Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry shell pasta
or any shape
- 4 tablespoons Challenge Butter
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken stock
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups cooked chicken
chopped or shredded
- 3 cups frozen peas
- 1 1/2 cups about 30 crushed butter crackers
- 4 tablespoons Challenge Butter
Directions
- 1
Spray a 9x13-inch pan with nonstick cooking spray and preheat oven to 350°F.
- 2
Cook pasta according to package directions, but cook it the least amount of time (i.e. if the package says cook 10-12 minutes, cook it for only 10 minutes, or until it’s slightly al dente). Drain and set aside.
- 3
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan or pot, melt 4 tablespoons Challenge Butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute, then whisk in stock and milk until no lumps remain. Whisk in spices.
- 4
Switch to a wooden spoon or spatula and stir almost continuously until the mixture thickens. This will take a few minutes, and will happen just as the mixture starts to simmer. Add in the cheese and stir until it’s melted through then remove the mixture from the heat.
- 5
Stir in the chicken, peas and pasta. Pour into prepared pan.
- 6
Make the topping: melt 4 tablespoons Challenge Butter. Pour over crushed crackers in a small bowl and stir with a fork to moisten all the crumbs. Sprinkle evenly over casserole.
- 7
Bake 20-30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly around the edges and the crackers have browned a bit.
- 8
Serve hot. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Cheesy Chicken Casserole Recipe
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Ratings & Reviews
Based on 11 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a truly satisfying, fuss-free meal that tastes like a hug on a plate? This Cheesy Chicken Casserole recipe delivers classic comfort food appeal with its creamy pasta, tender chicken, and irresistible buttery cracker topping.
Why This Casserole Is a Family Favorite
What makes this Cheesy Chicken Casserole truly shine is its perfect balance of textures and flavors, all built around a rich, savory base. The secret to its widespread appeal lies in the luxurious, cheesy sauce that coats every piece of pasta and chicken, combined with the signature crispy, golden-brown butter cracker topping. This clever addition not only adds a delightful crunch but also a salty, savory counterpoint that elevates a simple casserole into something truly special. It’s a hearty meal that comes together with ease, proving that delicious comfort food doesn't have to be complicated.
What to Expect from Your Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Prepare for a comforting culinary experience that’s rich, creamy, and wonderfully satisfying. Each spoonful offers a delightful medley of tender cooked chicken, perfectly al dente shell pasta, and sweet peas, all enveloped in a velvety cheddar cheese sauce. The aroma alone is enough to gather everyone around the dinner table. Topped with a generous layer of crushed butter crackers, baked to a golden crispness, this casserole provides a textural contrast that keeps every bite exciting. It’s a robust, flavorful dish designed to nourish and please, making it an ideal centerpiece for any family meal.
Customization & Variations
This Cheesy Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and preferences. While frozen peas add a pop of color and sweetness, you can easily swap them for broccoli to add a different vegetable component. Feel free to use any shape of dry pasta you have on hand if shell pasta isn't available—penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni would all work beautifully. For the chicken, ensure it's cooked and then either chop or shred it to your desired consistency, making good use of leftover roast chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
Serving & Context
This hearty Cheesy Chicken Casserole is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, a casual Sunday lunch, or a potluck where you want to bring a crowd-pleasing dish. Serve it warm straight from the oven, perhaps alongside a simple green salad to complete the meal.