Paula Deen’s Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole

Few dishes scream comfort food as loudly as a creamy chicken casserole. Paula Deen’s take on this classic recipe is nothing short of spectacular, making it the ultimate meal for cozy family dinners, potlucks, or even weekly meal prep. With its tender, shredded chicken nestled in a luscious, creamy sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese, this casserole is pure magic. Let’s dive into the recipe that perfectly blends warmth, flavor, and ease, ensuring everyone at the table leaves happy and satisfied.

A Hearty Classic: The Story Behind This Dish

Chicken casseroles have long been a staple in Southern kitchens. They’re simple to prepare, endlessly adaptable, and can feed a crowd without much fuss. This particular recipe, inspired by Paula Deen’s renowned Southern cooking style, embraces rich flavors and creamy textures to create a hearty dish that brings people together. Whether it’s the use of pantry staples like cream of chicken soup or the comforting combination of cheese and tender chicken, this casserole is as timeless as it is delicious.

In Southern tradition, casseroles are often the centerpiece of gatherings, paired with sides like buttery biscuits or crisp green salads. Their versatility means you can dress them up for special occasions or keep them simple for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy casserole to life. Most items are likely already sitting in your pantry or fridge:

• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken works wonders!)
• 2 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: Crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for topping

Preparation Steps

1. Cook and Prepare the Chicken

• Begin by cooking your chicken. You can boil, bake, or use a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Once cooked, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces and set it aside.

2. Cook the Noodles

• While preparing the chicken, boil the egg noodles until they’re al dente. Be sure not to overcook, as they’ll continue to bake in the casserole later. Drain and set aside.

3. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.

4. Mix the Creamy Sauce

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.

5. Assemble the Casserole

• Add the shredded chicken and cooked noodles to the creamy sauce mixture, gently folding everything together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Layer and Top with Cheese

• Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. If desired, add crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a golden, crunchy topping.

7. Bake to Perfection

• Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a golden brown top, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end.

8. Serve and Enjoy

• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color, if desired.

Tips for Success

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and add flavor by using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. The seasoned meat enhances the overall taste of the casserole.
• Double the Recipe: This dish freezes beautifully! Make an extra batch and store it in an airtight container for a quick, no-fuss dinner later.
• Experiment with Toppings: While Ritz crackers add buttery crunch, you can swap them for panko breadcrumbs or even crushed potato chips for a fun twist.
• Add Vegetables: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or diced carrots to boost the casserole’s nutritional value and add extra color.
• Cheese Options: While cheddar is a classic choice, you can experiment with Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a smoky gouda for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

This creamy chicken casserole pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic Bread: Serve warm, buttery garlic bread on the side to soak up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Southern Biscuits: Fluffy homemade biscuits add even more comfort to this meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts bring a fresh and slightly charred contrast.

Possible Variations

1. Mexican-Inspired Casserole
   • Add a can of diced green chiles, a teaspoon of chili powder, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese. Serve with tortilla chips and a dollop of guacamole.
2. Low-Carb Version
   • Replace the noodles with cooked cauliflower florets or zucchini noodles to create a keto-friendly meal.
3. Turkey Casserole
   • Use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
4. Buffalo Chicken Casserole
   • Stir in ¼ cup of buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles for a spicy upgrade.

Meal Prep and Storage

• Make-Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to two days in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.
• Freezing: Allow the baked casserole to cool completely, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight and bake at 350°F until warmed through.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven.