple green salad for balance
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls for dipping
- Steamed veggies like green beans or asparagus
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✔ Store Leftovers: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.
✔ Freezing Instructions: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 3 months.
✔ Reheating Tip: Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until warmed through.
Final Thoughts
This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is the perfect comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and oh-so-satisfying! It’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, and the best part? It’s super customizable to suit your taste. Try it once, and it’ll be a family favorite in no time!
What’s your favorite casserole add-in? Let us know in the comments! 😋
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