10 Best Easy Chicken Casseroles Recipes

Tired of scrambling to get dinner on the table after long, hectic days?

We all know that feeling of staring into the fridge at 6 PM, wondering what to cook.

These family-favorite chicken casseroles are your answer to stress-free dinner success.

Each recipe is designed for busy home cooks, combining simple ingredients into delicious, filling meals that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

1. Classic Chicken and Rice Casserole

This ultimate comfort food combines tender chicken, fluffy rice, and creamy sauce into one satisfying dish.

Perfect for meal prep, this casserole reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day.

The secret lies in using bone-in chicken thighs for extra flavor and cooking the rice directly in the casserole, absorbing all those delicious chicken juices.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 6 bone-in chicken thighs
• 2 cups long-grain white rice
• 4 cups chicken broth
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 carrots, sliced
• 3 celery stalks, chopped
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup frozen peas

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Season chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 2: In a large casserole dish, combine rice, broth, soup, vegetables (except peas), butter, and seasonings. Mix well.

Step 3: Place seasoned chicken thighs on top of the rice mixture, skin side up.

Step 4: Cover tightly with foil and bake for 35 minutes.

Step 5: Remove foil, add frozen peas, and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until chicken is golden and rice is tender.

Step 6: Let rest for 10 minutes before serving (this allows the rice to absorb any remaining liquid).

Nutrition Info: Calories: 425, Protein: 28g, Carbs: 48g, Fat: 15g, Fiber: 3g, Sodium: 680mg

2. Cheesy Chicken Broccoli Casserole

This crowd-pleasing casserole combines crisp broccoli and juicy chicken in a rich, cheesy sauce.

It’s the perfect way to sneak extra vegetables into your family’s diet while delivering incredible flavor.

The homemade cheese sauce makes all the difference, creating a creamy, luxurious texture that store-bought alternatives just can’t match.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 6

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 6 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

For the Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Blanch broccoli in boiling water for 3 minutes, then shock in ice water.

Step 2: Make the cheese sauce: Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened (about 5 minutes). Add seasonings and 2 cups cheese.

Step 3: Combine chicken, broccoli, and cheese sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4: Mix panko with melted butter and remaining cheese. Sprinkle over casserole.

Step 5: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 485, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 23g, Fat: 29g, Fiber: 3g, Sodium: 590mg

3. Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

This cozy casserole transforms the classic chicken noodle soup into a hearty dinner.

It’s pure comfort food that comes together quickly using pantry staples.

The creamy sauce and tender egg noodles make this dish irresistible, while the crunchy topping adds the perfect textural contrast.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups crushed butter crackers
• 3 tablespoons melted butter

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook noodles until al dente (2 minutes less than package directions).

Step 2: In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, vegetables, onion, celery, garlic, and seasonings.

Step 3: Add cooked noodles and chicken to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.

Step 4: Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over casserole.

Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden brown.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 445, Protein: 26g, Carbs: 42g, Fat: 21g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 720mg

4. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole

This bold twist on mac and cheese brings the heat of buffalo sauce together with creamy, cheesy goodness.

It’s perfect for game day or anytime you’re craving something with a kick.

The combination of three cheeses creates the ultimate creamy texture, while the buffalo sauce adds that perfect spicy tang.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 1/2 cup buffalo sauce

Cheese Sauce:

• 6 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup monterey jack cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook macaroni until al dente. Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce.

Step 2: Make cheese sauce: Melt butter over medium heat, add flour and cook for 1 minute.

Gradually whisk in milk and cook until thickened. Remove from heat, stir in cheeses and seasonings until smooth.

Step 3: Combine macaroni, buffalo chicken, and cheese sauce in a large bowl.

Step 4: Transfer to a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over top.

Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden. Garnish with parsley.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 585, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 48g, Fat: 28g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 890mg

5. Chicken Tater Tot Casserole

This kid-friendly favorite combines crispy tater tots with a creamy chicken filling.

It’s the ultimate crowd-pleasing comfort food that’s sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

The combination of crispy potato topping and creamy chicken filling creates an irresistible contrast of textures.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 1 bag (32 oz) frozen tater tots
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup milk
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. In a large bowl, combine soup, sour cream, milk, onion, vegetables, and seasonings.

Step 2: Fold in chicken and 1 cup of cheese.

Step 3: Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish.

Step 4: Arrange tater tots in a single layer on top.

Step 5: Bake covered for 45 minutes.

Step 6: Remove cover, sprinkle with remaining cheese, and bake for 5-10 more minutes until cheese is melted and tots are crispy.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 520, Protein: 29g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 26g, Fiber: 4g, Sodium: 890mg

6. Green Bean Chicken Casserole

This elevated version of the classic green bean casserole adds protein-rich chicken and homemade cream sauce for a complete meal.

Perfect for holiday dinners or any night you’re craving something special.

The scratch-made mushroom sauce takes this dish from good to extraordinary, while crispy fried onions add that beloved crunch.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, cubed
• 2 pounds fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1 pound mushrooms, sliced
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cream Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon salt

Topping:

• 1 1/2 cups crispy fried onions

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Blanch green beans in boiling water for 5 minutes, then ice bath.

