Is there anything more comforting than a bubbling Chicken Casserole fresh out of the oven? For many of us, this dish is the taste of Sunday dinners and potluck celebrations. It's the ultimate "hug in a pan," combining tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce under a golden, crispy topping. Whether you're looking to recreate a childhood favorite or start a new tradition with your own family, this recipe delivers that classic, cozy flavor that never goes out of style.
This easy recipe with few ingredients is the ultimate weeknight family dinner that works for quick meals or traditional Sunday suppers. Whether you're making a rice version, a creamy soup-based dish, or a simple oven-baked meal, this cheesy baked dish delivers. The combination of cream of chicken soup base, cream cheese cottage cheese mixture, shredded rotisserie chicken, and buttery cracker topping creates a make-ahead freezer friendly meal with a golden bubbly topping. Perfect for comfort food dinners that everyone loves.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Chicken Casserole
- Ingredients for Chicken Casserole
- How to Make Chicken Casserole
- My Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Casserole
- Little Moments in the Kitchen
- Substitutions for Chicken Casserole
- Variations on Chicken Casserole
- Equipment for Making Chicken Casserole
- Storage Tips for Chicken Casserole
- Adam's Tip for Chicken Casserole
- FAQ About Chicken Casserole
- Conclusion
- Related
- Pairing
- recipe
Why You'll Love This Chicken Casserole
- Minimal prep, maximum comfort. Just mix, pour, top with crackers, and bake. This recipe comes together in minutes.
- Perfect for meal prep. This make-ahead freezer friendly dish can be assembled days ahead or frozen for up to 3 months, making it ideal for busy families.
- Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing. The creamy, cheesy filling and buttery cracker topping make this a meal everyone loves, from picky kids to adults.
Ingredients for Chicken Casserole
This simple ingredient list creates a rich, creamy weeknight family dinner.
What You'll Need
For the Casserole Base:
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (about 1 rotisserie chicken or 1 ½ pounds chicken breasts)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup (optional, or use another can of cream of chicken)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 1 cup cottage cheese (or sour cream)
- ½ cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Buttery Cracker Topping:
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers (about 1 ½ sleeves)
- ¼ cup (½ stick) butter, melted
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Add-Ins:
- 2 cups cooked rice or egg noodles
- 2 cups steamed broccoli florets
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
Why These Ingredients Matter
Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds flavor. Using pre-cooked shredded rotisserie chicken means you skip the longest step in prep, making this a true quick meal.
Cream of chicken soup creates the base. The cream of chicken soup base combined with cream cheese and cottage cheese creates a thick, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
Ritz crackers make the perfect topping. The buttery cracker topping gets golden and crispy in the oven, adding texture and richness to every bite of this cheesy baked dish.
How to Make Chicken Casserole
Step-by-Step Directions
- Preheat the oven. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
- Prepare the chicken. If using rotisserie chicken, remove the skin and shred the meat into bite-sized pieces. If using raw chicken breasts, poach or bake them until cooked through (165°F), then shred or cube.
- Make the creamy base. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup (if using), softened cream cheese, cottage cheese, and milk. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Add the seasonings. Stir in the diced onion, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
- Add the chicken and cheese. Fold in the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. If using cooked rice, noodles, or vegetables, add them now. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the cream cheese cottage cheese mixture.
- Transfer to the baking dish. Pour the mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Make the buttery cracker topping. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. Toss until the crackers are evenly coated in butter.
- Top the casserole. Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dish is hot and bubbly and the golden bubbly topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve. Let the dish cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to scoop. Serve hot and enjoy!
Quick Tip: If the cracker topping starts to brown too quickly, tent the dish with aluminum foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
My Top Tips for Perfect Chicken Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for speed. A store-bought rotisserie chicken makes this recipe truly simple and cuts your prep time in half.
- Soften the cream cheese first. Let the cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before mixing, or microwave it for 15 to 20 seconds to make it easier to blend into the cream of chicken soup base.
- Don't skip the cracker topping. The buttery cracker topping is what makes this dish special. It adds texture and a rich, buttery flavor that balances the creamy filling.
- Make it ahead or freeze it. Assemble the dish (without the cracker topping), cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
Little Moments in the Kitchen
The first time I made this dish, Adam watched me crush the Ritz crackers and said, "Are we really putting crackers on top of dinner?" I laughed and told him to trust me. When it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling, he leaned over and took a deep sniff. "Okay, that smells REALLY good."
When we sat down to eat, he took a big scoop and tried it. "Mom, this is SO creamy! And the crackers on top are crunchy and buttery. This is like the best comfort food ever. Can we make this again?" I told him absolutely, and Grandma Viola nodded in agreement. "This is smart cooking. You used rotisserie chicken, so it was fast. The cream cheese and soup make it rich and creamy, and the cracker topping is perfect. This is a keeper for busy nights."
If you love easy meals, try our Creamy Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta. It's another comforting favorite.
Substitutions for Chicken Casserole
- Rotisserie chicken: Use leftover cooked chicken, turkey, or even canned chicken (drained) in a pinch.
- Cream of chicken soup: Swap with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or make your own white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth.
- Cottage cheese: Replace with sour cream, Greek yogurt, or ricotta cheese for the cream cheese cottage cheese mixture.
- Ritz crackers: Use crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs mixed with butter, or crushed cornflakes for the buttery cracker topping.
Variations on Chicken Casserole
- Classic Recipe: Follow the recipe above for a traditional creamy dish with buttery cracker topping, perfect for easy meals with few ingredients and comfort food dinners.
- With Rice: Add 2 cups of cooked white or brown rice to the mixture before baking for chicken and rice casserole and chicken rice casserole recipes.
