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· 4.5 from 19 reviews

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve got to try this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s packed with tender chicken, cheesy sauce, and that perfect buttery, crunchy topping that just seals the deal. I’ve made this recipe countless times for family and friends, and it never disappoints—seriously, it might just become your new go-to weeknight dinner.

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Why This Recipe Works

Creamy Sauce Base: The combination of butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth creates a thick, velvety sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles and chicken.
Cheese Blend: Sharp cheddar melts smoothly and adds rich flavor while parmesan in the topping gives a beautiful savory crunch.
Perfect Texture Contrast: Soft noodles and tender chicken meet a crispy, golden cracker topping—trust me, that crunch is everything.
Quick and Flexible: From stovetop to oven in under 35 minutes, it’s super adaptable if you want to add veggies or swap cheeses.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comforting casserole dishes - 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

Each ingredient in this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture. I love using simple pantry staples that come together quickly but still impress everyone at the table. Here’s why these ingredients are my favorites and tips to choose the best when you shop.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comforting casserole dishes - 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: Their soft yet slightly firm texture is ideal for soaking up the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
Butter: Provides richness to the sauce and helps sauté the onion perfectly—don’t skip it!
White onion: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the cheese and chicken flavors.
Minced garlic: Essential for depth, just enough to awaken the taste buds without overpowering.
All-purpose flour: Works as a thickener to give your sauce that luscious, clingy consistency.
Chicken broth: Brings savory richness; homemade or low-sodium store-bought both work well.
Milk: I recommend whole milk for creaminess, but 2% is fine if you want to lighten it up.
Salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to lift all other flavors without being too obvious.
Frozen peas: They add a pop of color and a touch of sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory elements.
Cooked shredded chicken: The star protein—using rotisserie chicken saves time, and it stays moist.
Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, depending on your preference; it melts into the sauce for that delicious cheesiness.
Crushed Ritz crackers: They make the topping exquisitely buttery and crunchy.
Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite right in the crispy topping.
Olive oil: Just enough to bind the cracker topping and promote browning in the oven.

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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

Over the years, I’ve learned that this recipe is a fantastic canvas for flavors, so I love encouraging you to customize it to your liking. Whether you want to add more veggies for nutrition, swap cheeses for new flavor profiles, or make it dairy-free, this casserole adapts beautifully.

Variation: I sometimes toss in sautéed mushrooms or chopped spinach for an earthy twist—I love how the creaminess complements these veggies.
Dairy-free option: Using a plant-based milk like oat milk and dairy-free cheese can make it suitable for lactose-intolerant folks.
Spice it up: A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika stirred into the sauce adds a subtle heat that I really enjoy when I’m craving something different.

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

Step 1: Prep Pasta and Pan

First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish. Get those egg noodles boiling according to package directions — I usually set a timer just so they don’t overcook; you want them perfectly tender but still firm to hold all that sauce. Once done, drain and spread them evenly in your prepared pan so the sauce can coat them beautifully later.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat, then add diced onion. Let it soften for 5 to 7 minutes—don’t rush this part since a mellow onion flavor really lifts the dish. Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for about a minute to get rid of that raw flour taste. Now, slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, seasoning with salt and pepper. Keep stirring until you see that lovely creamy sauce thicken; this usually takes around 3 to 5 minutes over gentle heat.

Step 3: Add Peas, Cheese & Chicken

Once your sauce is thick and smooth, stir in the frozen peas (no need to thaw), shredded chicken, and cheddar cheese. Turn off the heat and stir until the cheese melts fully into the sauce—this gooey cheese goodness is what makes the casserole irresistible.

Step 4: Assemble & Add the Topping

Pour this cheesy chicken mixture over the noodles in your baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers, grated Parmesan, and olive oil—mix them with a fork until the crumbs are nicely coated. Sprinkle this crunchy mix on top—it’s the secret to that golden, crispy finish.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden & Bubbling

Bake uncovered in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on the topping—you want it lightly browned and crisp, but not burnt. When the edges are bubbling and the top is golden, you’re ready to dig in!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cooking them just al dente prevents the casserole from turning mushy after baking.
Use Freshly Shredded Chicken: It adds more flavor and better texture than pre-packaged shredded chicken.
Stir Sauce Constantly: This avoids lumps and helps the sauce thicken evenly for that smooth finish.
Watch the Topping Closely: The cracker crust can brown fast, so check it a little before the timer goes off to prevent burning.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Chicken casserole recipe, cheesy chicken bake, easy chicken dinner, comforting casserole dishes - 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

I like a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top after baking—it adds a pop of color and a mild oniony freshness that balances the rich casserole perfectly. Sometimes, a little squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the whole dish up in a wonderful way.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette and maybe some roasted or steamed broccoli. When I’m serving guests, I love adding a loaf of warm crusty bread to soak up any extra creamy sauce left on the plate—so satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this casserole in individual ramekins to make it feel extra special—plus, it helps with portion control and presentation. Another fun idea is layering in a casserole dish with extra veggies between layers for a “hidden veggie” surprise that impresses kids and adults alike.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying dinner together, I usually let leftover casserole cool uncovered for 30 minutes, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap before refrigerating. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, so you can enjoy multiple meals without sacrificing taste or texture.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I like to assemble it but skip the cracker topping before freezing. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then add the topping and bake as usual. This way, your topping stays perfectly crispy.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole with foil to prevent drying, then bake at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes until warmed through. If you want to refresh the crunch, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. It tastes almost as good as fresh!

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works wonders as a shortcut—it’s already cooked and flavorful, saving you prep time. Just shred it into bite-sized pieces and toss it right into the sauce.
What can I substitute for Ritz crackers in the topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed buttery crackers like saltines or even panko breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter for that golden crunch.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Swap regular noodles for gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free flour or cornstarch as the thickener, and make sure your crackers are gluten-free varieties. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can definitely assemble this casserole earlier in the day or even the night before. Just wait to add the cracker topping until right before baking so it stays crisp and fresh.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes I always keep in my recipe arsenal for busy weeknights, easy entertaining, or days when I just need a no-fail comfort meal. It’s rich but balanced, simple yet impressive, and so satisfying. If you give it a try, I’m confident you’ll love how cozy and delicious it feels—and maybe, like me, you’ll come back to it again and again.