Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole

Introduction

Close your eyes for a moment and imagine the kitchen filled with a warm, buttery aroma—cheddar melting into sour cream, a whisper of garlic powder, and the comforting scent of baked chicken and crackers turning golden on top. Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is that kind of dish: richly textured, soothing, and evocative of family dinners where everyone lingers at the table just a little longer. The first forkful offers creamy, savory layers with tender shredded chicken, soft rice, and a crisp, buttery topping—each bite both hearty and nostalgic.

This casserole is perfect for cozy weeknight dinners, casual potlucks, or holiday buffet tables when you want a make-ahead crowd-pleaser. It reheats beautifully, so it’s also ideal for meal prep or sending a warm dinner to a friend. If you enjoy comforting, one-dish meals, you might also like this Angel Chicken & Rice Casserole, which shares a similar comforting profile with different seasonings.

At a Glance

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30–35 minutes
• Total Time: 45–50 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Difficulty Level: Easy — great for beginner cooks or busy weeknights

Nutrition Highlights

Nutrition (approximate) per serving (based on 6 servings total):

• Calories: ~430 kcal
• Protein: ~24 g
• Carbohydrates: ~24 g
• Fat: ~23 g
• Saturated Fat: ~10 g
• Sodium: variable (depends on canned soup and crackers)
• Fiber: ~2–3 g

Notes on accuracy: these values are estimates derived from standard ingredient nutrition profiles (USDA FoodData Central and similar government nutrition databases). Actual nutrition will vary based on brands (especially canned soup, sour cream, cheese, and crackers), portion sizes, and substitutions. For precise tracking, plug your exact brands and quantities into a nutrition calculator or the USDA FoodData Central database.

Why You’ll Love It

• Comfort with character: The casserole balances creamy and crunchy textures—soft chicken and rice in a rich sauce topped with a golden cracker crust that adds a buttery finish.
• Family-friendly: Mild, familiar flavors appeal to kids and adults alike; it’s the kind of recipe that sparks warm memories and repeats.
• Effortless entertaining: Minimal hands-on time, forgiving technique, and straightforward ingredients make it easy to double for larger gatherings.
• Make-ahead and versatile: Assemble ahead, refrigerate, and bake later; leftovers reheat well for quick lunches or second dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Ingredients

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice
• 1 can cream of chicken soup (condensed)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, etc.)
• 1/2 cup onion, diced
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers for topping

Optional ingredients and substitutions

• Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt (same quantity) for tang and a protein boost.
• Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Substitute cooked quinoa for rice to increase fiber and protein.
• For lower sodium, use a low-sodium or homemade cream of chicken soup.
• For dairy-free: use dairy-free sour cream and cheddar alternative; use a dairy-free butter cracker or panko topping.

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, diced onion, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
4. Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Top with crushed buttery crackers.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until heated through and the top is golden brown.
7. Serve warm and enjoy!

Practical tips

• Avoid overmixing: Stir gently to keep the chicken tender and the rice from becoming gluey.
• Check doneness: The casserole is ready when it’s bubbling at the edges and the cracker topping is golden. If the center seems too soft after 35 minutes, cover loosely with foil and bake another 5–10 minutes.
• Crisp topping: For an extra-crispy top, dot the cracker crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter before baking.
• Even heating: If your cooked chicken is cold from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to encourage even baking.

Best Pairings

• Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut the richness.
• Steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for added vegetables and color.
• Soft dinner rolls or crusty bread to scoop up saucy edges.
• For a lighter breakfast-style pairing, serve smaller portions alongside scrambled eggs and a hot cup of coffee.
• Want to transform leftovers? Roll portions into Chicken Caesar-style wraps with crisp lettuce for a portable meal.

Keeping it Fresh

• Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours (USDA food safety guidelines).
• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (about 15–20 minutes) or microwave individual portions.
• Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F until hot throughout (may take 30–45 minutes).

Chef’s Advice

• Texture balance: Use cold cooked rice (leftover rice is perfect) rather than freshly made hot rice to avoid a mushy final texture.
• Cheese choice: Sharp cheddar provides depth; a mild cheddar makes it more approachable for kids. For creamier texture, add 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack.
• Sauce consistency: If your mixture looks too thick before baking, add a splash more milk; if too loose, a few extra tablespoons of crushed crackers or 1/4 cup extra cheese will help set it.
• Salt awareness: Taste as you go—canned soup and crackers can be quite salty, so add additional salt sparingly.

Creative Twists

• Mexican-style: Stir in 1/2 cup salsa, 1 teaspoon cumin, and swap mixed veggies for corn and black beans; top with crushed tortilla chips and cilantro.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with cooked, firm cubed tofu or extra mixed vegetables and use a vegetarian cream soup or a homemade béchamel. Add smoked paprika for warmth.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free crackers or crushed toasted almonds for the topping, and swap for a gluten-free condensed soup or make a quick roux with gluten-free flour.
• Cheesy mushroom & herb: Add 1 cup sautéed mushrooms and a tablespoon of fresh thyme for a rustic, savory variation.

Recipe Q&A

Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A: Absolutely — rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds flavor.

Q: My casserole turned out watery. How do I fix that next time?
A: Ensure your cooked rice isn’t overly wet, drain thawed frozen vegetables well, and reduce added milk slightly. A brief extra bake time (covered then uncovered) can also help set it.

Q: Can I assemble it ahead of time?
A: Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add an extra 5–10 minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.

Q: How can I reduce calories or fat?
A: Use low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, and low-sodium soup. Reducing the cracker topping or substituting with crushed whole-grain cereal can also help.

Q: Is this freezer-friendly?
A: Yes. Freeze fully cooled in an airtight container for 2–3 months; thaw overnight before reheating.

Conclusion

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a dependable, comforting dish that brings warmth to weeknights and ease to entertaining. Try the recipe as written for classic flavor, or use the variations and tips above to adapt it to your pantry and preferences. If you’d like to compare another version of this recipe, check out this listing of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole on 100K Recipes for additional notes, and for another take online see the Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole on SOS Recipes.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out—share your photos and tweaks in the comments and join our community of home cooks who love comforting, simple food.