Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a family-friendly meal loaded with tender pasta, juicy chicken, green chiles, and peppers in a creamy cheesy sauce. Baked until hot and bubbly, this easy casserole is perfect for busy weeknights.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- Flavor: This casserole is rich, creamy, with savory chicken, sharp cheddar cheese, mild green chiles, and a hint of warmth from chili powder and seasoned salt.
- Why Make It: Made with leftover chicken or poached chicken breasts, this casserole is super quick to prepare. It can even be prepped ahead of time!
- Recommended Tools: You’ll need a pot, a skillet, a large mixing bowl, and a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair with a simple vegetable side, such as roasted asparagus or honey roasted carrots, to balance the rich and creamy flavors.
Total Time: 1 hour Servings: 6 Cooking Method: Baked Casserole
Ingredient Notes
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken, leftover baked chicken, or poached chicken all work for this casserole. Turkey or ham can also be used.
- Pasta: Any medium pasta will work in this recipe. But be sure to cook them just to al dente, so they don’t become too soft while baking.
- Red Bell Pepper: It adds a touch of sweetness and color to the casserole. Green bell pepper can be used instead for a slightly sharper, more savory flavor.
- Chili Powder: It adds a warm, gentle hint of spice without making the casserole overly hot. Taco seasoning can be used as a substitute, but start with less since the flavors are stronger.
- Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: It creates a creamy, flavorful sauce quickly and helps bring the casserole together with minimal prep. Any cream-based soups can be used, so use whatever you have in your pantry.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives the most flavor, while mild cheddar creates a softer taste. For extra spice, replace part of the cheddar with pepper jack cheese.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- Boil the pasta until just firm (full recipe below).
- Sauté the onion and bell pepper in butter, then season.
- Mix the milk, cheese, green chiles, chicken, and cooked pasta.
- Spread everything into a casserole dish, top with the remaining cheddar, and bake.
Leftovers You’ll Love
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Then reheat portions in the microwave or warm larger amounts in the oven, covered, with a splash of milk if needed to loosen the sauce.
What to Serve with Chicken Casserole
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Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
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Heat oven to 375°F.
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Cook shells al dente according to package directions.
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In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and red bell pepper and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the chili powder and seasoned salt.
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In a large bowl, combine soup, onion mixture, milk, 2 cups cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese. Mix well. Stir in chicken, green chiles, and pasta.
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Spread into a 9×13 casserole dish. Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
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Bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Any medium pasta will work in this recipe. Be sure to cook it so it’s still a bit firm, it’ll cook more in the oven.
This recipe is versatile, you can swap out the chicken for ham or turkey.
If adding extra vegetables, ensure they’re pre-cooked (leftovers work well).
To Add a Bread Crumb Topping: Combine 3 tablespoons panko crumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter (add a sprinkle of garlic powder, salt & pepper). Sprinkle over the casserole and bake as directed.
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Calories: 649 | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 20g | Cholesterol: 138mg | Sodium: 1197mg | Potassium: 445mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 1420IU | Vitamin C: 18.4mg | Calcium: 573mg | Iron: 2.6mg
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Main Course
Cuisine American
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