There’s something magical about a warm, hearty casserole fresh out of the oven. Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s rich, flavorful, and packed with comforting ingredients that can turn even the chilliest evening into a cozy celebration. Creamy, cheesy, and full of tender chicken and potatoes, this dish will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s easy to make and perfect for leftovers!
Whether you're prepping for a weeknight dinner, feeding a crowd, or needing a dish to bring to a potluck, this casserole ticks all the boxes.
Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to create this golden tray of deliciousness:
For the Casserole:
- 4 cups diced potatoes (peeled or unpeeled, Yukon Gold or Russet work great!)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well!)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream (or substitute with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor and color)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
Boil the diced potatoes in salted water for about 8–10 minutes, or until slightly tender but not fully cooked. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, half of the shredded cheese (1 cup), chopped onion, minced garlic, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
Add the cooked chicken and partially cooked potatoes to the creamy mixture. Toss everything together until the chicken and potatoes are evenly coated with the sauce. Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
Step 4: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese (1 cup) evenly over the casserole. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Spread the buttery cracker topping over the cheese layer.
Step 5: Bake
Place the casserole dish into the preheated oven and bake for 30–35 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling at the edges.
Step 6: Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes. Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and pair it with a crisp side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Tips for Customization
- Add more veggies: Mix in steamed broccoli, peas, or diced bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
- Substitute proteins: Swap the chicken for turkey or ham if desired. Leftovers from a holiday feast would work beautifully.
- Spice it up: Add a dash of cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Make it gluten-free: Use a gluten-free cream soup and crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping.
Storage and Reheating
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop a portion into the microwave or rewarm the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Final Thoughts
Creamy Chicken and Potato Casserole is the epitome of comfort food—simple to make, endlessly customizable, and satisfying from the first bite to the last. Whether you’re gathering around a dining table with family or sneaking a quick spoonful while standing in the kitchen, this casserole has a way of making any moment special.
Go ahead and give this recipe a try—you’ll love how it fills your kitchen with a mouthwatering aroma and how it fills your plate with deliciousness!
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