This Creamy Chicken Casserole is cozy, comforting, and weeknight-easy tender chicken, mixed veggies, and a velvety sauce all tucked under a buttery, golden cracker topping. It’s the kind of oven-baked classic that brings everyone to the table and tastes like a warm hug in casserole form.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz or saltines)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Variation
- Swap the soup: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup in place of cream of chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Add starch: Stir in 1–2 cups of cooked rice, pasta, or cubed potatoes to make the casserole even heartier.
- Different topping: Trade the crackers for crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or French-fried onions for a new texture and taste.
Cooking Notes
- If your oven runs hot, start checking the casserole at 25 minutes so the topping doesn’t over-brown.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or chicken broth (2–4 tablespoons) to the mixture before baking.
- Make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the casserole this recipe is designed for pre-cooked chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a simple green salad or steamed green beans to balance the richness of the casserole.
- Pair with warm dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up every bit of creamy sauce.
- Serve over a bed of rice or mashed potatoes for an extra-cozy, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
Tips
- Crush the crackers in a zip-top bag with a rolling pin for quick, even crumbs and easy cleanup.
- Let the casserole rest before serving so it can set slightly and serve in neat squares or scoops.
- If making ahead, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping, refrigerate, then add the topping just before baking so it stays crisp.
Prep Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Protein: 18 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking and add 5–10 extra minutes to the bake time if chilled. - Can I freeze this recipe?
You can. Assemble in a freezer-safe dish without baking, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, add the cracker topping, and bake until hot and bubbly. - What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked chicken works rotisserie, baked, poached, or leftover grilled chicken. Just make sure it’s shredded or chopped into bite-size pieces. - How do I make it a bit lighter?
Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lower-fat condensed soup. You can also reduce the amount of cracker topping or use a whole-grain cracker.
Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy, and crowned with a buttery crunch, this Chicken Casserole is everything you want in a comforting oven-baked dinner. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, it’s an easy, family-friendly favorite you can pull together on busy nights or cozy weekends and it always disappears fast.
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Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 40–45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
This Creamy Chicken Casserole is cozy, comforting, and weeknight-easy tender chicken, mixed veggies, and a velvety sauce all tucked under a buttery, golden cracker topping. It’s the kind of oven-baked classic that brings everyone to the table and tastes like a warm hug in casserole form.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup crushed crackers (such as Ritz or saltines)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir until everything is evenly coated and the mixture is well combined.
- Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter, stirring until all the crumbs are lightly coated.
- Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover roast chicken to make this casserole extra fast and flavorful.
- If using low-sodium soup or crackers, you may need to add a pinch more salt to taste.
- You can thaw the frozen vegetables first, but it’s not necessary they’ll cook through in the oven.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Casserole, Comfort Food
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g (approx.)
- Sodium: 750 mg (approx., will vary by soup, crackers, and cheese)
- Fat: 22 g (approx.)
- Saturated Fat: 11 g (approx.)
- Unsaturated Fat: 10–11 g (approx.)
- Trans Fat: 0 g (approx.)
- Carbohydrates: 22 g (approx.)
- Fiber: 1–2 g (approx.)
- Protein: 18 g (approx.)
- Cholesterol: 75 mg (approx.)
Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, easy chicken bake, Ritz cracker topping, family dinner, comfort food