If you’re craving comfort food at its finest, Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe will absolutely steal your heart! With its rich, creamy filling, tender chicken, and signature crunchy cracker topping, this casserole is a classic Southern favorite that makes any day feel special. It’s the kind of dish you can count on for family dinners, potlucks, or just a cozy night in—always crowd-pleasing, always delicious, and oh-so-easy to throw together. Get ready to fall in love with every creamy, cheesy bite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient shines, coming together for a dish that’s both comforting and irresistible. From creamy soups to the buttery cracker crust, every component adds an essential layer of flavor, texture, or color to your finished casserole. Here’s everything you need, along with a few tips for getting the best results:
- Chicken: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped—rotisserie chicken makes this step a breeze and keeps things juicy!
- Egg Noodles: 2 cups cooked egg noodles—they hold the creamy sauce beautifully and bring that classic casserole feel.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.5-ounce) can—brings savory creaminess and depth of flavor.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.5-ounce) can—adds a wonderful earthy flavor and extra richness.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup—gives the sauce a little tang that keeps things from being too heavy.
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup—for smooth, luscious texture and just a hint of Southern charm.
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped—brings a touch of subtle sweetness and aromatic backbone.
- Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded—a must for that molten, gooey top layer!
- Garlic Powder: ½ teaspoon—low effort, high reward for amping up the flavor.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon—to season every bite just right.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon—for a whisper of warmth.
- Ritz Crackers: 1 sleeve, crushed—adds that golden, buttery crunch everyone raves about.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons, melted—makes the Ritz topping taste like pure magic.
- Parsley: Chopped for garnish (optional)—freshens up the finished dish with a burst of green.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep, Prep, Prep!
Set yourself up for success by preheating your oven to 350°F. This ensures the casserole will bake evenly right from the start. While the oven heats, pull out a large mixing bowl and a 9×13-inch baking dish. If your chicken and noodles aren’t cooked yet, get those ready first—this also gives you a chance to chop the onion and crunch up the Ritz crackers.
Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Base
In your mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chopped onion, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything together until it’s silky smooth and thoroughly mixed. This base is where all the heavenly flavor begins—it’s creamy, tangy, and just a little indulgent, making Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe truly irresistible.
Step 3: Stir in the Good Stuff
Now add your cooked, shredded (or chopped) chicken and cooked egg noodles to the bowl with the creamy base. Gently toss it all together until every piece of chicken and noodle is luxuriously coated. This step guarantees maximum flavor in every bite, and it couldn’t be simpler!
Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Generously grease your 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour in the chicken-noodle mixture. Spread it out evenly with a spatula so the top is smooth and ready for its cheesy crown. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top—don’t be shy, that bubbling layer is what casserole dreams are made of!
Step 5: Ritz Cracker Topping Magic
In a small bowl, mix your crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Evenly sprinkle this buttery mixture over the casserole, creating a topping that bakes up golden and crispy. This crunch is a secret weapon in Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe, and it truly takes the dish over the top.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place your casserole uncovered in the preheated oven. Bake for 30–35 minutes, or until the top is gloriously golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. The aroma will have everyone drifting into the kitchen, so be prepared for some eager taste testers!
Step 7: Add a Finishing Touch
If you want an extra splash of color and a fresh taste, scatter some chopped parsley over your finished casserole. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving so the flavors can settle and the creamy filling sets up just right.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flair, nothing beats a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a few thinly sliced green onions on top just before serving. It adds a pop of color and a fresh flavor contrast to the richness of the casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika looks lovely as well!
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with classic Southern sides—think steamed green beans, a simple salad with bright vinaigrette, or buttery cornbread. Roasted asparagus or sautéed summer squash will also play perfectly with Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe, balancing out its creamy heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve individual portions in ramekins, or portion out big, generous scoops into shallow bowls for a rustic, family-style vibe. Go buffet-style for a party, with plenty of hot sauce or pickled veggies on the side for folks who like to customize their plate. It’s as homey or as festive as you want it to be!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, and the flavors only get better with time!
Freezing
One of the best things about Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe is that it’s so freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole up to the point of baking, then cover it well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and proceed with baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through and bubbly (about 20–25 minutes) for best results. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions can be microwaved, but the oven keeps that cracker topping nice and crisp.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and soak up the creamy sauce beautifully, you could swap in rotini, penne, or even macaroni—just make sure they’re cooked al dente before mixing them in.
Is there a way to lighten up Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe?
If you’re looking to trim a few calories, try using light sour cream, low-fat mayonnaise, or reduced-fat cheese. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for extra protein and a little tang.
Can I add vegetables to this casserole?
Definitely! Stir in a cup or two of cooked broccoli, peas, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra color and nutrition. The creamy sauce melds beautifully with just about any veggie you love.
What’s the best way to crush Ritz crackers for the topping?
A simple way is to place the crackers in a zip-top bag and gently roll with a rolling pin (or even a can). You want some texture, so don’t pulverize them to dust—small, rustic pieces are perfect.
Can Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute gluten-free crackers for the Ritz. Double-check soup labels to ensure they’re gluten-free, and you’ll have a dish everyone can enjoy.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe is a hug in a baking dish—creamy, rich, and always a hit with family and friends. If you’ve been searching for the ultimate feel-good casserole that’s as easy as it is delicious, this is the one to try. Give it a spin for your next gathering or cozy Sunday supper—you might just start a brand new tradition!
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Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for family dinners. This easy recipe combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich sauce topped with a buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Main Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 2 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
- Mix Casserole: In a large bowl, combine soups, sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper, chicken, and noodles. Spread in a baking dish.
- Add Cheese: Top with shredded cheese.
- Prepare Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and spread over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can save time.
- Add broccoli or peas for extra veggies.
- Casserole can be frozen before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 880mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