- With Cream of Chicken Soup: Use two cans of cream of chicken soup instead of mixing with cream of mushroom for a simpler version, ideal for easy chicken casserole with cream of chicken soup and simple casserole in oven.
- Traditional Style: Add cooked egg noodles and frozen peas to the filling for traditional chicken casserole and chicken noodle casserole recipes variations.
- Quick Stovetop Version: Make the filling in a large skillet, top with crushed crackers, and broil for 2 to 3 minutes instead of baking, perfect for quick chicken casserole and stovetop casserole recipes.
If you're craving more easy dinners, check out our Firecracker Ground Chicken. It's another weeknight winner.
Equipment for Making Chicken Casserole
- 9x13-inch baking dish: For baking the dish. Glass or ceramic works best.
- Large mixing bowl: For combining the cream of chicken soup base and mixture.
- Small bowl: For tossing the crushed crackers with melted butter.
- Whisk and spatula: For mixing the filling and spreading it evenly in the baking dish.
Storage Tips for Chicken Casserole
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
- Freezer: This is a make-ahead freezer friendly meal. Assemble the dish without the cracker topping, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add the buttery cracker topping, and bake as directed.
- Reheating tip: Reheat in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil, for 15 to 20 minutes or until hot and bubbly. You can also microwave individual portions for 2 to 3 minutes.
- Make-ahead tip: Assemble the dish up to 2 days ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking.
For more make-ahead meals, try our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles. Another great option for busy weeks.
Adam's Tip for Chicken Casserole
"Make sure you get some of the crunchy crackers on top with every bite! They're the best part. And if you have leftovers, they're really good for lunch the next day!"
FAQ About Chicken Casserole
What are the 4 ingredients in chicken casserole?
The 4 essential ingredients in a basic chicken casserole are cooked chicken (like shredded rotisserie chicken), a cream-based soup (such as cream of chicken soup base), cheese (cheddar or mozzarella), and a topping (like buttery cracker topping made from Ritz crackers). These ingredients create the foundation for easy chicken casserole recipes with few ingredients. From there, you can add extras like rice, noodles, or vegetables to make chicken and rice casserole or traditional chicken casserole variations, but the core 4 ingredients create a simple chicken casserole in oven that's perfect for quick chicken casserole weeknight dinners.
What would you put in a chicken casserole?
A chicken casserole typically includes shredded rotisserie chicken, a cream of chicken soup base or cream cheese cottage cheese mixture, shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella), and a buttery cracker topping. You can also add cooked rice or egg noodles, vegetables like broccoli or peas, cottage cheese or sour cream for creaminess, and seasonings like garlic and Italian herbs. This combination creates a cheesy baked chicken casserole that's perfect for weeknight family dinner casserole, best chicken casseroles ever, and easy chicken casserole with cream of chicken soup variations.
What are the 5 components of a casserole?
The 5 components of a classic casserole are: (1) a protein (like shredded rotisserie chicken), (2) a binder or sauce (such as cream of chicken soup base or cream cheese cottage cheese mixture), (3) a starch (like cooked rice, noodles, or potatoes), (4) vegetables (optional, like broccoli or peas), and (5) a topping (such as buttery cracker topping, cheese, or breadcrumbs). These components create a golden bubbly casserole topping and make-ahead freezer friendly casserole structure perfect for 10 best chicken casserole recipes, chicken casserole recipes for dinner, and traditional chicken casserole variations.
What are some common chicken casserole mistakes?
Common mistakes include not cooking the chicken fully before assembling (always use cooked chicken like shredded rotisserie chicken), adding too much liquid which makes the casserole watery (measure your cream of chicken soup base and milk carefully), forgetting to soften the cream cheese which causes lumps in the cream cheese cottage cheese mixture, and adding the buttery cracker topping too early causing it to get soggy instead of achieving a golden bubbly casserole topping. Another mistake is overbaking, which dries out the cheesy baked chicken casserole. For best results with easy chicken casserole recipes with few ingredients and quick chicken casserole, bake at 350°F for 30 to 35 minutes until bubbly.
For a broccoli variation, check out this Broccoli Chicken Casserole from Allrecipes.
Conclusion
There's a reason this classic chicken casserole has stood the test of time, it's simple, satisfying, and brings everyone to the table. I hope this dish brings as much warmth to your home as it does to mine! If this recipe hit the spot, please leave a 5-star review or share a memory of your favorite family casserole in the comments below. I love hearing your stories!
If you try this easy chicken casserole recipes with few ingredients, you'll see why it's become one of my most-requested family dinners. Whether you're making the classic version, trying chicken and rice casserole, or going with easy chicken casserole with cream of chicken soup, this make-ahead freezer friendly casserole delivers every time. The cheesy baked chicken casserole with golden bubbly casserole topping tastes like pure comfort. Make it for your next busy evening and enjoy the ease of quick chicken casserole and simple chicken casserole in oven. For more comforting dinners, try our Addictively Good Baked Chicken Thighs. Happy cooking!
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with Chicken Casserole:
recipe
Easy Chicken Casserole with Creamy Cracker Topping
Equipment
- 9×13-inch baking dish Glass or ceramic works best for even baking
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl For mixing the cracker topping
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese or sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Cracker Topping
- 2 cups crushed Ritz crackers
- 0.25 cup butter melted
- 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and milk until smooth and creamy.
- Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole and bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- This chicken casserole is make-ahead and freezer friendly. Assemble without the cracker topping, freeze up to 3 months, then add topping before baking.
- Swap cottage cheese with sour cream or Greek yogurt if preferred.
- Add cooked rice, noodles, or broccoli to turn this into a heartier meal.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and make a wonderful next-day lunch.
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