Chicken Casserole Recipes 9 Easy Family Dinner Favorites 2025

Finding a meal that’s both simple to make on a busy weeknight and a guaranteed hit with the whole family can feel like an impossible quest. The constant cycle of planning, shopping, and cooking leaves many of us searching for that one perfect solution—a dinner that is comforting, convenient, and consistently delicious. We’ve all been there, staring into the fridge, hoping for inspiration to strike.

That’s where the magic of a chicken casserole comes in. It’s the ultimate one-dish wonder, a reliable answer to the daily “what’s for dinner?” question. We’ve gathered the most beloved, no-fuss chicken casserole recipes that have become staples in family kitchens for their delicious flavor and simple execution.

The perfect chicken casserole is a hot, bubbly, and comforting one-dish meal that’s easy to prepare. Key elements include simple homey flavors, a creamy texture, and often a crispy topping, making it an ideal solution for a busy weeknight family dinner. Get ready to discover 9 tried-and-true recipes that deliver comfort and convenience every single time.

9 Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes for Your Family’s Dinner Rotation

Here are nine of the best, most popular, and easiest chicken casserole recipes perfect for your family’s dinner rotation.

1. Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole
2. Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole
3. King Ranch Chicken Casserole
4. Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
5. Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
6. Marry Me Chicken Casserole
7. Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
8. Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
9. Doritos Chicken Casserole

1. The Ultimate Comfort Dish: Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole

This recipe is the epitome of a classic, super-simple chicken and rice casserole that requires minimal effort and cleanup. It’s a true set-it-and-forget-it meal that brings pure comfort to the table.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 cup uncooked instant rice
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of celery soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 soup can of water
  • 4 tbsp butter, cut into small pats
  • Optional: 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In the baking dish, combine the instant rice, raw chicken pieces, all three cans of soup, and one can of water. Stir until everything is evenly mixed.
  3. Spread the mixture evenly in the dish. If using, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
  4. Dot the top of the casserole with the pats of butter.
  5. Bake uncovered for 45-60 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through.

Pro-Tip: For extra flavor and convenience, use a shredded rotisserie chicken. Simply stir it in with the other ingredients and reduce baking time to 30-35 minutes, since the chicken is already cooked.

Pin this classic comfort recipe for a guaranteed dinner win!

2. Crowd-Pleasing Classic: Creamy Broccoli Chicken Casserole

This is a balanced and flavorful chicken casserole that incorporates vegetables and has a satisfyingly crunchy stuffing topping. It’s a potluck favorite for a reason!

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
  • 4 cups broccoli florets, lightly steamed or thawed if frozen
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise or sour cream
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 box (6 oz) stuffing mix (like Stove Top)
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, broccoli florets, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
  3. Spread the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
  4. In a separate bowl, toss the dry stuffing mix with the melted butter until evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mix evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

Pro-Tip: To prevent a watery casserole, ensure your broccoli is well-drained and patted dry, especially if using frozen. This keeps the sauce perfectly creamy.

Save this potluck-perfect recipe to your favorite dinner board!

3. A Taste of Tex-Mex: Layered King Ranch Chicken Casserole

This is a layered, zesty casserole with Southwestern flavors, making it a fun and exciting family meal that’s packed with flavor.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 12 corn tortillas, cut into quarters
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, both cream soups, Ro-Tel tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, onion, and bell pepper until well combined.
  3. Arrange a single layer of tortilla quarters on the bottom of the baking dish, overlapping slightly.
  4. Top with one-third of the chicken mixture, then sprinkle with one-third of the cheese.
  5. Repeat the layers two more times: tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese. End with cheese on top.
  6. Bake for 30-40 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Lesson Learned: Don’t skip letting the casserole rest before cutting into it! This allows the layers to set, making it much easier to serve clean, beautiful portions.

Add some spice to your week! Pin this Tex-Mex favorite now.

4. The Rich & Creamy Indulgence: Million Dollar Chicken Casserole

This is an ultra-rich, decadent, and creamy chicken casserole known for its famously crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping. It truly tastes like a million bucks.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 container (16 oz) cottage cheese
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, use a hand mixer to combine the cottage cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  3. Gently fold in the shredded chicken.
  4. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter.
  6. Sprinkle the buttered cracker crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
  7. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Pro-Tip: For the creamiest possible texture, make sure your cream cheese is fully softened to room temperature before mixing. This prevents lumps and ensures a silky smooth sauce.

Ready for pure indulgence? Pin this Million Dollar recipe!

5. Nostalgia in a Dish: Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

You can recreate a nostalgic and comforting chicken noodle casserole with this recipe, which is reminiscent of a classic family dinner from childhood.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked al dente and drained
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup milk or sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
  • 4 tbsp butter, melted
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, both cream soups, milk, and peas. Season with salt and pepper and stir until well mixed.
  3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers and melted butter.
  5. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs over the casserole.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.

Pro-Tip: Slightly undercook your egg noodles by about 2 minutes. They will finish cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce without becoming mushy.

Pin this taste of childhood for your next family meal!

6. The Famous Flavor Fusion: Marry Me Chicken Casserole

This recipe transforms the viral “Marry Me Chicken” dish into an easy, family-friendly casserole with its irresistible sun-dried tomato cream sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 8 oz penne pasta, cooked al dente
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, sun-dried tomatoes, cream of chicken soup, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and fresh basil. Mix well.
  3. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  4. Top with the shredded mozzarella cheese.
  5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden. Garnish with more fresh basil before serving.

