Cheddar Chicken Casserole has always been a go-to meal in our family. I remember the first time I made it; I was looking for something hearty and easy to prepare. The creamy cheddar cheese sauce mixed with tender chicken and rice was everything we needed after a long day. It’s the kind of dish that fills the kitchen with warmth and makes everyone gather around the table. Whenever I make Cheddar Chicken Casserole, it never lasts long—everyone loves it.
The Simple Magic of Cheddar Chicken Casserole
What makes Cheddar Chicken Casserole so special is how simple it is to make. You start with just a few ingredients, like chicken, cheese, rice, and some spices, and end up with something that tastes like it took hours to prepare. The best part is that it’s all baked together, so all the flavors meld into a creamy, cheesy dream. I love how easy it is to throw together for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal.
A Dish for Any Occasion
Over the years, Cheddar Chicken Casserole has become more than just a family favorite. It’s the dish I bring to potlucks, and the one I make when friends are coming over. I’ve even made it when we’ve had a rough day—something about that cheesy goodness just makes everything feel better. The casserole is so comforting and filling, it’s always the first dish to disappear, no matter where I bring it.
The Perfect Leftovers
One of the best things about Cheddar Chicken Casserole is the leftovers. The casserole tastes just as good, if not better, the next day. It’s easy to reheat and still feels like a warm hug, no matter when you eat it. The leftover casserole is just another reason why this dish is perfect for busy families, and I know I’ll keep making it for years to come.
Table of Contents
Chef’s Notes- Cheddar Chicken Casserole
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Ease: Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut for this recipe, but make sure to remove all skin and bones before shredding. It’s convenient and adds a lot of flavor, but any cooked chicken (like grilled or baked chicken breast) can work just as well.
- Customize the Biscuit Topping: For a lighter version, you can use a homemade biscuit dough or opt for a gluten-free biscuit mix. The topping gives the casserole its signature crunch, so ensure the biscuit mix is evenly distributed for a golden finish.
- Vegetable Substitutions: Feel free to swap out the mixed vegetables for fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or corn. Fresh vegetables can enhance the flavor and texture of the casserole. For a seasonal twist, consider adding zucchini or bell peppers.
- Make it Extra Creamy: For an even creamier filling, you can add a dollop of sour cream or a little cream cheese to the chicken soup mixture. This will make the casserole richer and more indulgent.
- Resting Time is Key: Allowing the casserole to rest for 10 minutes after baking helps set the filling. This makes the casserole easier to slice and serve, and it allows the flavors to meld together.
- Freezer-Friendly: This casserole makes for a great freezer meal. Assemble the dish ahead of time, but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Herb Enhancements: Fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or parsley can elevate the flavor profile. Sprinkle fresh herbs on top of the casserole just before serving for a burst of color and fragrance.
- Baking Tip: If the biscuit topping is golden but the filling isn’t bubbling yet, cover the casserole loosely with foil and continue to bake for an additional 10-15 minutes.
Cheddar Chicken Casserole
4
servings15
minutes1
hour575
kcal10
minutes1
hour25
minutesDiscover the ultimate comfort food with our Easy Cheddar Chicken Casserole! This mouthwatering dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, savory mixed vegetables, and a rich cheddar biscuit topping to create a complete, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s simple to prepare using everyday ingredients. Whether you’re feeding the family or impressing guests, this casserole delivers delicious flavor without the fuss. Ready in under two hours and adaptable to your taste, it’s no wonder this recipe has taken social media by storm. Dive into a hearty, flavorful experience that’s both affordable and customizable!
Ingredients
2/3 stick unsalted butter melted
1 1/4 cups shredded rotisserie chicken deboned
1 1/4 cups whole milk
1 1/3 cups frozen mixed vegetables
1 1/4 cups chicken broth
2/3 box cheddar biscuit mix
7 oz cream of chicken soup
2/3 tsp black pepper
2/3 tsp garlic powder
2/3 tsp onion powder
1 tsp Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor
- Alternative Ingredients:
Rotisserie Chicken: Substitute with cooked chicken breast or turkey for a different protein option.
Red Lobster Cheddar Bay Biscuit Mix: Use any store-brand cheddar biscuit mix or homemade biscuit dough.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Replace with a homemade creamy chicken sauce or a gluten-free chicken gravy.
Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor: Substitute with low-sodium chicken broth concentrate or additional chicken broth.
Frozen Mixed Vegetables: Use fresh vegetables like carrots peas, and corn, or substitute with your favorite vegetable blend.
Butter: Can be replaced with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative for a dairy-free version.
Milk: Use almond milk or soy milk as a dairy-free substitute.
Black Pepper Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adjust spices to taste or use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary for added flavor.
Directions
- Prepare the Chicken – Begin by carefully removing all bones from the rotisserie chicken and cutting the meat into uniform, bite-sized pieces. This ensures even distribution and easier consumption in the final dish. This step should take about 10 minutes.
- Set Up the Baking Dish – Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven is warming up, generously coat the base of a 9×13-inch casserole dish with the melted butter. To expedite the melting process, you may place the dish in the oven for a few minutes or use a microwave for quicker results. This preparation takes approximately 5 minutes.
- Assemble the Casserole – Evenly distribute the shredded chicken across the buttered bottom of the dish. Next, layer the frozen mixed vegetables atop the chicken, ensuring a consistent coverage for balanced flavors and textures. This assembly process should take around 5 minutes.
- Combine Liquids and Seasonings – In a separate bowl, mix the milk, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Better Than Bouillon Chicken Flavor until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken and vegetables in the casserole dish, ensuring all ingredients are well-coated. This step adds depth and creaminess to the dish and takes about 5 minutes.
- Add Biscuit Topping and Bake – Sprinkle the cheddar biscuit mix evenly over the top of the assembled casserole. Make sure the biscuit topping covers the entire surface for a golden, crispy finish. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 60 minutes, or until the biscuit topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly and thoroughly heated. Allow the dish to rest for about 10 minutes before serving to set.
Equipment
- casserole dish
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 575kcal
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Potassium: 700mg
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sugar: 5g
- Protein: 40g
- Vitamin A: 800IU
- Vitamin C: 15mg
- Calcium: 200mg
- Iron: 4mg
FAQ- Cheddar Chicken Casserole
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Yes, you can substitute rotisserie chicken with fresh cooked chicken, such as grilled or baked chicken breast. Just make sure to shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the casserole.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! You can use dairy-free alternatives like dairy-free butter, almond milk, and a dairy-free cream of chicken soup. Just make sure the biscuit mix is also dairy-free.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until heated through.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you choose to freeze it, follow the instructions above for freezing.
What other vegetables can I add to the casserole?
You can add vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or bell peppers. Fresh veggies can provide extra flavor and nutrition, so feel free to mix and match based on your preferences.
