Creamy Chicken Casserole
Hey there! If you’re craving something warm, cozy, and ridiculously comforting, this Creamy Chicken Casserole is the kind of dish that hits the spot.
I’ve made this for weeknights, potlucks, and everything in between.
You’ll love how creamy, cheesy, and satisfying it is. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Casserole
-
It’s super creamy and full of flavor.
-
Uses simple, everyday ingredients.
-
Perfect for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
-
Comes together quickly with minimal cleanup.
-
Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
-
3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
-
2 cups cooked rice (white or brown)
-
1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
-
1/2 cup sour cream
-
1/2 cup milk
-
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
-
1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
-
1/2 cup cooked carrots (optional)
-
1 tsp garlic powder
-
1/2 tsp onion powder
-
Salt and pepper to taste
-
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
-
2 tbsp melted butter
How to Make This Creamy Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Step 3: Add in the cooked chicken, rice, peas, carrots, and 1 cup of shredded cheese. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 4: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese on top.
Step 6: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
Step 7: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.
Step 8: Let it cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Storage Options
-
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
-
Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.
-
You can freeze the casserole (before baking) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.
Variations and Substitutions
-
Swap rice for cooked pasta or quinoa.
-
Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
-
Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
-
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
-
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe
-
Don’t skip seasoning—taste the mix before baking.
-
Avoid overcooking the casserole; 25–30 minutes is just right.
-
If your mix looks dry, add a splash more milk.
-
Don’t forget to grease your baking dish.
-
Don’t overload with toppings—it can get soggy.
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes! Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I use canned chicken?
A: Totally. Just drain it well and shred it before mixing.
Q: Is it okay to skip the veggies?
A: Yep! The peas and carrots are optional. Add what you like—or nothing at all.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: You sure can. Just use a larger dish or two smaller ones.
Q: What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
A: You can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery instead.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
A: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chopped jalapeños to the mix.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Yes! Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it in.
Conclusion
Alright, now you’ve got everything you need to whip up this Creamy Chicken Casserole.
It’s one of those dishes that just feels like a warm hug.
If you try it, let me know how it goes—or better yet, share your version in the comments below!
You Might Also Want To Try
⬇⬇⬇

Creamy Chicken Casserole
Creamy Chicken Casserole is cozy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It's perfect for busy nights or casual gatherings and can easily be customized with your favorite ingredients.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 2 cups cooked rice
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup cooked carrots (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Mix soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
- Add chicken, rice, veggies, and 1 cup cheese.
- Spread in a greased baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese.
- Mix crackers and butter, and sprinkle on top.
- Bake 25–30 mins.
- Cool before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Feel free to swap out veggies.
- Add a little more milk if the mixture looks too thick before baking.
Nutrition Information
Yield 6–8Amount Per Serving Calories About 400–450 per serving