Pro-Tip: Use the oil from the sun-dried tomato jar to grease your baking dish. It adds an extra layer of savory, aromatic flavor to the entire casserole.

Save this proposal-worthy recipe for a special weeknight treat!

7. Simple & Savory: Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole

This is a classic and simple chicken casserole known for its unique, nutty poppy seed and buttery Ritz cracker topping. It’s a southern staple that’s incredibly easy to make.

• Ingredients:
  • 4 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 container (8 oz) sour cream
  • 1 tbsp poppy seeds
  • 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
  • 1/2 cup butter, melted
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9-inch square or 2-quart baking dish.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Mix until well combined.
  3. Spread the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  4. In a separate small bowl, combine the crushed crackers, melted butter, and poppy seeds. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated.
  5. Sprinkle the poppy seed cracker mixture evenly over the chicken base.
  6. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and fragrant.

Pro-Tip: This casserole is traditionally served over white rice. Prepare the rice while the casserole bakes for a perfectly timed, complete meal.

Pin this simple, savory classic for an effortless dinner!

8. The Deconstructed Classic: Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Enjoy all the delicious flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu in a much easier, one-pan casserole form. It’s got chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy Dijon sauce.

• Ingredients:
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 cup diced ham
  • 8 oz pasta (like rotini or penne), cooked
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • Topping: 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs tossed with 2 tbsp melted butter
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
  3. Stir in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, diced ham, and Swiss cheese. Mix until everything is well coated.
  4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. Sprinkle the buttered panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
  6. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the panko topping is golden and crisp.

Lesson Learned: Don’t be shy with the Dijon mustard! It cuts through the richness of the cheese and cream sauce, providing the signature tangy flavor that makes Chicken Cordon Bleu so delicious.

Get the fancy flavor without the fuss! Pin this easy casserole.

9. The Ultimate Kid-Friendly Fun: Doritos Chicken Casserole

This recipe is a fun, easy, and completely kid-approved casserole that tastes like their favorite nacho snack turned into a hearty dinner.

• Ingredients:
  • 1 large bag (9.25 oz) Nacho Cheese Doritos, crushed, divided
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10 oz) Ro-Tel diced tomatoes with green chilies, drained
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 packet (1 oz) taco seasoning
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend, divided
• Instructions:
  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
  2. Spread half of the crushed Doritos in an even layer on the bottom of the dish.
  3. In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, drained Ro-Tel, sour cream, taco seasoning, and 1 cup of the Mexican cheese blend.
  4. Spread the chicken mixture evenly over the layer of Doritos.
  5. Top with the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheese.
  6. Sprinkle the remaining crushed Doritos over the cheese.
  7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly. Serve immediately with toppings like salsa, sour cream, and avocado.

Pro-Tip: To keep the Doritos topping extra crunchy, add it during the last 5-10 minutes of baking instead of at the beginning.

Your kids will ask for this again and again! Pin it now!

Key Takeaways: Your Quick Guide to Perfect Chicken Casseroles

• Save Time with Shortcuts: Using pre-cooked rotisserie chicken is the ultimate time-saver for almost any casserole recipe.
• Texture is Key: A great casserole balances a creamy interior with a crunchy topping. Use crushed crackers, stuffing mix, breadcrumbs, or even chips for that perfect textural contrast.
• Prep Ahead for Easy Nights: Most casseroles can be fully assembled (without the topping) and refrigerated for up to two days. Just add the topping before baking for a stress-free meal.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Casseroles are perfect for freezer meals. Assemble in an aluminum pan, cover tightly, and freeze. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking as directed.
• Customize to Your Liking: Don’t be afraid to add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms, or swap out cheeses to use what you have on hand. Casseroles are incredibly forgiving and adaptable.

People Also Ask About Chicken Casserole Recipes

What are the 4 ingredients in a super simple chicken casserole?

A basic, 4-ingredient chicken casserole can be made with: 1) cooked chicken, 2) a can of condensed cream soup (like cream of chicken), 3) a vegetable (like broccoli or rice), and 4) a topping (like shredded cheese or crushed crackers). This simple formula provides a creamy base, protein, substance, and a textured finish, making it a go-to easy meal.

What is a good easy casserole for beginners?

Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole or a Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole are excellent for beginners. Both recipes use simple, readily available ingredients and involve minimal steps—mostly just mixing everything in one dish and baking. They are very forgiving and deliver classic, comforting flavors that are hard to get wrong, building confidence in the kitchen.

Can you put raw chicken in a casserole?

Yes, you can put raw chicken in some casseroles, provided the recipe is designed for it and has enough liquid and baking time. Recipes like Mamaw’s Chicken and Rice Casserole call for raw, bite-sized chicken pieces that cook through in the oven along with the other ingredients. Always ensure the casserole reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to confirm the chicken is fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

You now have 9 amazing recipes to defeat the weeknight dinner dilemma. A delicious, comforting, home-cooked meal is always within reach with these simple casserole recipes that bring everyone to the table with a smile.

Which one are you excited to try for your family first? Let us know in the comments below