Creamy, Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole
Meta Description: This creamy, cheesy baked chicken casserole is loaded with tender chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, and mozzarella, then baked until hot and bubbly.
This Creamy, Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everyone to the table. Tender chicken is combined with a rich, creamy sauce and plenty of melted cheese, then baked until bubbling and golden. Similar casseroles commonly use a creamy base, shredded chicken, mozzarella or cheddar, and a crispy topping. (Get On My Plate)
It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight but hearty enough for Sunday dinner, potlucks, or family gatherings. You can use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken to make preparation even faster.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Casserole
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup diced green onions, optional
For the Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
- ¾ cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
1. Prepare the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Make the Creamy Sauce
Place the softened cream cheese in a large mixing bowl. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and mayonnaise.
Mix until smooth and creamy. If the cream cheese is too firm, let it sit at room temperature for about 20–30 minutes before mixing.
3. Add the Seasonings
Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning if needed.
4. Add the Chicken and Cheese
Fold the shredded chicken into the creamy mixture.
Add 1 cup cheddar cheese and 1 cup mozzarella cheese, reserving the additional cheese for the topping.
Stir until everything is evenly combined.
5. Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it evenly with a spatula.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese over the top.
6. Make the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and chopped parsley.
Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the cheese.
7. Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for approximately 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is completely melted and the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges.
For an extra golden topping, switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Watch carefully so the cheese and crackers don’t burn.
8. Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or sliced green onions.
Helpful Tips
Use rotisserie chicken: It saves time and adds plenty of flavor.
Soften the cream cheese: This makes the sauce much smoother and easier to combine.
Don’t overbake: The casserole is already made with cooked chicken, so you’re mainly heating everything through and melting the cheese.
Make it a complete meal: Stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers.
Add pasta: For a heartier casserole, mix in about 3 cups of cooked pasta before baking. Cheesy chicken casseroles are commonly paired with pasta or rice for a more substantial one-dish meal. (Spend With Pennies)
Make-Ahead Option
You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead. Cover it tightly and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake.
When ready, remove it from the refrigerator while the oven preheats. Bake until heated through and bubbling, adding a few extra minutes if necessary.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven until hot.
This Creamy, Cheesy Baked Chicken Casserole is rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to customize. With tender chicken, a velvety creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a buttery crunchy topping, it’s a guaranteed family favorite.