Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that practically makes itself, you’re going to adore this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those magical meals where you toss everything in the slow cooker, go about your day, and come back to rich, cheesy goodness that’ll have your whole family asking for seconds. Trust me, I love this recipe because it’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken—plus, using a slow cooker means minimal hands-on time but maximum flavor. Stick around, and I’ll walk you through every step to make sure your casserole turns out perfect!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe are simple pantry staples and fresh items that marry beautifully. You’ll want to grab good-quality soups—those condensed cans add major flavor and creaminess—and don’t skip on sharp cheddar cheese to make it irresistibly cheesy. Elbow macaroni is the perfect pasta shape here since it holds onto the sauce so well.

• Chicken breasts: Choose fresh or thawed breasts—boneless and skinless make shredding easy.
• Cream of condensed chicken soup: This provides richness and depth of flavor.
• Cream of cheddar cheese soup: Adds a cheesy punch without any extra effort.
• Chicken broth: Keeps everything moist and adds subtle savory notes.
• Minced dried onions: A secret flavor booster that melts into the sauce perfectly.
• Parsley flakes: Freshens up the dish with a hint of herbaceousness.
• Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings to bring out all the flavors.
• Garlic and herb seasoning: Adds complexity and warmth.
• Elbow macaroni noodles: The classic comfort food pasta that soaks up all the cheesy sauce.
• Hot water: To help cook the noodles in the slow cooker at the end.
• Shredded cheddar cheese: The melty topping that makes this casserole shine.
• Bacon (optional): Crispy crumbles on top for an irresistible, smoky finish.

Variations

I’m all about making recipes fit your taste and lifestyle, so I love playing around with this Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe. Whether you want it lighter, loaded with veggies, or fully indulgent, you can customize it easily.

• Mushroom or Celery Soups: I’ve swapped cream of cheddar with cream of mushroom for a deeper flavor; it works beautifully.
• Adding Veggies: Sometimes I toss in chopped bell peppers, mushrooms, or frozen peas before cooking to sneak in some greens.
• Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne gives it a nice subtle heat that our family enjoys.
• Using Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re short on time, shredded rotisserie chicken can cut down cooking time drastically.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Layering the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Start by spraying your slow cooker with non-stick spray—trust me, this step saves you a tough clean-up later. Place your chicken breasts in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Then, dollop the cream of chicken soup and cream of cheddar cheese soup evenly over the chicken. Pour in the chicken broth gently so you don’t wash off the soup layer. Now sprinkle over the minced dried onions, parsley flakes, salt, black pepper, and garlic and herb seasoning. Resist the urge to stir too much here; a gentle swirl on top is perfect to keep it all layered nicely.

Step 2: Slow Cook the Chicken

Place the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low heat for seven hours. This slow, steady cooking makes the chicken incredibly tender and lets all those flavors meld into a creamy base. Patience here really pays off—I usually prep this in the morning, so the whole house smells like a cozy kitchen by dinnertime.

Step 3: Shred Chicken and Add Macaroni

After seven hours, remove the chicken breasts and give them a quick shred using two forks or your favorite shredding tool. Add the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker. Next, pour the elbow macaroni noodles over the chicken mixture, then pour 1½ cups of hot water on top. Stir gently until the noodles are fully submerged in the liquid. This step is key because the noodles cook within the slow cooker, soaking up all that cheesy broth.

Step 4: Finish Cooking the Macaroni

Put the lid back on and let the pasta cook on low for another 45 minutes to 1 hour. I like to give it a gentle stir halfway through to keep the noodles from sticking to the sides. Check the doneness at around 45 minutes—if the noodles aren’t quite tender, add a few more minutes. This flexibility helps you get the perfect bite every time.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bacon

Once your noodles are tender, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole and stir it in until melted and gooey. This is when the dish really comes alive—rich, cheesy, and utterly delicious. If you’re using bacon—which I highly recommend—crumble cooked bacon on top for that smoky crunch that makes this casserole extra special.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I love garnishing this casserole with some fresh chopped parsley or green onions—they add a pop of color and fresh flavor that balances the richness. For extra indulgence, a dollop of sour cream on top is a crowd-pleaser. And of course, that crispy bacon crumble is my favorite finishing touch—adds crunch and smoky goodness.

Side Dishes

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe stands well on its own, but I love pairing it with a simple green salad or steamed broccoli to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette are also perfect for soaking up any extra cheesy sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to spoon the casserole into individual ramekins, then sprinkle the cheese and bacon on top before broiling for a minute to get a bubbly, golden crust. Another fun presentation is serving it as a layered bake in a clear dish so you can show off those cheesy, creamy layers—your guests love the visual as much as the taste.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they keep well for up to 3 days. When I reheat, I add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back that creamy texture. This casserole is great for easy lunches or late-night snacks.

Freezing

Freezing works really well if you want to prep in advance. I recommend freezing before adding the cheese and bacon topping. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat gently on low heat in a slow cooker or the stovetop, stirring occasionally. Just add shredded cheese and bacon after reheating for the best texture.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming it slowly in a saucepan over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. Stir often to keep the cheese from sticking or separating. The microwave works in a pinch, but the slow reheating really brings back that fresh-from-the-slow-cooker taste.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes when I want a satisfying, homey meal without the fuss. It’s the kind of recipe that comforts you on a chilly evening and fills the kitchen with irresistible aromas. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—pop it in your slow cooker and prepare to wow your family or guests with such effortless, cheesy deliciousness. You’ll be coming back to this one again and again, just like I am!

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