This hearty chicken casserole is super comforting! It combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and fluffy biscuits in one dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
Whenever I make this casserole, I can’t resist sneaking bites before it’s out of the oven. It’s such a crowd-pleaser—you’ll want to make it again and again!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Cooked Chicken: Shredded rotisserie chicken works great here for ease. If you have leftover chicken, that’s perfect! For a vegetarian option, consider using canned chickpeas or sautéed mushrooms to mimic the texture.
Egg Noodles: These are classic for casseroles. If you’re looking for a gluten-free choice, try rice noodles or quinoa pasta instead. They can provide a similar texture while meeting different dietary needs.
Soups: Cream of chicken and cream of mushroom give a creamy base. If you’re avoiding cream soups, try using a homemade white sauce or a plant-based cream alternative. Coconut cream gives a nice flavor with a touch of sweetness.
Sour Cream: For a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt can be a good substitute. It adds creaminess without too many calories. If you’re dairy-free, use a cashew or coconut-based yogurt.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack or a vegan cheese for a dairy-free version. Mixing different cheeses can brighten up the flavor even more!
How Do I Make the Casserole Creamy and Flavorful?
Combining all the ingredients properly is key to a delicious casserole. When mixing, ensure every ingredient is well combined for even flavor. A few tips:
- Mix the soups, sour cream, and milk until smooth before adding the chicken to prevent clumping.
- Add the garlic powder, salt, and black pepper directly into the creamy mixture to ensure even flavor distribution.
- Folding the cooked egg noodles gently helps to keep their shape and makes sure they’re fully coated.
Don’t rush the baking time; letting it bake until bubbly ensures everything melds together nicely. Covering it initially helps to steam the casserole, keeping it moist.
How to Make Delicious Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup onion, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup butter, melted
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup crushed potato chips (optional, for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake. So, you’ll need about 55 minutes in total from start to finish. Perfect for a hearty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that it’s nice and hot when your casserole is ready to bake.
2. Cook the Egg Noodles:
Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re tender, drain them well and set them aside for later.
3. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, diced onion, diced celery, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until it’s well combined and creamy. This filling is what makes the casserole so delicious!
4. Combine with Noodles:
Now, gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the chicken mixture. Make sure all the noodles are coated with that yummy filling. This step brings all the flavors together.
5. Prepare the Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then pour the chicken and noodle mixture into the dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes nicely.
6. Add Crunchy Topping (Optional):
If you’d like a little extra crunch, sprinkle the crushed potato chips on top of the casserole. This is completely optional but adds a delightful texture!
7. Bake the Casserole:
Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and pop it in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 minutes to get everything heated through.
8. Brown the Top:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil. Bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top. You want it to look irresistible!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s done, let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This will help you avoid burning your mouth on that warm, cheesy goodness! Enjoy your delicious Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole with family or friends!
Can I Substitute the Egg Noodles with Another Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as rotini, penne, or even gluten-free options. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions before mixing it with the filling.
Can I Use Shredded Store-Bought Chicken?
Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver! Just shred the chicken and use it as you would with homemade. This will also add a nice depth of flavor to your casserole.
How Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the chicken with a mix of your favorite vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, and spinach. You may also want to add some extra seasonings or cheese to enhance the flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to freeze it, cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for about 1 hour, or until heated through.
