If you are craving the ultimate comfort food that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, this Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender chunks of rotisserie chicken layered with wide egg noodles, all enveloped in a luscious mixture of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and not one but two kinds of melted cheese, crowned with a buttery, crispy cracker topping. It’s the perfect meal to gather around the table with family or friends, bringing together creamy, cheesy, and flavorful notes that satisfy every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things delightfully simple with ingredients that contribute to each element’s distinct taste, texture, and color, making the cooking process both straightforward and rewarding. From creamy cheeses to perfectly seasoned chicken and that irresistible crunchy topping, every ingredient plays an essential role.
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken: Provides tender, flavorful meat without the fuss of cooking from scratch.
- 1 (16-oz) bag wide egg noodles: Wide noodles soak up the sauce beautifully for satisfying mouthfeel.
- 3 cups sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess that balance the richness of the cheese.
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as a smooth, comforting base binding everything together.
- 8 oz shredded Cheddar cheese: Offers sharpness and bold flavor for that classic cheesy casserole taste.
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese: Contributes stretchy, gooey texture that melts perfectly.
- ½ tsp onion powder: Enhances depth of flavor with a subtle mild onion essence.
- ½ tsp garlic powder: Infuses the dish with aromatic warmth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to taste that brighten all the savory elements.
- 1 sleeve Club crackers (crushed): Creates a golden, buttery crust for delightful crunch on top.
- ¼ cup butter (melted): Binds the cracker topping and adds richness and crispness.
- 2 Tbsp poppy seed: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and a pretty visual contrast to the topping.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF to ensure it’s nice and hot for baking. Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray so that the casserole releases easily after baking and the edges crisp up perfectly.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat, then add the wide egg noodles. Cook them just until al dente, retaining a slight firmness to provide a lovely bite once baked. Once cooked, drain and set them aside so they’re ready to mix with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken
Remove the meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin to avoid excess grease. Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces so that every mouthful has a good balance of tender chicken and creamy sauce.
Step 4: Mix the Casserole Filling
In a large bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked egg noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. This mixture promises creamy, cheesy layers that meld together into pure comfort.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Pour the delicious chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to form a smooth, thick casserole base awaiting its topping.
Step 6: Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine crushed Club crackers with melted butter and poppy seeds. This mixture creates that addictive golden crust. Sprinkle it over the surface of the casserole, ensuring each bite will have a crispy, buttery finish that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling.
Step 7: Bake Until Bubbling and Golden
Bake the casserole uncovered in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the cracker topping has turned a perfect golden brown. The aroma filling your kitchen at this stage is absolutely irresistible!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like chopped parsley, chives, or even a sprinkle of paprika add a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor that complements the richness of the casserole. Don’t underestimate the power of a simple garnish to elevate the presentation and flavor profile.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling, so pairing it with light, fresh sides works wonderfully. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables bring brightness and texture contrast to the meal, balancing out the creamy richness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for personal portions. This presentation is perfect for a dinner party or cozy family meal. You can also layer the casserole in a clear glass dish for a visually appealing display of noodles, cheese, and cracker topping.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer any leftover casserole into an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will keep well for 3 to 4 days, making it an excellent option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Place it in a freezer-safe container or cover the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a comforting meal, just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350ºF, covered with foil to prevent the topping from burning while allowing the casserole to heat through evenly. About 20 minutes should do, or until you see it bubbling again. You can also microwave single servings if you’re short on time, though the topping may lose some of its crispness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken leftovers for this recipe?
Absolutely! Using a whole rotisserie chicken, especially leftovers, is a perfect shortcut that saves time and adds delicious, seasoned flavor to the casserole.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you want to go homemade or avoid canned soups, you can make a quick white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth, flavored with a pinch of salt and pepper. This will keep the dish creamy and delicious without the canned product.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute the Club crackers with gluten-free cracker crumbs. Just make sure your cream of chicken soup and other ingredients are also gluten-free to keep it safe.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
For extra nutrition and color, feel free to toss in steamed broccoli florets, peas, or sautéed mushrooms. Just be mindful not to add too many or the balance of flavors and creamy texture may change.
How do I get the cracker topping extra crispy?
Make sure to mix the cracker crumbs well with melted butter, and spread it evenly over the casserole so it crisps uniformly. Baking uncovered helps to develop that golden, crunchy topping we all love.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe has a special way of turning simple ingredients into a memorable, hearty meal that feels like home. It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting enough to become a staple in your family’s dinner rotation. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy every cozy, delicious bite!
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Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender rotisserie chicken, wide egg noodles, and a rich blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Topped with a buttery, crunchy poppy seed cracker crust, it’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken
- 1 (16-oz) bag wide egg noodles
- 3 cups sour cream
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 oz shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder (or to taste)
- ½ tsp garlic powder (or to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Topping
- 1 sleeve Club crackers (crushed)
- ¼ cup butter (melted)
- 2 Tbsp poppy seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (175ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. This will prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the wide egg noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles well and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove all meat from the rotisserie chicken, discarding the skin, and chop the meat into bite-sized pieces for uniform texture in the casserole.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped chicken, cooked noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, onion powder, garlic powder, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your taste and mix until well incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spatula for an even surface.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed Club crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crisp, flavorful crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden and crisp.
Notes
- Using a rotisserie chicken saves prep time and adds extra flavor.
- You can substitute Club crackers with breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers for a different texture.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheeses.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles; al dente texture helps keep the casserole from becoming mushy.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes if baking cold.
- Feel free to add vegetables like peas or broccoli to add more color and nutrients.
