Name: Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream (240g); 1½ teaspoons onion powder; 1½ teaspoons garlic powder; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 8 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1kg or 2 rotisserie chickens); 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (about 170g); ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 55g); 2 full sleeves Ritz crackers, lightly crushed (250g); 4 tablespoons melted butter (56g)

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s simple to whip up any night of the week, you’ve got to try this Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s downright delicious with tender shredded chicken, creamy layers of cheese and sour cream, and that irresistible crunchy Ritz cracker topping. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — cheesy and rich but still so satisfying. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my tips so yours comes out perfect, too!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Easy: Uses pantry staples and shredded rotisserie chicken for a quick weeknight meal.
Ultimate Comfort Food: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly crunchy all in one dish.
Feeds a Crowd: Great for family dinners or potlucks, and leftovers reheat beautifully.
Customizable: Easy to tweak for what you have on hand or your flavor preferences.

A white rectangular dish filled with a creamy casserole that has been scooped out from one corner, revealing a smooth, thick white sauce mixed with tender pieces of chicken underneath a layer of crispy shredded cheddar cheese and golden, crunchy broken cracker pieces spread evenly on top. The top layer has a toasted texture with a mix of orange and light brown shades from the melted cheese and baked crackers. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipes

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in such a cozy, comforting way. I always keep canned cream of chicken soup and Ritz crackers handy because they’re game-changers for casseroles like this. Plus, rotisserie chicken saves tons of time—no need to cook chicken from scratch.

Flat lay of two white ceramic bowls—one filled with thick creamy condensed cream of chicken soup, the other holding smooth sour cream; a small white bowl with fine pale onion powder, another small white bowl with powdery garlic powder; a small white bowl containing coarse kosher salt next to a small white bowl with ground black pepper; a heaping pile of shredded cooked chicken arranged neatly; a mound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese; a small white bowl holding melted golden butter; and a cluster of lightly crushed shiny golden Ritz crackers, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p awthu7i m7354615311229779997 - Cheesy Chicken Casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipes

Condensed cream of chicken soup: This creates the creamy base that binds everything—don’t skip it for that classic flavor and texture.
Sour cream: Adds richness and tang that brightens the casserole nicely.
Onion powder & garlic powder: Perfect for adding savory depth without the hassle of fresh onions or garlic.
Kosher salt & ground black pepper: Season generously to bring all the components together.
Shredded cooked chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for moist, flavorful meat.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Sharp cheddar melts perfectly and delivers that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Ritz crackers: The buttery crackers on top give this casserole the most amazing crunch you’ll love.
Melted butter: Helps the crackers crisp up to golden perfection while baking.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe is. You can easily tweak it based on what your family likes or what you have in the pantry. Play around and make it your own!

Add Veggies: I sometimes stir in cooked broccoli or peas for a pop of color and nutrition, and my family doesn’t even notice!
Spicy Kick: If you’re like me and enjoy a little heat, adding a pinch of cayenne or a few dashes of hot sauce can elevate this dish.
Dairy-Free Option: Swap the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative and use dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary restrictions.
Different Cheese: Try mixing in mozzarella or pepper jack for a different cheesy flavor profile.

How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish

First things first, set your oven to 375°F. Lightly spray your 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray—this helps ensure the casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup easier later. Trust me, I’ve had casseroles cling way too stubbornly when I skipped this step.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Chicken Filling

In a large bowl, whisk together the condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion and garlic powders, kosher salt, and black pepper until smooth. Now fold in the shredded chicken and 1 ½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese. This is where all the creamy, cheesy deliciousness comes together—you’ll notice it thickens the mixture just right for baking.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Spread your chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. In a separate bowl, stir the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter—this buttery topping crisps up beautifully in the oven. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top, then finish by sprinkling the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese on top for that extra cheesy crunch.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake your casserole uncovered for 35 to 40 minutes, until you see the filling bubbling and the cracker topping is beautifully golden brown. I usually set my timer for 35 minutes and then keep a close eye after that, because ovens vary. Once out, let it cool for 15 to 20 minutes—that waiting game might be the hardest part, but it helps the casserole set so it slices perfectly.

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Pro Tips for Making Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: Saves so much time and adds great flavor; I almost always grab one from the deli for this recipe.
Don’t Skip Cooling: Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it firm up, so it’s easier to serve without falling apart.
Even Cracker Coverage: Make sure your crushed Ritz topping spreads evenly for consistent crunch across the whole casserole.
Watch the Oven: Ovens can run hot, so check the casserole at 35 minutes to prevent over-browning—better safe than burnt!

How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

A portion of a creamy casserole is served on a white plate with blue floral patterns, showing three main layers: the bottom layer is shredded white meat mixed with a light creamy sauce, the middle layer has melted orange cheese blended with the meat, and the top layer consists of crushed crispy crackers with more melted cheese giving a golden-brown, crunchy texture. Behind the plate, there is a large red baking dish filled with the same casserole, with a silver serving spoon inside. To the right of the plate is a clear glass of ice water, and to the left is a gold fork resting on a pink cloth napkin, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Cheesy Chicken Casserole, easy chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, cheesy chicken dinner, weeknight chicken recipes

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top before serving—it adds a nice burst of color and a fresh note that cuts through all that cheesy richness. A squeeze of lemon juice on the side can brighten it up beautifully, too.

Side Dishes

This Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe pairs perfectly with simple, crisp green salads or steamed veggies like green beans or broccoli. Sometimes I make roasted carrots or a garlicky sautéed spinach to round out the meal. You’ll find it’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but sides add great balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For holidays or potlucks, I like to bake this casserole in individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets—everyone loves having their own personal cheesy chicken dish. You can also top with extra fresh herbs or even a sprinkle of paprika for a festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and they usually last for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen after a day, and it reheats really well—win-win. Just make sure to keep the cracker topping on the side if you want to preserve its crunch.

Freezing

This casserole freezes surprisingly well! I recommend freezing before baking: assemble your casserole, cover it tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, bake straight from frozen but add extra baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F, covered with foil to prevent drying out, for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. If microwaving, cover loosely and add a splash of broth or water to keep it moist. For the cracker topping, sprinkle fresh crushed crackers after reheating to bring back some crispness.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! You can poach, bake, or grill chicken breasts or thighs, then shred them before adding to the casserole. Just make sure your chicken is fully cooked and shredded finely for the best texture. Using rotisserie chicken is just a shortcut I love for convenience and flavor.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole completely and refrigerate it, covered, for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes meal prep so much easier. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s starting cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers if I don’t have any?

You can use breadcrumbs, crushed saltines, or even crushed pretzels to get that crispy topping. Just mix them with melted butter the same way, and they’ll give you a delicious crunch.
Is this recipe gluten-free?

Unfortunately, traditional Ritz crackers and some canned soups contain gluten. You can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free crackers or crushed nuts for the topping and ensuring you use gluten-free cream of chicken soup. There are great GF brands nowadays that work perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s ridiculously easy and hits every note I want in a cozy dish: creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. Whether you’re feeding family, meal prepping, or looking for a dish to excite leftovers, this casserole’s got you covered. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s like a warm hug in casserole form!