Easy Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe: Cheesy Family Favorite

Looking for a comforting, easy, creamy chicken casserole recipe that’s sure to please the whole family? This cheesy chicken casserole is packed with flavor, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and a buttery cracker crust. It’s the ultimate easy chicken casserole recipe you can whip up with everyday ingredients in no time.

Whether you’re using leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie, this recipe is flexible and full of home-cooked goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Casserole

• Quick and easy to make
  
• Family-friendly and picky-eater approved
  
• Great way to use leftover chicken
  
• Can be customized with your favorite veggies
  
• Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
  

Ingredients for Creamy Chicken Casserole

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked, chopped chicken (rotisserie, leftover, or canned)
  
• 12 oz egg noodles
  
• 1/4 cup butter
  
• 1 cup diced white onion
  
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
• 2 cups chicken broth
  
• 2 cups milk
  
• 1/4 tsp salt
  
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
  
• 2 cups frozen peas (or mixed frozen vegetables)
  
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

For the Crunchy Topping

• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 3 tsp olive oil
  
• Optional: Fresh parsley for garnish
  

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole

1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

2: Cook the Pasta

Boil a large pot of water and cook 12 oz of egg noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse, and set aside.

3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt 1/4 cup butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
   
2. Add 1 cup diced onion and sauté for 5–7 minutes until soft.
   
3. Stir in 1/4 cup flour and 3 cloves minced garlic. Cook for 90 seconds.
   
4. Gradually whisk in 2 cups chicken broth and 2 cups milk.
   
5. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp pepper.
   
6. Simmer for a few minutes until thickened.
   

4: Add Chicken, Cheese, and Peas

Once the sauce has thickened:

• Stir in 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 2 cups frozen peas, and the cooked chicken.
  
• Turn off the heat and stir until the cheese melts completely.
  

5: Combine with Noodles

• Pour the cooked noodles into your prepared baking dish.
  
• Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the noodles.
  
• Gently toss everything together to coat evenly.
  

6: Prepare the Cracker Topping

1. Crush 1 sleeve of Ritz crackers using your hands or a rolling pin.
   
2. Mix with 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese and 3 tsp olive oil until lightly moistened.
   
3. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
   

7: Bake and Serve

Bake at 400°F for 15–20 minutes or until the cracker topping is golden brown.

Optional Garnish

Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving for a touch of color and freshness.

Chicken Mushroom Casserole

I’m also including another delicious version, a chicken mushroom casserole! The video below features a different take on this comforting dish, combining tender chicken with flavorful mushrooms in a rich, creamy sauce. Be sure to watch it for another tasty dinner idea!

Nutrition Information: Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Here’s the estimated nutrition per serving (based on 8 servings):

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on the exact ingredients used.

Nutrients	Per Serving
Calories	480 kcal
Total Fat	22 g
Saturated Fat	11 g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	600mg
Total Carbohydrates	40 g
Protein	30 g
Calcium	200 mg
Iron	550 mg

 Expert Tips for Best Results: Perfect Chicken Casserole

Here I am sharing some tips and tricks that are most effective and useful. I hope so…

• Use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and less prep.
  
• Swap peas for mixed frozen vegetables or fresh veggies.
  
• Add a pinch of paprika or Italian seasoning for extra flavor.
  
• Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  
• This casserole can be frozen before or after baking; just wrap it tightly!

Some Common Mistakes in Chicken Casserole Recipe

Casseroles are cozy, filling, and perfect for sharing, but even experienced cooks make these common mistakes. Let’s break them down into bullet points so you can easily keep them in mind and avoid them next time.

 Not Greasing the Baking Dish

• Skipping this step leads to sticking and tough cleanup.
  
• Always grease with butter, oil, or non-stick spray.
  
• It helps with smooth serving and keeps the dish neat.
  

Using Too Much or Too Little Salt

• Too much salt = overpowering; too little = bland.
  
• Follow recipe measurements closely.
  
• To fix too salty casseroles, try adding:
  
  • Lemon juice
    
  • Sugar
    
  • Sour cream
    
  • Cheese (like Gouda or cheddar)
    
  • A raw potato to absorb extra salt
    

Not Preheating the Oven

• Preheating is essential for even cooking.
  
• It prevents undercooked centers and overbaked edges.
  
•  Always wait until the oven reaches the right temperature.
  

Choosing the Wrong Cheese

• Not all cheeses melt the same.
  
• For great taste and texture, use
  
  • Aged cheeses (like cheddar and Parmesan) for flavor
    
  • Soft cheeses (like mozzarella and Fontina) for meltiness
    
• Mix cheeses for the best results.
  

Baking in a Metal Pan

• Metal heats and cools too fast.
  
• Use glass or ceramic pans to:
  
  • Bake more evenly
    
  • Keep the casserole warm longer
    
  • Improve overall texture
    

Opening the Oven Door Too Often

• This causes heat to escape and slows down cooking.
  
• Resist the urge—use the oven light instead.
  
• Trust your timer and look for golden tops and bubbling edges.
  

Cutting Vegetables Unevenly

• Uneven pieces cook unevenly—some raw, some mushy.
  
• Chop veggies into even sizes for perfect doneness.
  
• It also makes your casserole look prettier!
  

Using Dried Herbs Instead of Fresh

• Dried herbs can taste dull or bitter in casseroles.
  
• Fresh herbs (like parsley, basil, and rosemary) bring life to your dish.
  
• They’re easy to find and make a big flavor difference.
  

Not Searing the Meat

• Searing locks in juices and adds bold flavor.
  
• Don’t overcrowd the pan; sear in batches.
  
• Save and use the pan drippings for extra flavor in your casserole.
  

Skipping Parboiling for Potatoes

• Raw potatoes can take longer than other ingredients to cook.
  
• Parboil them first for
  
  • Even cooking
    
  • A soft, tender texture
    
  • Better blending with sauces and cheeses
    

Final Tips

• Take your time with prep; details matter!
  
• Follow recipe steps, especially when layering ingredients.
  
• Use quality ingredients, and don’t be afraid to add your own twist.

Conclusion

This creamy chicken casserole with cheese and pasta is one of those go-to dinners you’ll make again and again. It’s cozy, budget-friendly, and customizable to your taste. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meals.