Sizzling Homestyle Hot and Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering hot and cheesy chicken casserole that promises to satisfy even the pickiest eaters.
Tender chicken pieces nestle perfectly among creamy layers of melted cheese and golden-brown topping.
Every forkful delivers a burst of rich, savory flavors that dance across your palate.
The recipe blends simple ingredients into an irresistible meal that comes together effortlessly.
Warm, bubbling, and packed with protein, this casserole turns an ordinary dinner into a memorable feast.
Each bite tells a story of home-cooked goodness and culinary love.
Get ready to delight in a dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Equipment Checklist for Cheesy Chicken Prep
Large Mixing Bowl: Essential for combining all ingredients thoroughly and evenly.
9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Perfect for spreading the casserole mixture and ensuring even cooking.
Small Bowl: Ideal for mixing breadcrumbs and melted butter.
Measuring Cups: Crucial for accurately measuring cheese, breadcrumbs, and other ingredients.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients smoothly.
Cheese Grater: Helpful if using block cheese instead of pre-shredded.
Sharp Knife: Useful for shredding chicken if not already prepared.
Instructions for This Creamy Chicken Bake
Comfort Chicken Cheese Bake
Kitchen Preparation Gather all your cooking tools and ingredients. Clear your workspace and preheat the oven to create a warm, inviting cooking environment.
Flavor Fusion Mix tender chicken, soft pasta, creamy soup, and tangy sour cream in a large mixing bowl. Blend in colorful vegetables and a sprinkle of seasonings to create a harmonious and delicious combination.
Casserole Assembly Gently transfer the delightful mixture into a well-greased baking dish, ensuring an even spread that promises a perfect bite every time.
Crunchy Topping Create a golden crown for your casserole by mixing buttery breadcrumbs and sprinkling them across the top. This will add a delightful crispy texture that elevates the entire dish.
Cheese Finale Shower the casserole with a generous layer of melted cheese, creating a tempting blanket that will turn golden and bubbly in the oven.
Baking Magic Place the casserole in the oven and let the magic happen. Watch as the edges turn crispy and the cheese melts into a beautiful, appetizing display of comfort food perfection.
Serving Moment Allow the casserole to rest briefly after baking, letting the flavors settle and making it easier to serve. Dish out generous portions and enjoy the warm, comforting meal with loved ones.
Tips to Make It Extra Melty
Mix in diced bell peppers or jalapeños for extra crunch and flavor variations.
Swap regular pasta with whole wheat or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate content and boost nutrition.
Replace chicken with ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or canned tuna for quick protein alternatives.
Experiment with different breadcrumb combinations like panko, seasoned Italian breadcrumbs, or crushed cheese crackers for added texture and taste.
Prepare the casserole in advance, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient meal prep – just thaw overnight and bake as directed.
Chicken Casserole Serving Inspiration
Family Dinner Spotlight: Create a warm, inviting atmosphere by serving this casserole as the centerpiece of your evening meal, accompanied by a fresh green salad and crusty bread.
Potluck Party Favorite: Transport this dish in a reliable carrier, keeping it warm and becoming the star of any community gathering or friends' get-together with its cheesy, comforting appeal.
Leftover Magic Transformation: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick lunch, or add extra vegetables like spinach or diced bell peppers to refresh the flavor profile for the next day's meal.
Protein Power Boost: Consider adding extra protein like diced ham or crispy bacon bits on top for those wanting more substantial and hearty meal options that provide additional flavor and nutrition.
Save & Reheat This Cheesy Bake Later
Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Seal tightly to maintain flavor and prevent moisture loss.
Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent dryness.
Portion Control Hack: Divide the casserole into individual serving sizes before refrigerating or freezing. This allows for quick, convenient meals and reduces waste.
Quick Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 20min
Cook Time: 30min
Total Time: 50min
Calories: 410 kcal
Servings: 7
Ingredients for Hot and Cheesy Chicken Casserole
For Protein and Vegetables:
Shredded Chicken: Tender protein base that adds heartiness and substance to the casserole, best when freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor.
Peas: Sweet green bursts that provide nutritional boost and vibrant color, frozen varieties work perfectly.
Corn: Adds natural sweetness and juicy texture, works wonderfully with chicken and creamy base.
For Creamy Base and Binding:
Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates silky smooth foundation that helps ingredients meld together seamlessly.
Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and ensures incredible moisture throughout the dish.
Garlic Powder: Delivers subtle aromatic depth without overwhelming other flavors.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for balancing and enhancing overall taste profile.
For Topping and Finishing:
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty component that creates irresistible golden crust and adds robust flavor complexity.
Pasta: Hearty carbohydrate base that absorbs creamy sauce and provides satisfying texture.
Breadcrumbs: Creates crispy, crunchy layer that adds delightful textural contrast.
Hearty hot and cheesy chicken casserole brings comfort and warmth to dinner tables across American kitchens. Savory ingredients blend seamlessly, promising a delightful meal that satisfies hunger and warms souls.
Ingredients
Scale
4 cups (1 L) shredded chicken breast
2 cups (500 mL) cooked pasta (penne or rotini)
2 cups (480 g) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (240 mL) sour cream
1 can (10.5 oz/298 g) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 cup (240 mL) frozen peas
1 cup (240 mL) corn kernels
1 cup (120 g) breadcrumbs
2 tbsps (30 mL) melted butter
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste
Instructions
Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 350°F, positioning the rack in the center for optimal heat distribution.
Mixture Creation: In a large mixing bowl, thoroughly combine shredded chicken, pasta, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, green peas, corn kernels, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Blend ingredients until a cohesive and creamy mixture forms, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
Baking Vessel Assembly: Transfer the prepared mixture into a greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to guarantee consistent taste and texture throughout the casserole.
Crispy Topping Construction: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, creating a golden, crunchy layer that will provide a delightful contrast to the creamy base. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the breadcrumb topping to create a luxurious, molten cheese coating.
Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes. Watch for a beautifully bronzed top and bubbling cheese, indicating the perfect melding of flavors and textures.
Resting and Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes, enabling the flavors to settle and intensify before serving this comforting, cheese-laden dish.
Notes
Customize Your Protein: Swap shredded chicken with turkey, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted meat for variety and convenience.
Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for a stress-free meal preparation.
Boost Nutrition Cleverly: Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or carrots to increase nutritional value without compromising flavor.
Crunch Control Tip: Store breadcrumb topping separately until just before baking to maintain maximum crispiness and prevent soggy texture.
Degree: Certificate in Food and Beverage Management
Focus: Essential knowledge of recipe development, ingredient sourcing, and food business basics.
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.
Mia Reynolds
Food Writer & Home Cooking Specialist
Expertise
Easy Home Baking, Recipe Writing and Storytelling, Local and Seasonal Ingredients, Baking for Beginners
Education
New England Culinary Institute (NECI), Montpelier, Vermont
Community College of Vermont, Winooski, Vermont
Mia Reynolds fell in love with baking as a teenager experimenting in her family kitchen. Her passion took her to New England Culinary Institute, where she learned practical pastry techniques, and later to Community College of Vermont to deepen her understanding of food management.
Mia combines clear, simple baking instructions with heartwarming stories, making home baking approachable for everyone.