There’s something undeniably magical about a homemade chicken casserole—it’s the kind of meal that wraps you in warmth with every creamy, savory bite. This classic comfort dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights, a crowd-pleaser at potlucks, and the ultimate way to bring family and friends together around the dinner table.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to make with simple pantry staples. The secret to this unforgettable chicken casserole lies in the balance of flavors and textures: tender chicken, a velvety sauce made with cream of chicken soup and sour cream, and a crunchy, buttery cracker topping that adds the perfect crisp contrast.
Add a side of Crockpot Baked Potatoes for a hearty meal or a refreshing Coleslaw to lighten things up! This recipe has been gaining traction lately, and for good reason—casseroles are making a major comeback! With 60% of home cooks searching for easy, budget-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor, this dish is an absolute must-try.
Plus, it’s great for meal prep and freezes beautifully for those days when you just don’t feel like cooking. One bite, and you’ll understand why this recipe is a staple in so many kitchens. So grab your casserole dish, and let’s get cooking!
The Secret To Loving Every Bite!
- It’s pure comfort food: Creamy, savory, and just the right amount of crunch—this casserole is a hug in a dish.
- Great for busy nights: Minimal prep, easy assembly, and a hands-off bake time make it a stress-free dinner.
- Crowd-approved: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a potluck, everyone asks for seconds (and the recipe).
- Make-ahead friendly: Prep it in advance and pop it in the oven when needed—no last-minute scrambling.
- Budget-friendly ingredients: Uses simple, affordable ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen!
Delicious Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Mixing bowls
- Casserole dish (9×13-inch)
- Oven
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 4 skinless bone-in chicken breasts
- 2 stalks celery cut into thirds
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 10.5 ounce cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 6 ounces sour cream
- ¼ teaspoon celery salt
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon onion powder
- salt and ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup cooked rice
- 2 cups crushed buttery round crackers
- ½ cup butter or margarine melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large pot, cook chicken with celery, salt, and pepper until tender. Shred and set aside.
- In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, celery salt, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in cooked rice and shredded chicken until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the greased casserole dish.
- In another bowl, mix crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Info:
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 385kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 21g |
| Protein | 16g |
| Fat | 26g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Sodium | 967mg |
Make Your Chicken Casserole Irresistible With These Tips!
- Use bone-in chicken for better flavor – Cooking chicken with the bone adds richness to the dish. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut, but homemade always wins in taste!
- Sauté the aromatics for depth – Instead of just mixing everything raw, quickly sauté some garlic, onion, or even celery in a bit of butter before adding them to the mixture. It brings out incredible flavor.
- Crackers vs. Panko? Choose wisely! – If you love that extra crispy topping, try mixing panko breadcrumbs with the crushed crackers for an unbeatable crunch. A light sprinkle of Parmesan doesn’t hurt either!
- Let it rest before serving – Right out of the oven, this casserole is lava-hot! Give it 5-10 minutes to set before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up and makes slicing much easier.
- Customize the mix-ins – Add cooked mushrooms for umami, frozen peas for a pop of sweetness, or even a handful of shredded cheese in the mixture for an extra creamy, indulgent bite.
- Make it freezer-friendly – Assemble everything except the cracker topping, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight, add the topping, and bake as usual—just add 5-10 minutes to the bake time.
John Lee’s love for cooking is deeply rooted in family tradition. Growing up, the men in his family took charge of the kitchen, turning every meal into a special occasion. From weekend barbecues to holiday feasts, food was more than sustenance—it was a way to connect.
Inspired by this upbringing, John developed a passion for creating dishes that bring people together. After meeting Joe Miller through mutual friends, he joined Food Landscape Insight to share his love for simple yet extraordinary cooking, crafting meals that tell a story and create lasting memories.
