Introduction
The oven hums and a warm, cheesy scent drifts through the kitchen — that first sniff makes me smile every time. Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole sits in my mind as a simple, homey dish that fills the house and warms hearts. This always takes me back to Sunday dinners. Also, if you like handheld comfort, try these cheesy garlic chicken wraps for a quick spin on leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This
- Quick to pull together with pantry staples.
- Kid-approved and great for picky eaters.
- Uses leftover roast chicken or rotisserie for less fuss.
- Comforting, cheesy, and easy to stretch to feed a crowd.
Quick Recipe Snapshot
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 35 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes
- Skill level: Easy
- Taste: savory + creamy
After one try, you’ll feel confident making Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole for weeknights or company.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded — Leftover or rotisserie works great
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., rotini or penne) — Short pasta catches the sauce
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded — Sharp for more punch
- 1 cup sour cream — Adds creaminess and tang
- 2 cloves garlic, minced — Fresh garlic = bigger flavor
- 1 can cream of chicken soup — The classic binder
- 1/2 cup milk — Thin to saucy consistency
- Salt and pepper to taste — Taste as you go
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping) — For a crunchy finish
Chef notes: Use rotisserie chicken for speed. Pre-shred while pasta cooks.
How to Make It
- First, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Then, boil the pasta until just al dente; drain and set aside so it stops cooking.
- Next, in a large bowl combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cheddar, sour cream, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything looks evenly coated and creamy.
- Meanwhile, taste and adjust salt; the sauce should be slightly seasoned because baking rounds flavors.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. If you like texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a golden crust.
- Finally, bake 30–40 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the top turns golden. A knife in the center should come out hot and the cheese should look melted and set. Let rest a few minutes before serving so it firms up.
Also, if you want a quicker crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in butter for a minute before sprinkling.
Kitchen Tips (From My Kitchen)
- Time-saver: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and frozen peas to save chopping time.
- Common mistake + fix: Overcooking the pasta makes the bake mushy; undercook it by 1–2 minutes.
- Simple variation: Stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a handful of chopped parsley for color.
Serving Ideas
- Weeknight dinner with a crisp green salad and lemon vinaigrette.
- Brunch buffet next to scrambled eggs and fruit.
- Casual holiday side alongside roasted vegetables.
- Potluck favorite — bring it in the same dish to keep it warm.
Also, garnish with chopped parsley or scallions and serve with crusty bread.
Also consider pairing this dish with recipes like chicken bacon ranch sliders for party menus.
Storing & Leftovers
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm in a 350°F oven covered with foil to preserve creaminess.
Leftover idea: Turn into a quick cozy bowl or stuff into a tortilla for a warm sandwich.
Amazing Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a casserole dish.
- Boil the pasta until just al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cheddar, sour cream, garlic, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Season with salt and pepper and stir until everything is evenly coated and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt if necessary; the sauce should be slightly seasoned because baking rounds flavors.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared dish and smooth the top. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for a golden crust.
- Bake for 30–40 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the top turns golden.
- A knife inserted in the center should come out hot and the cheese should be melted and set.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes — assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours; bake when ready. Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is forgiving when prepped ahead.
Q: Can I substitute the cream soup?
A: Sure — use homemade white sauce (béchamel) if you prefer, and adjust seasoning.
Q: How do I know it’s done?
A: It’s done when you see bubbling around the edges and a golden top; center should be hot.
Q: Can I freeze it?
A: Yes, freeze cooled portions in airtight containers and thaw before reheating.
Final Thoughts
I love how this dish smells while it bakes — warm cheese and garlic that pulls everyone to the kitchen. So, try it once exactly as written, and then tweak spices or add-ins to make it yours. I hope this becomes one of your simple, comforting go-to meals; enjoy every spoonful of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole.
Conclusion
For the original inspiration and another version to compare, see this take on Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole at 100K Recipes, and also check out a second recipe listing for Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole at Sos Recipes.
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