Paula Deen’s Legendary Comfort Chicken Casserole Recipe

Paula Deen’s delightful chicken casserole sparks memories of comforting Southern kitchens.

Soft golden layers promise a nostalgic culinary adventure waiting to unfold.

Creamy textures blend with crispy crackers for an irresistible combination.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meal solutions like this classic dish.

Unexpected ingredients create magical flavor profiles that surprise even seasoned home cooks.

Rich aromas will drift through your kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around.

Each forkful promises pure, homestyle deliciousness that connects generations through shared meals.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this heartwarming recipe.

Chicken Casserole Made Famous by Paula Deen

• Quick Weeknight Savior: Prepares in just 45 minutes from start to finish, making it an ideal solution for hectic evenings when time is short.
• Comfort Food Champion: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and a crunchy Ritz cracker topping that delivers ultimate comfort and nostalgic flavor.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Easily adaptable for potlucks, family gatherings, or casual dinner nights, with simple ingredients most people already have in their kitchen.

Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: Main protein source, tender and flavorful, preferably cooked and shredded.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Mayonnaise, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy base for rich and smooth texture, full-fat versions recommended for best flavor.

• Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt, Pepper: Essential for enhancing overall taste profile, use fresh and high-quality spices.

• Ritz Crackers: Provides crunchy texture, classic buttery flavor for casserole topping.
• Butter: Helps bind cracker crumbs and adds rich golden color when baked.

• Green Onions: Fresh finishing touch for added color and mild onion flavor.

Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole Prep Steps

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Dish

Turn your oven to 350°F.

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and coat it generously with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Flavor-Packed Chicken Blend

• Shredded chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Mayonnaise
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt
• Pepper

Fold in most of the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until everything is beautifully mixed together.

Step 3: Layer the Casserole Base

Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to create a smooth, delicious foundation.

Step 4: Craft the Crunchy Topping

In a separate bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter.

Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture over the casserole.

Finish by scattering the remaining cheddar cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the casserole from the oven.

Let it rest for a few minutes to set.

If you want, sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh, zesty finish.

Dive in and enjoy your comfort food masterpiece!

Quick Tips for Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole

• Choose tender, freshly cooked chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for the most flavorful and moist results in your casserole.
• Experiment with different crackers like butter crackers or seasoned breadcrumbs to add unique texture and flavor to the dish's crispy layer.
• Swap full-fat ingredients with light sour cream, low-fat mayonnaise, and reduced-fat cheese to create a lighter version of the classic casserole.
• Prepare the entire casserole in advance, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months – perfect for quick weeknight meals.
• Adjust salt and pepper to taste, considering the sodium content in cream of chicken soup and pre-seasoned rotisserie chicken.

Chicken Casserole Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Cover with foil to prevent excessive browning.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.

What Pairs With Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole

• Pair Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc to complement the creamy, rich casserole's flavor profile. The wine's bright acidity cuts through the dish's heaviness and refreshes the palate.
• Serve Fresh Green Salad: Craft a light mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the casserole's richness. Incorporate crisp cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty lemon dressing for contrast.
• Match Roasted Vegetable Side: Prepare herb-roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts. The caramelized edges and subtle seasonings will enhance the casserole's buttery Ritz cracker topping while adding nutritional variety.
• Recommend Sparkling Water Pairing: Select a lemon or cucumber-infused sparkling water to cleanse the palate between bites. The effervescence and light citrus notes will help cut through the casserole's creamy texture and provide a refreshing counterpoint.

Other Tasty Options For Paula Deens Chicken Casserole

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Swap: Replace Ritz crackers with crushed pork rinds and use cauliflower rice instead of traditional chicken for a keto-friendly version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or almond flour crumbs and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap sour cream and cheese with coconut yogurt and nutritional yeast, using dairy-free mayonnaise and plant-based cream of chicken soup for a milk-free alternative.
• Vegetarian Transform: Replace chicken with jackfruit or firm tofu, using vegetable cream of mushroom soup and plant-based cheese to create a meatless casserole option.

FAQs

• What ingredients make Paula Deen's chicken casserole creamy?

The creaminess comes from a combination of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and mayonnaise. These ingredients blend together to create a rich, smooth texture that makes the casserole incredibly delicious and comforting.

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. It’s already cooked and seasoned, making it perfect for this casserole. Simply shred the meat and use it as directed in the recipe.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

To make it lighter, use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and light mayonnaise. You can also add some vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

• Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and freeze it before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

Paula Deens Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Paula Dean’s amazing chicken casserole brings Southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible cheesy goodness. Hearty layers of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy crackers promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 3 cups (720 ml) cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)

Dairy:

• 2 cups (240 g) shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) sour cream
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons (30 ml) melted butter

Soup and Seasoning:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

• 1/2 cup (60 g) crushed Ritz crackers (or your preferred cracker)

Garnish:

• 1/4 cup (15 g) chopped green onions (optional)

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray for smooth release.
2. In a spacious mixing bowl, blend shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper into a creamy, well-integrated mixture.
3. Fold in 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese until evenly distributed throughout the chicken base.
4. Gently transfer the seasoned chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
5. Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter to create a crispy topping mixture.
6. Distribute the buttery cracker crumbs across the casserole’s surface, ensuring complete coverage.
7. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the cracker layer for an additional cheesy dimension.
8. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble with enthusiasm.
9. Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after removing from the oven, enabling flavors to settle and texture to stabilize.
10. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a vibrant, crisp finishing touch before serving.

Notes

• Swap regular Ritz crackers with gluten-free alternatives to create a celiac-friendly version of this comforting dish.
• Reduce sodium content by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and cutting back on added salt.
• Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and mayonnaise for a lighter, protein-packed twist that maintains creamy texture.
• Enhance nutritional value by adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or spinach directly into the chicken mixture for extra nutrients and color.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Southern (American)

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 469
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 822 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 88 mg