Name: Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces egg noodles; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 medium white onion, diced; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups frozen peas; 1 pound shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2-3 teaspoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 11 reviews

If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s rich, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and veggies, all wrapped up in a silky sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crust that bakes to golden perfection. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it might just become your new family favorite. Stick around—I’ll share all my best tips to make sure your casserole turns out as fantastic as mine!

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Creamy Texture: The combination of butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth creates a luscious sauce that coats every noodle and piece of chicken.
Balanced Flavors: Sharp cheddar cheese and savory parmesan plus a hint of garlic and onion make this comforting without being overwhelming.
Crunchy Topping Contrast: The Ritz cracker and parmesan topping adds an irresistible crisp layer that bakes up beautifully golden.
Easy to Customize: You can switch up the veggies, cheese, or protein based on what you have on hand, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a pasta casserole. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of yellow pasta, a middle layer with green peas mixed throughout, and a top layer covered with a golden brown crumbly topping that looks crispy. A wooden spoon stands inside the dish, scooping some pasta and crumbs. The background features a white marbled surface and some green herbs with a black and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe plays a key role. I’ve found that using simple pantry staples alongside frozen peas (which keep their bright color and sweetness) hits just the right notes. Here’s what you need and why each one matters.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, bright green frozen peas, diced white onion, minced garlic cloves, a block of sharp cheddar cheese with some shreds scattered nearby, pale yellow butter, a small pile of crushed golden crackers, and a wedge of grated parmesan cheese artfully arranged with uncooked egg noodles in loose nests, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Egg noodles: They hold up well under the creamy sauce and don’t get mushy when baked, which is a game-changer for casserole texture.
Butter: Key to building the rich roux that thickens your sauce while adding decadent flavor.
White onion: Gives a sweet, aromatic base to the sauce, especially when gently sautéed.
Minced garlic: Just enough to lift the flavor without overpowering the creamy goodness.
All-purpose flour: Works magic with butter to thicken the sauce into a silky, clingy coating for everything.
Chicken broth: Adds a savory depth that’s way better than just plain milk-based sauce.
Milk: The creamy foundation that makes the sauce luscious and comforting.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that bring the whole dish together.
Frozen peas: A pop of color and gentle sweetness that balance the savory sauce beautifully.
Shredded cooked chicken: The star protein, which you can easily swap with rotisserie or leftover chicken.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce for that irresistible sharp creaminess.
Crushed Ritz crackers: Create the light, buttery crunch topping everyone loves.
Grated parmesan cheese: Mixed with crackers for extra savory umami in the crust.
Olive oil: Helps bind the topping and adds a subtle fruity flavor.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is! Whether you want to sneak in more veggies, dial back cheese, or try different proteins, it’s forgiving and still amazing. Feel free to personalize it to suit your family’s tastes or what’s in your fridge.

Variation: I’ve swapped in broccoli or mushrooms instead of peas for a veggie-loaded twist—just sauté them before adding so they’re tender.
Dietary tweaks: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free crackers to make this casserole gluten-friendly without sacrificing texture.
Seasonal changes: In fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or smoked paprika for a cozy flavor dimension.
Protein swap: Turkey or shredded rotisserie chicken both work beautifully if you want a quicker prep or different flavor.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pasta and Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or cooking spray. Next, cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions—be sure to drain them well so they don’t add extra moisture to the casserole. I like to toss the noodles directly into the baking dish as soon as they’re drained; it keeps things simple and quick.

Step 2: Build the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt your butter. When it’s bubbly, add the diced onion and sauté for about 5 to 7 minutes until it’s soft and translucent—this step is key to develop the base flavor. Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for just about a minute to get rid of the raw flour taste but be careful not to brown it.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk, adding salt and pepper as you go. Keep stirring constantly so the sauce stays smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and you’ll notice it start to thicken—this usually takes a few minutes. Once thickened, stir in the frozen peas, shredded chicken, and the shredded cheddar cheese. Turn off the heat and mix well until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes irresistibly creamy.

Step 3: Assemble and Add the Crunchy Topping

Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly over your noodles in the baking dish. Now for my favorite part: the topping. In a small bowl, use a fork to mix the crushed Ritz crackers, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil until combined. Sprinkle this golden mixture evenly on top of your casserole. This topping bakes into a perfectly crisp, buttery crust that’s absolutely addictive.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on it—you’re looking for the topping to turn a light golden brown and the edges to bubble up softly. Once done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving, so those flavors settle and that sauce thickens a bit. Serve it hot straight from the oven and watch everyone dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook your noodles just shy of al dente since they’ll cook more in the oven—this keeps them perfectly tender but not mushy.
Constant Stirring is Key: When making the sauce, stirring constantly avoids lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly without burning.
Use Good Quality Cheese: Sharp cheddar in this recipe really lifts the flavor; don’t skimp here for the best taste and melt.
Cracker Topping Tip: Tossing the Ritz crackers with olive oil before baking ensures a golden brown, crispy topping instead of soggy crumbs.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, comfort food dinner, easy chicken casserole - A white rectangular baking dish filled with macaroni and cheese topped with a golden, crunchy breadcrumb crust. The casserole has a light yellow cheesy layer underneath, mixed with scattered green peas throughout the dish and on top. A wooden spoon rests inside the dish, partially scooping the macaroni. The background shows green leafy herbs placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

When I serve this casserole, I like to sprinkle a handful of freshly chopped parsley on top. It adds a nice pop of green and a fresh, mild flavor that complements the richness without overwhelming it. Sometimes a little squeeze of lemon juice brightens the whole dish up nicely too, especially if your palate is craving some contrast.

Side Dishes

Since this casserole is pretty filling, I like to keep the sides simple. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette pairs wonderfully, or some roasted asparagus or green beans add a fresh texture contrast. If you want extra comfort, a side of garlic bread is always a hit!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve baked this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming presentation that feels so personal. I also love topping each serving with a little extra shredded cheese and broiling it quickly for a bubbly cheesy crust, then garnishing with chives. It makes it look extra gourmet but is still super easy to do.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep well for about 3 days. The casserole tastes even better the next day, as the flavors meld beautifully. Just make sure to cover it tightly, so the topping doesn’t lose too much of its crunch.

Freezing

This creamy chicken casserole freezes well before baking. I assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover it tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. The topping may be less crisp after freezing but still delicious!

Reheating

To reheat, I pop leftover casserole into a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. For a little extra crisp on top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes. Reheating in the microwave works too, but the sauce can separate slightly, so the oven method is my preferred way to keep all that creaminess intact.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked shredded chicken?

Yes! If you prefer, you can dice or shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs and sauté them first until fully cooked, then add them to the sauce. Just make sure the chicken is cooked through before assembling the casserole.
What can I substitute for the Ritz crackers topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even crushed potato chips for a fun twist on the topping. Just toss with olive oil or melted butter to get that golden crunch when baked.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can swap the butter for a dairy-free alternative, use plant-based milk like almond or oat milk, and choose vegan cheese alternatives. Just make sure your substitute melts well for the best creamy texture.
How do I prevent the casserole from becoming too watery?

Drain your noodles well after cooking and let your sauce thicken properly before combining. Avoid adding extra liquid, and bake uncovered so the casserole can set up and moisture can evaporate as needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe has been a staple for me whenever I need something hearty, soothing, and easy to whip up with pantry staples. I love how it brings everyone to the table with hungry smiles and leaves room for chatting long after the plates are empty. I hope you give it a try and enjoy making it your own—it’s one of those recipes that feels like a friend turning up with a warm batch of comfort food exactly when you need it the most.