Step 2: Sauté mushrooms, onion, and garlic in butter until golden (8-10 minutes).

Step 3: Make sauce: Add flour to vegetables, cook 1 minute. Gradually add milk and broth, stirring until thickened.

Step 4: Combine sauce, chicken, green beans, and seasonings in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Top with fried onions and bake for 25 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 375, Protein: 28g, Carbs: 26g, Fat: 19g, Fiber: 4g, Sodium: 650mg

7. Chicken Enchilada Casserole

Experience the flavors of Mexican cuisine in this easy-to-assemble casserole.

Layers of tortillas, seasoned chicken, and cheese create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.

The homemade enchilada sauce makes this dish truly special, while the layered approach ensures every bite is perfectly balanced.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 12 corn tortillas
• 3 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend

Enchilada Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon oregano
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz tomato sauce
• Salt to taste

Filling:

• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 cup corn kernels
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 bell peppers, diced

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Make sauce: Heat oil, whisk in flour and seasonings. Gradually add broth and tomato sauce, simmer until thickened.

Step 2: Mix chicken with beans, corn, onion, and peppers.

Step 3: Layer in 9×13 dish: sauce, tortillas, chicken mixture, cheese. Repeat twice.

Step 4: Cover with foil, bake 25 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover, bake 10 more minutes until cheese is bubbly and edges are crispy.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 465, Protein: 32g, Carbs: 38g, Fat: 22g, Fiber: 7g, Sodium: 720mg

8. Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole

This sophisticated casserole combines nutty wild rice with tender chicken in a creamy mushroom sauce.

Perfect for special occasions or when you want to elevate your weeknight dinner.

The combination of wild and brown rice provides excellent texture and nutritional benefits, while mushrooms add an earthy depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 45 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups wild rice blend
• 8 oz baby bella mushrooms, sliced
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 carrots, diced
• 3 celery stalks, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Cream Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup sliced almonds
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook wild rice according to package directions. Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Sauté vegetables in butter until tender. Add flour, cook 1 minute.

Step 3: Gradually add broth and cream, simmer until thickened. Add seasonings.

Step 4: Combine sauce, rice, chicken in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Top with buttered almonds, bake 30-35 minutes until bubbly.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 495, Protein: 31g, Carbs: 42g, Fat: 25g, Fiber: 5g, Sodium: 580mg

9. Chicken Alfredo Pasta Bake

This creamy pasta bake transforms classic chicken alfredo into a comforting casserole.

The homemade alfredo sauce creates a rich, velvety base that’s worlds better than store-bought.

A golden, crispy top gives way to perfectly cooked pasta and tender chicken in a silky sauce that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 30 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 4 cups cooked chicken, diced
• 2 cups baby spinach, roughly chopped

Alfredo Sauce:

• 1/2 cup butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/3 cup flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 2 cups freshly grated parmesan
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping:

• 1 cup mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook pasta until al dente. Preheat oven to 375°F.

Step 2: Make sauce: Sauté garlic in butter, add flour, cook 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk and cream.

Step 3: Simmer until thickened, add parmesan and seasonings.

Step 4: Combine pasta, chicken, spinach, and sauce in a 9×13 baking dish.

Step 5: Top with cheeses, bake 25-30 minutes until golden and bubbly.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 615, Protein: 37g, Carbs: 52g, Fat: 31g, Fiber: 2g, Sodium: 670mg

10. Southwest Chicken and Black Bean Casserole

This protein-packed casserole brings together the vibrant flavors of the Southwest in one satisfying dish.

Perfect for busy families who love bold, satisfying meals.

Quinoa adds a healthy twist while maintaining the comfort food feel, and the combination of spices creates an irresistible flavor profile.

Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cook Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 55 minutes | Servings: 8

Ingredients:

• 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 2 cups quinoa, rinsed
• 2 cans black beans, drained
• 1 can corn, drained
• 2 bell peppers, diced
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cups salsa
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons taco seasoning
• 2 cups Mexican cheese blend

Garnish:

• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream

Instructions:

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350°F. Cook quinoa in broth according to package directions.

Step 2: Combine cooked quinoa, chicken, beans, corn, peppers, onion, salsa, and seasoning.

Step 3: Transfer to 9×13 baking dish, top with cheese.

Step 4: Cover, bake 25 minutes.

Step 5: Uncover, bake 10 more minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Let rest 10 minutes, serve with garnishes.

Nutrition Info: Calories: 445, Protein: 35g, Carbs: 48g, Fat: 16g, Fiber: 9g, Sodium: 780mg

Final Thoughts

These chicken casseroles prove that comfort food can be both delicious and convenient.

Each recipe has been carefully crafted to deliver maximum flavor while keeping preparation simple and straightforward.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week ahead, these casseroles are sure to become your go-to recipes.

Remember, most can be assembled ahead and frozen, making them perfect for busy lifestyles.