If you’re craving comfort food that’s cozy, creamy, and downright irresistible, you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. I absolutely love how this turns out every single time — it’s a total crowd-pleaser and super simple to throw together. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, you’ll find that this dish fits right into your routine and might just become your new go-to casserole.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream of chicken soup and sour cream creates a rich base that you just can’t resist.
Perfectly Crispy Topping: Ritz crackers sprinkled on top with melted butter add this amazing buttery crunch that my family absolutely goes crazy for.
Quick and Easy to Make: From prep to oven-ready in under 15 minutes — ideal when you want a delicious dinner but don’t want to fuss.
Uses Leftover Chicken: This recipe is a genius way to give leftover rotisserie chicken a star-worthy second life.

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 - Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients blend perfectly to create the creamy, cheesy, and savory magic of this casserole. You’ll want to use shredded cooked chicken for the tastiest texture, and the Ritz crackers on top truly make a difference — don’t skip the buttery crumble!

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 - Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole

Condensed cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base that keeps the casserole so moist and flavorful.
Sour cream: Adds tang and extra creaminess that balances the soup beautifully.
Onion powder: Enhances the savoriness without any chopping needed.
Garlic powder: Gives just the right subtle kick.
Kosher salt: Brings out all the flavors naturally.
Ground black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to the dish.
Shredded cooked chicken: I love using rotisserie chicken for its juiciness and flavor.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Incorporating it inside and on top results in melty, cheesy goodness.
Ritz crackers: Lightly crushed for that perfect crispy topping.
Melted butter: Binds the crackers and gives a golden, rich crust.

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 tweaking this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe depending on what I have on hand or what kind of flavor twist I’m in the mood for. Feel free to experiment — it’s forgiving and versatile, which makes it fun to make your own.

Vegetable Boost: Adding steamed broccoli or peas is a quick way I sneak some greens in without losing that creamy goodness.
Spicy Kick: Sometimes I stir in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a little heat, and my family loves it.
Dairy-Free Option: You can swap sour cream with dairy-free yogurt and use dairy-free cheese to accommodate dietary needs — just expect a slightly different texture.
Different Toppings: Instead of Ritz crackers, crushed buttery pita chips or even seasoned breadcrumbs work well to keep that crunch.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Preheat and Prep Your Dish

First, set the oven to 375°F. I lightly spray a 13×9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray so nothing sticks and the cleanup is easier. Doing this ahead makes the assembly smoother—you won’t have to worry about scraping off baked-on cheese later.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling

In a large bowl, stir together your condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. I discovered this mix is where the magic starts—you get the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory. Then fold in your shredded cooked chicken and 1½ cups of the cheddar cheese. Make sure everything’s well combined, but don’t over-stir since you want the texture to stay nice and tender.

Step 3: Assemble and Add the Topping

Transfer the chicken mixture into your prepared dish, smoothing it out evenly. In a medium bowl, stir the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter—this part is a game changer! The butter helps the crackers bake up golden and crispy. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture on top of the chicken mix, then finish with the remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesiness.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the filling bubbles gently and the cracker topping turns that perfect golden brown. Here’s a little trick I learned: let the casserole cool and thicken for about 15 to 20 minutes before serving. It helps the filling set up nicely, so it doesn’t run all over the plate when you scoop it.

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Use Rotisserie Chicken: It’s the quickest way to get flavorful, juicy chicken without the hassle of cooking it yourself.
Crush Crackers Lightly: I found crushing Ritz crackers just a bit keeps a nice texture instead of turning into crumbs.
Let It Rest: Resist the urge to dig in right out of the oven—waiting helps everything set perfectly.
Don’t Overload the Cheese: Adding too much cheese inside can make the casserole too wet; sticking to the recipe balance is best.

How to Serve Creamy 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 - Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a pop of color and a hint of freshness. Sometimes a few red pepper flakes give it a little zing if I’m feeling adventurous. These simple garnishes instantly elevate the look and flavor.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus to balance the richness. For extra comfort, creamy mashed potatoes or warm dinner rolls are always a hit, especially with kids.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to make this casserole in individual ramekins — it looks fancy but is just as easy. Topped with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a few extra cracker crumbs right before serving, it makes a charming presentation for company.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3-4 days. I usually eat the casserole cold or gently warmed for a quick lunch the next day — it reheats surprisingly well without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times by preparing everything and freezing before baking. Just cover it tightly and bake straight from the freezer, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks and tastes just as good fresh!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers covered with foil in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. I avoid microwaving because it can sometimes make the topping soggy, but if you’re in a hurry, 2-3 minutes on medium power works fine.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to fully cook the chicken before shredding and using it in the recipe. Rotisserie chicken is just a convenient flavor-packed shortcut.
What can I substitute if I don’t have sour cream?

Greek yogurt is a great substitute that will provide similar tanginess and creaminess. You can also use cream cheese thinned with a splash of milk, but the flavor will be a bit different.
How do I make this casserole dairy-free?

You can use dairy-free cream of chicken soup, a dairy-free sour cream alternative, and dairy-free cheese substitutes. For the topping, use dairy-free buttery spread mixed with a suitable cracker or breadcrumb option.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes! You can assemble it up to a day before baking. Just cover and keep it refrigerated, then bake when you’re ready. This makes dinner prep super easy on busy days.
What size casserole dish should I use?

A 13×9-inch casserole dish is ideal for this recipe. It provides enough depth for the filling and topping to bake evenly without spilling over.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug. I’ve come to rely on it whenever I want something hearty, comforting, and fuss-free. The blend of creamy filling and crispy buttery topping is pure satisfaction, and I love how easy it is to customize. I can’t recommend it enough — give it a try and watch how quickly it disappears from the plate!