Ultimate Chicken Casserole
This creamy, cheesy chicken casserole is an easy comfort-food dinner made with tender chicken, pasta, vegetables, and a rich sauce. It comes together in one baking dish and is perfect for a family meal or making ahead.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 3 cups cooked pasta, such as rotini, penne, or egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup crushed buttery crackers, optional
- 2 tablespoons melted butter, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Make the creamy sauce. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, chopped onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add the filling. Fold in the cooked chicken, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, and the mozzarella. Mix gently until everything is coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to the baking dish. Spread the mixture evenly and smooth the top.
- Add the cheese topping. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar over the casserole.
- Optional crunchy topping: Mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle them over the cheese. This creates a golden, crispy topping as the casserole bakes.
- Bake uncovered for about 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges and the cheese has melted.
- Rest before serving. Let it stand for about 5–10 minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.
Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole
Use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie-style cooked chicken for convenience. If the casserole seems too thick before baking, add a small splash of milk to the mixture. You can also substitute broccoli, peas, corn, or green beans for the mixed vegetables.
For an especially cheesy casserole, add a little extra cheddar on top during the final few minutes of baking. Serve it with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables, or warm bread for a complete meal.
