If you’ve been looking for a comforting, delicious casserole that’s easy to make and packed with flavor, look no further than Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole. This dish is rich, creamy, and packed with tender chicken, making it the perfect meal for busy weeknights or a Sunday dinner with the family. With simple ingredients that come together in one pan, it’s a classic comfort food that’s sure to become a favorite in your house.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This casserole is exactly what you need when you’re craving a hearty, satisfying dish that everyone will love. It’s got that signature Paula Deen flair—creamy, cheesy, and full of Southern goodness. The combination of chicken, cheese, and a few pantry staples creates a perfect balance of comfort and flavor. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
Here’s a peek at the ingredients you’ll need. The full list is available in the recipe card below!
- Cooked chicken (shredded)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ritz crackers (for that crunchy topping!)
- Butter
- Chicken broth
- Onion powder and garlic powder
Directions
Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Preparing the Casserole Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir until everything is evenly mixed. Add a pinch of onion powder and garlic powder for flavor, and stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This will create the creamy, cheesy filling that makes this casserole so amazing.
Assembling the Casserole
Transfer the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly to cover the bottom of the dish.
Adding the Topping
In a separate bowl, crush the Ritz crackers into crumbs. Melt the butter and mix it into the cracker crumbs, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese. This creates a crispy, buttery topping that’s the perfect finish to the creamy filling.
Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Serving
Once done, remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve it hot with your favorite sides, like green beans, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time. It’s already cooked and adds great flavor!
- If you prefer a bit more spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- You can add frozen vegetables like peas or corn to the casserole for a little extra nutrition and color.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use a different type of cheese, like Monterey Jack or mozzarella, for a different flavor profile.
- For a lighter version, substitute the sour cream with Greek yogurt and use low-fat cream of chicken soup.
- Try using crackers like Saltines or Club crackers if you don’t have Ritz crackers on hand.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This casserole is rich and hearty on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or roasted veggies. For a more filling meal, you could serve it alongside mashed potatoes or baked sweet potatoes.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until heated through, or microwave individual servings.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of soup?
You can definitely try swapping the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom soup or even cream of celery if you prefer.
2. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven as directed.
3. Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake it, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
4. Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts?
Absolutely! You can use fresh or frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just cook them first, shred the chicken, and follow the recipe.
Conclusion
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is one of those comforting, easy-to-make dishes that will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation. With tender chicken, a creamy, cheesy filling, and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping, it’s a dish that has everything you need to satisfy your hunger and your taste buds. Whether you’re cooking for the family or preparing a dish for a special occasion, this casserole will definitely impress.
Print
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comfort food classic, Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken. With a crispy, buttery cracker topping, this dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (or your preferred cracker)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a casserole dish with cooking spray or butter. - Make the Casserole Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix everything until well combined. - Assemble the Casserole:
Transfer the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. - Add the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top. - Bake:
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. - Serve:
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired.
Notes
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Bake it just before serving.
- You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn for extra flavor and texture.
- For a spicier version, add a dash of hot sauce or some diced jalapeños.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg