Chicken casserole recipes are a lifesaver when you need a meal that’s simple, hearty, and crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re cooking with fresh, rotisserie, or canned chicken, you can always whip up a tasty, one-dish meal. Pair it with a side salad or some dinner rolls, and you’ve got a full meal on the table in no time. Let’s dive into some easy and delicious chicken casserole recipes that are sure to become your go-to favorites.
Sometimes you just need a simple recipe that comes together in no time. This easy chicken casserole requires just a few ingredients:
Boil the chicken in water for 30 minutes, then chop it into bite-sized pieces and place it in a baking dish. In a bowl, mix the soup, sour cream, and any optional ingredients. Pour the mixture over the chicken and sprinkle the crushed crackers on top. Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes. This simple casserole is a comforting meal that hits the spot every time.
If you’re craving some Italian flair, this chicken casserole is for you. Layer boneless chicken thighs, marinara sauce, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese in a casserole dish. Top it all off with toasted panko breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and fresh basil. Cover the dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 40 minutes. Then, remove the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Serve this casserole over spaghetti for a delicious Italian-inspired dinner that’s sure to impress.
For a meal with a little spice, try a Mexican chicken casserole. Start by combining 1 cup of basmati rice, 1 cup of thawed frozen corn, a can of black beans (drained and rinsed), a jar of salsa, 1 cup of chicken broth, and spices like cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add in 2 chopped chicken breasts and top it all with 1 cup of shredded Mexican cheese blend and 2 sliced green onions. Cover the casserole and bake at 375°F for an hour. This zesty dish is packed with flavor and is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Don’t let that leftover rotisserie chicken go to waste! Turn it into a delicious chicken tetrazzini casserole. All you need is a can of cream of chicken soup, some sour cream, a splash of white wine, Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, and cooked spaghetti. Shred the leftover chicken and mix it with the other ingredients. Place everything in a casserole dish and bake until hot and bubbly. No one will ever guess that this tasty dish started with yesterday’s rotisserie chicken.
What’s better than macaroni and cheese? Adding chicken, of course! Start by poaching boneless chicken breasts, then boil 3 cups of macaroni shells until al dente. In a skillet, fry a diced onion with ⅓ cup of red bell pepper in 3 tablespoons of butter for 5 minutes. Add ½ teaspoon of salt and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. In a large bowl, mix together a can of cream of chicken soup, 1⅓ cups of milk, 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, ⅓ cup of Parmesan, and the onion mixture. Stir in the cooked chicken, macaroni, and 4 ounces of mild green chiles. Pour everything into a 9x13 casserole dish, top with 1 more cup of Cheddar, and bake at 375°F for 35 minutes. This casserole is a comfort food classic that everyone will love.
For a quick and easy dinner, try this crescent roll chicken casserole. You’ll need:
Preheat the oven according to the crescent roll package instructions. Roll out the crescent dough, top each roll with chicken and half a slice of cheese, and place them in a baking dish. Mix the milk and soup together, then pour it over the rolls. Bake until the rolls are golden brown and enjoy this simple, cheesy dish.
If you want to come home to a hot meal, this slow cooker chicken casserole is the way to go. Combine:
Mix everything in a bowl, then pour it into a 6-quart slow cooker. Set it on low, and let it cook for about 6 hours. When you get home, you’ll have a hearty and delicious meal ready to go.
Don’t have fresh chicken on hand? No problem! You can easily substitute canned chicken in most casserole recipes. One 12-ounce can of chicken is typically equivalent to 6-8 ounces of fresh chicken breast. Drain the liquid, and use the canned chicken as you would fresh or rotisserie chicken.
If you’re using fresh chicken breasts in your casseroles, it’s best to boil them before shredding or cubing them. Place the chicken in a pan, cover it with boiling salted water, and bring it to a boil. Once the water is boiling, reduce the heat and let the chicken simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the juices run clear.