Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole for Comforting Dinners

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Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any dinner table. This delightful dish combines tender shredded chicken with a creamy blend of condensed soup and sour cream, seasoned to perfection. Topped with a crispy buttery Ritz cracker and cheddar cheese crust, it’s baked until bubbling and golden. Whether you’re having a family gathering or a cozy dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting hug in a dish. Here are a few reasons why it stands out:

Quick to prepare, making it an ideal easy Cheesy Chicken Casserole recipe for busy weeknights.
Rich and creamy, offering a delightful texture that everyone loves.
Versatile—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.
Can be customized with your favorite vegetables for a Cheesy Chicken Casserole with vegetables.
Great for feeding a crowd, making it a perfect Cheesy Chicken Bake for family gatherings.
Easy to reheat, making it suitable for lunch or dinner.

With roots in American cuisine, this dish fits right in as a beloved comfort food option.

Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Gather these items:

2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream (240g)
1½ teaspoons onion powder
1½ teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
8 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1kg or 2 rotisserie chickens)
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170g)
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 55g)
2 full sleeves Ritz crackers, lightly crushed (250g)
4 tablespoons melted butter (56g)

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole Step-by-Step

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and ground black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth mixture. Gently fold in the shredded cooked chicken and 1½ cups of cheddar cheese until evenly combined.
Step 3: Transfer the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
Step 4: In a medium bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until the crackers are well coated. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the chicken filling in the casserole dish. Then sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the cracker topping to finish.
Step 5: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the cracker topping is lightly browned and crispy.
Step 6: Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool and thicken for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. This resting step helps the casserole set for easier portioning and enhances flavors.

Pro Tips for the Best Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Keep these in mind:

This casserole can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator before baking.
Leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
For an extra kick, consider adding jalapeños for a spicy Cheesy Chicken Casserole recipe.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time and enhance flavor.

Best Ways to Serve Cheesy Chicken Casserole

This dish is perfect for a cozy dinner or as a comforting meal for gatherings. Here are a few serving suggestions:

Pair it with a fresh garden salad for a balanced meal.
Serve with garlic bread to soak up the creamy goodness.
Add a side of steamed broccoli for a healthy twist.

How to Store and Reheat Cheesy Chicken Casserole

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the oven until warmed through, or use the microwave for quick meals. This recipe is great for Cheesy Chicken Casserole meal prep, allowing you to enjoy it throughout the week.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cheesy Chicken Casserole

What’s the secret to perfect Cheesy Chicken Casserole?

The perfect Cheesy Chicken Casserole relies on using quality ingredients and allowing it to rest after baking, which enhances the flavors and makes it easier to serve.

Can I make Cheesy Chicken Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance, store it in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cheesy Chicken Casserole?

Ensure you don’t overbake the casserole, as this can dry it out. Follow the baking time closely for the best results.

Variations of Cheesy Chicken Casserole You Can Try

Experiment with these variations to keep things fresh:

Add vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers for a Cheesy Chicken Casserole with vegetables.
Try a Cheesy Chicken Pasta Bake by incorporating cooked pasta into the mix.
For a lighter option, consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese in a Healthy Cheesy Chicken Casserole.

Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole for Comforting Dinners - Cheesy Chicken Casserole - main visual representation

For more delicious recipes, check out our Creamy White Wine Mushroom Chicken or Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bake.

Delicious Cheesy Chicken Casserole for Comforting Dinners - Cheesy Chicken Casserole - additional detail

Additionally, for a great side dish, consider our Garlic Butter Baked Chicken or One Pot Broccoli Cheese.