This cheesy rotisserie chicken casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that combines shredded chicken, pasta, and cheddar cheese. With its simple ingredients and quick preparation, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food Classic: Cheesy, creamy, and hearty—this dish hits all the right notes.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under an hour using convenient ingredients like rotisserie chicken and canned soup.
- Versatile: Easily customize with different veggies or spices to suit your taste.
- Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Protein
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked pasta (elbow, penne, or your choice)
Dairy
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 tbsp butter
Canned Goods
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Vegetables
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (thawed)
Spices
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Topping
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Directions
1. Preheat the Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Base
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
3. Combine Ingredients
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, thawed mixed vegetables, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
5. Add the Topping
- Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix it with the breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumbs over the casserole.
6. Bake
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown.
7. Serve
- Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. Pair with a side salad or bread for a complete meal.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne for heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra mixed vegetables. Use cream of mushroom soup instead.
- Different Cheeses: Swap cheddar for mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs. Ensure your canned soup is gluten-free.
- Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh parsley or thyme for an herby kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1–2 minutes or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) casserole in a freezer-safe dish for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes, lightly steam or sauté fresh vegetables before adding them to the casserole.
2. What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni works best to hold the creamy sauce.
3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it up to 24 hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
4. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?
Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, or make a homemade cream sauce with butter, flour, and milk.
5. How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Cover with foil if the top is browning too quickly, or add a splash of milk to the mixture if it seems dry.
6. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, cooked turkey, shredded beef, or even canned tuna are great alternatives.
7. What can I use instead of breadcrumbs?
Crushed crackers, panko, or even potato chips make excellent substitutes.
8. How do I make this dish healthier?
Use low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole-grain pasta. You can also add extra veggies.
9. Can I double the recipe for a larger crowd?
Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish and adjust the cooking time slightly if needed.
10. Can I bake this in a smaller dish?
Yes, but the casserole will be thicker, so adjust the cooking time to ensure it heats through evenly.
Conclusion
Cheesy rotisserie chicken casserole is a creamy, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy nights or when you need a quick crowd-pleaser. With tender chicken, flavorful pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping, this casserole is a surefire hit. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. Try it today and savor the ultimate comfort food!
Print
Cheesy Rotisserie Chicken Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This creamy and cheesy casserole is a comforting dinner that combines shredded rotisserie chicken, pasta, and a medley of vegetables. With its crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s an easy, family-friendly meal everyone will love!
Ingredients
Meat:
- 3 cups rotisserie chicken (shredded)
Produce:
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
Canned Goods:
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
Pasta & Grains:
- 2 cups cooked pasta (such as penne, rotini, or elbow)
Baking & Spices:
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Bread & Baked Goods:
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Dairy:
- 2 tbsp butter (melted)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup sour cream
Frozen:
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (thawed)
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Base:
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Combine the Ingredients:
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, mixed vegetables, and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the creamy mixture. Stir until well combined.
4. Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
5. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve:
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side salad or garlic bread!
Notes
- Pasta Options: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells works great for this recipe.
- Vegetable Variations: Swap frozen mixed vegetables for broccoli, peas, or green beans.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole up to 1 day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze the unbaked casserole in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American