Cheesy Chicken Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight
There’s something super cozy about a hot, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven. And when it’s packed with juicy chicken, tender pasta, and tons of melted cheese? That’s what we call a Cheesy Chicken Casserole — the best comfort food ever.
Hi there, and welcome back to my kitchen! I’m Luna from By Luna, and today I’m sharing one of my favorite recipes. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks with friends, or even just a quiet evening at home. No matter the reason, this dish is a crowd-pleaser.
Let’s dive into what makes this Cheesy Chicken Casserole so awesome — and how you can make it at home in just a few easy steps.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Cheesy Chicken Casserole
There’s a good reason casseroles have been around forever — they’re simple, budget-friendly, and super filling. Here’s why I think you’ll love this one:
- ✅ Even picky eaters love it
- ✅ A great way to use leftover chicken
- ✅ You can freeze it and eat it later
- ✅ You can add your favorite veggies or spices
Now mix in all that cheesy goodness, and we’ve got a meal that will make everyone ask for seconds!
The Story Behind By Luna’s Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Over the years, I’ve tested lots of casserole recipes, trying to find the perfect cozy dish. This one is my favorite! I created it after lots of trial-and-error, taste tests with my family, and lazy Sunday cooking sessions.
At By Luna, I love sharing recipes that are easy, fun, and feel like a hug in a bowl. This Cheesy Chicken Casserole totally fits that vibe — simple to make and super tasty.
Let’s start cooking!
Ingredients: What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make your Cheesy Chicken Casserole:
- 2–3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or chopped — leftovers work great!)
- 2 cups dry pasta (like elbow macaroni, penne, or rotini)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (or make your own if you want)
- ½ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or use your favorite herbs)
- ½ teaspoon paprika (adds a little smoky flavor)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (the cheesier, the better!)
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese (optional, but yummy!)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed veggies (optional)
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (to mix with the topping)
🔆 Tip: You can also add things like broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, or even bacon for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Directions
This recipe is super easy! Just follow these simple steps:
1. Preheat and Prep
- Turn on your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish with butter or spray.
2. Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta in a big pot. Cook it about 1–2 minutes less than the box says. (It will finish cooking in the oven.)
- Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Make the Sauce
- In a big bowl, mix together the soup, sour cream (or yogurt), milk, garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add your shredded chicken, cooked pasta, and veggies (if you’re using them).
- Mix until everything is nicely coated.
4. Add the Cheese
- Stir in 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese and all of the Parmesan.
- Save the last ½ cup of cheddar for the top.
5. Build Your Casserole
- Pour the mixture into your baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle that on top too!
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let it cool for 5 minutes before eating — it’s super hot!
Serving Suggestions
Not sure what to eat with your casserole? Try these tasty combos:
- A fresh green salad with lemon dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or green beans
- A simple fruit salad for dessert
📦 Bonus tip: You can also double the recipe and freeze one for later! Just cover the unbaked casserole tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole: Tips & Tricks
Want to make yours even better? Here are some smart tips from my kitchen:
- Use full-fat milk, sour cream, and cheese for the yummiest flavor.
- No time to cook chicken? Buy a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store!
- Looking for extra crunch? Try cornflakes or panko instead of crackers.
- Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Leftovers stay good in the fridge for up to 4 days — just reheat in the oven or microwave.
Nutritional Snapshot
Want to know what’s inside? Here’s a rough idea for each serving (this recipe makes 6–8 servings):
- Calories: ~450–550
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbs: ~40g
- Fat: ~25g
💡 To make it lighter, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat cheese, and add more veggies. But hey, a little cheesy comfort now and then is totally okay!
What Readers Are Saying About By Luna’s Cheesy Chicken Casserole
I love hearing how much you all enjoy this recipe! Here are a few sweet notes from readers just like you:
“Made it for my picky eaters and they asked for seconds — that NEVER happens! Thank you, Luna!” — Jessica M.
“This casserole has become a weekly regular – it’s pure joy in a dish.” — Scott H.
“I prep this ahead of time and let my husband throw it in the oven. Dinner served before I’m even home!” — Megan L.
Your messages and reviews keep me inspired to keep cooking and sharing, so thank you!
Final Thoughts: Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole Your Own
There’s no “right” way to make a Cheesy Chicken Casserole — that’s what makes it so fun! You can follow my version, or make it your own with your favorite ingredients.
Cooking should be fun, cozy, and full of love. This casserole is more than just food — it’s a warm hug you can share with the people you care about. I hope it becomes part of your family tradition too.
With love from my kitchen to yours — thank you for being part of the By Luna family.
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🧀 Ready to Get Cooking?
Now it’s your turn! Grab those ingredients and make this Cheesy Chicken Casserole tonight. Don’t forget to tag me @ByLuna on social media — I LOVE seeing your photos and kitchen wins!
Want more easy comfort food recipes like this? Sign up for the By Luna newsletter and you’ll never miss a new one.
Until next time, happy cooking!
— Luna 💛
#CheesyChickenCasserole #ByLuna #ComfortFoodCravings #CasseroleLove
