Paula Deen’s Heartwarming Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Southern comfort shines through this delectable paula deen chicken casserole that promises pure culinary joy.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients blend seamlessly in a dish designed to warm your heart.

Generations of home cooks have treasured such simple yet satisfying meals.

Richly seasoned chicken nestles between layers of golden breadcrumbs and velvety sauce.

Memories of grandmother’s kitchen emerge with each savory bite of this classic recipe.

Cheese melts into every crevice, creating a mouthwatering experience that beckons you to the dinner table.

Gather around and savor every delicious spoonful of this ultimate comfort food.

Why Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe Hits The Spot

• Conquer Comfort Food Cravings: Dive into a classic casserole that feels like a warm hug from grandma's kitchen, packed with creamy chicken and noodles that satisfy every comfort food desire.
• Master Simple Cooking Techniques: Blend ingredients effortlessly with basic mixing and baking skills, making this recipe perfect for beginners wanting to impress family and friends with minimal cooking experience.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Prepare a hearty dish that brings everyone together, ideal for potlucks, family dinners, and gatherings where people love rich, filling comfort food that sparks conversation.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like potato chips or adjust seasonings to match personal preferences, giving home cooks flexibility to make the recipe uniquely their own without complicated modifications.

Ingredients Checklist For Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein that forms the core of this comforting casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Rich and creamy base that adds depth and moisture to the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty cheese flavor that complements the chicken.
• Milk: Helps create a smooth and creamy texture.

• Egg Noodles: Soft pasta that absorbs the creamy sauce and provides a comforting base.
• Potato Chips: Optional crunchy topping that adds a delightful textural contrast.

• Onion, Celery: Provide a subtle savory base and depth of flavor.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps bind the ingredients together.
• Garlic Powder, Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the casserole.

How To Make Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to 350°F. This prepares a cozy environment for your delicious casserole to bake perfectly.

Step 2: Boil the Noodles

Cook egg noodles until they’re soft and tender. Drain completely and set aside for the magical mixing ahead.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Diced onion
• Diced celery
• Melted butter
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until everything becomes a smooth, dreamy combination that promises incredible flavor.

Step 4: Marry Noodles and Filling

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the chicken mixture. Ensure every single noodle gets coated with the luscious sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish generously. Pour the chicken-noodle blend into the dish, spreading it evenly for perfect baking.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

Sprinkle crushed potato chips across the top for an extra crispy layer that adds delightful texture.

Step 7: Initial Baking

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and slide it into the oven. Bake for 25 minutes to heat everything thoroughly.

Step 8: Golden Finish

Remove the foil and return the casserole to the oven. Bake for another 15 minutes until the top turns golden brown and bubbly.

Step 9: Serve with Love

Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving. Cut into generous portions and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement!

Helpful Tips For Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Boost Flavor Depth: Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy variation that maintains the dish's creamy texture.
• Control Sodium Levels: Use low-sodium cream soups and reduce added salt to make the recipe more heart-friendly without compromising taste.
• Create Gluten-Free Adaptation: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice to accommodate dietary restrictions while keeping the dish's comforting essence.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, allowing flavors to meld and making mealtime stress-free.

Ways To Switch Up Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or cauliflower rice, ensuring celiac-friendly preparation without compromising flavor.
• Lighter Herb Edition: Swap cream soups with homemade Greek yogurt sauce, add fresh thyme and rosemary for a healthier protein-packed version with reduced calories.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or plant-based chicken alternatives, keeping creamy sauce and crispy potato chip topping for similar texture and taste.
• Mediterranean Spin: Use rotisserie chicken, incorporate feta cheese, add kalamata olives, and sprinkle oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired casserole with bright, tangy notes.

Top Pairings For Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe

• Savor Complementary Wine Pairing: Chardonnay's buttery notes perfectly balance the creamy casserole's rich texture, enhancing its delicate flavor profile.
• Craft Refreshing Side Salad: Prepare a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's heaviness, providing a light and zesty contrast.
• Match Hearty Vegetable Companion: Roast seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts with garlic and olive oil to add nutritional depth and provide a fresh counterpoint to the dish's creaminess.
• Introduce Rustic Bread Option: Serve warm crusty sourdough or French bread to soak up the casserole's delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal experience.

How To Store Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe Properly

• Seal leftovers in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the casserole fresh and delicious.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2-3 months, ensuring a convenient future meal.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until thoroughly warm, stirring occasionally.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat at 350°F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes, removing foil in the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQ Guide

• Is this recipe suitable for large gatherings?

This casserole is perfect for feeding a crowd! It serves about 8-10 people and is an excellent potluck or family dinner option.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken myself?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving shortcut and works wonderfully in this recipe. Just shred the meat and mix it into the casserole filling.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use store-brand soups, buy chicken when it’s on sale, and look for discounted cheese. These simple swaps can help reduce the overall cost without compromising flavor.

• What makes the sauce so creamy and delicious?

The combination of cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk creates an incredibly rich and smooth sauce that coats every bite perfectly.

Paula Deen Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Southern comfort meets creamy indulgence in this Paula Deen chicken casserole, blending tender chicken, rich cheese, and buttery crackers into a hearty one-dish marvel. Warmth radiates from each savory bite, promising pure satisfaction for hungry families craving classic home-style cooking.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein and Protein-Based Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Starch and Base Ingredients:

• 1 (12 ounces / 340 grams) package egg noodles
• 1 cup crushed potato chips

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/4 cup celery, diced
• 1/4 cup butter, melted
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C), ensuring optimal temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain thoroughly, and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk, onion, celery, melted butter, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well-incorporated.
4. Gently fold cooked noodles into the chicken mixture, ensuring complete coating and even distribution of ingredients.
5. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish and transfer the chicken-noodle mixture, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
6. Optional: Sprinkle crushed potato chips across the top for an added crispy texture.
7. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes, allowing ingredients to heat through and flavors to meld.
8. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 15 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and the casserole becomes bubbly.
9. Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving, enabling easier portioning and preventing mouth burns from hot filling.

Notes

• Swap egg noodles with gluten-free alternatives like rice noodles or zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream soups and controlling added salt quantities during preparation.
• Add extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to boost nutritional value and create more complex flavor profiles.
• Consider using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein-rich, lighter version of the creamy filling.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg