Classic Creamy Chicken Casserole

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 30 min
🍽 Serves: 6
Be the First to Review!

Classic Creamy Chicken Casserole is your go-to comfort food that perfectly blends hearty chicken with a creamy sauce, all topped with a delightful crispy crust. This dish is perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Classic Creamy Chicken Casserole

Chicken breasts provide the main protein and become tender and flavorful when shredded. Cream of mushroom soup gives a rich, savory base that ties all the flavors together. Sour cream adds tanginess and creaminess to the mix. Chicken broth helps thin out the sauce while infusing more chicken flavor. Cheddar cheese brings that cheesy goodness we all crave. Butter and buttery round crackers make up the crispy, golden topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy filling. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the overall flavor, while parsley offers a fresh finish. Don’t forget the salt and pepper for seasoning.

Tips & Tricks

  • For a quicker prep, use rotisserie chicken instead of boiling and shredding fresh chicken breasts.
  • Crush the crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for easy cleanup.
  • If you prefer a sharper cheese flavor, swap out half the cheddar for sharp cheddar or even a bit of Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs beautifully with a side salad or some roasted vegetables to balance the richness. Consider a simple green salad with a vinaigrette or some steamed green beans to keep it fresh and light.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with your favorite cheeses. Just be mindful of how they melt.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just bake it right before serving.

Classic Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. While that's warming up, grab a pot and bring some water to a boil. Pop in the chicken breasts and let them cook for about 15-20 minutes until they're done. You’ll know they’re ready when they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Let them cool for a bit before shredding them up with two forks.

Now, in a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Once combined, fold in the shredded chicken and one cup of cheddar cheese. Spread this mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish, smoothing it out evenly.

In a separate bowl, combine the melted butter with the crushed buttery round crackers. This is your topping, which you’ll sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture. Top it all off with the remaining cheddar cheese.

Slide the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbly, golden brown top. Once it's ready, take it out and sprinkle with the chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with simple ingredients you likely already have.
  • Rich and creamy texture that's incredibly comforting.
  • Perfect balance between cheesy goodness and savory flavors.
  • Crispy cracker topping adds a delightful crunch.

Ingredients

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup butter, melted
1 sleeve (about 35) buttery round crackers, crushed
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
2. Cook the chicken breasts in boiling water until fully cooked, about 15-20 minutes. Remove, cool slightly, and shred.
3. In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of cheese.
5. Spread the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
6. In a separate bowl, mix the melted butter and crushed crackers; sprinkle evenly over the chicken mixture.
7. Top with the remaining cheese.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
9. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Ratings and Comments

Thank you for your rating!