If you’re hunting for a cozy, go-to meal that wraps up comfort and convenience perfectly, then Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe is an absolute winner. This dish brings together tender shredded chicken, creamy soups, tangy sour cream, and cheesy goodness all baked under a crisp, buttery cornflake topping. It’s the kind of casserole that feels like a warm hug from the inside and comes together with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or simply want a fuss-free dinner that pleases everyone, this recipe is pure home cooking at its finest.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients. Each one plays a special role—adding creaminess, texture, or flavor—that blends into one irresistible dish.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Use freshly cooked or leftover chicken for tender, flavorful bites throughout the casserole.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: This gives the casserole a rich, savory base with comforting depth.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds earthiness and extra creaminess to the mixture.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tang and luscious smoothness that balances the richer elements.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Enhances moisture while lending a subtle richness that’s not too heavy.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, sharp flavor that melts beautifully on top.
- 2 cups cooked and drained egg noodles: These soft noodles add satisfying texture without overpowering the flavors.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional): Offers a pop of color and a fresh, juicy contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Infuses warmth and a subtle punch of garlic flavor.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with gentle onion notes.
- Salt and pepper to taste: The perfect seasoning duo that brings all the flavors alive.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes for topping: Creates a golden, crunchy crust that’s downright irresistible.
- 2 tbsp melted butter for topping: Helps the cornflakes crisp up and brown beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This sets the stage for baking your casserole to bubbling perfection.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Mixture
In a large bowl, mix together the shredded chicken with the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Stir in the sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. This combination creates a rich, creamy filling that’s bursting with layers of flavor.
Step 3: Fold in Noodles and Tomatoes
Gently fold in your cooked and drained egg noodles along with the diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Be careful not to overmix here; you want the ingredients just evenly incorporated without breaking up the noodles.
Step 4: Prepare the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken and noodle mixture evenly inside. This helps ensure every bite gets that perfect balance of creamy filling.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top for a melty, golden layer. Then, in a small bowl, combine crushed cornflakes with melted butter and sprinkle this over the cheese. This topping will bake up crisp and adds fantastic textural contrast.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Bubbling
Place your casserole in the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it’s piping hot, bubbly around the edges, and the cornflake topping is a beautiful golden brown. The aroma alone will have everyone eager to eat.
Step 7: Let it Rest Before Serving
After baking, give the casserole a few minutes to cool and set. This makes serving easier and allows flavors to meld just a bit more for that comforting, homemade taste.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe
Garnishes
Add a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top to brighten the casserole with a pop of green and fresh flavor. A light dusting of paprika can add a subtle smoky note and enhance visual appeal.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads, roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or even a side of crusty bread to soak up every bit of that creamy goodness. The sides can be as simple or fancy as you like!
Creative Ways to Present
Serve individual portions in ramekins for a charming touch at family dinners or potlucks. Alternatively, layer it in a trifle dish for a casual buffet, allowing guests to scoop out generous servings of this comforting dish. Adding a small bowl of hot sauce on the side can offer a spicy twist for those who crave it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making next-day leftovers even better.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes, to keep the topping crisp. For a quicker option, microwave individual portions until hot, though you’ll miss out on some crunch.
FAQs
Can I substitute the egg noodles with another pasta?
Absolutely! Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or even bowties will work well. Just make sure they’re cooked and drained before adding to the mixture to avoid excess moisture.
Is it necessary to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups?
The combination adds a richer depth of flavor, but if you prefer, you can use just one type for a more straightforward taste. Cream of chicken alone will keep it classic; cream of mushroom adds earthiness.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes! Swap out the shredded chicken for sautéed mushrooms, tofu, or a mix of your favorite vegetables. Use vegetarian soup versions or homemade sauces to keep it creamy and delicious.
How can I make the cornflake topping extra crispy?
Make sure you use melted butter evenly mixed with the crushed cornflakes and bake uncovered. Placing the casserole on a middle rack allows the heat to circulate and crisp the topping nicely.
What’s the best way to shred chicken for this recipe?
Cooked chicken can be shredded by hand, with two forks, or by pulse in a food processor using short bursts. Hand shredding gives a nicer texture and prevents it from becoming mushy.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe truly feels like a warm, welcoming hug on a plate. Its creamy, comforting layers, easy preparation, and satisfying textures make it a family favorite for any night of the week. Give it a try—your loved ones will thank you with every delicious bite!
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Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole for Quick Family Dinners Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This delicious Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for quick family dinners. Combining tender shredded chicken with creamy soups, sour cream, and mayonnaise, mixed with egg noodles and topped with cheddar cheese and a buttery cornflake crust, this casserole bakes to golden perfection in about 45 minutes. Easy to assemble and sure to please the whole family, it’s a hearty meal that brings warmth and flavor to your table.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked and drained egg noodles
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
Topping
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is at the right temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Mix Chicken and Creamy Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
- Fold in Noodles and Tomatoes: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and the drained diced tomatoes, if using. Be careful not to over-stir to maintain the texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking, then spread the chicken mixture evenly inside the dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and noodle mixture.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer, creating a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly and enhance flavors.
Notes
- You can omit the diced tomatoes if you prefer a creamier, tomato-free casserole.
- For a lower fat option, consider using reduced-fat sour cream and mayonnaise.
- The cornflake topping adds a delightful crunch but can be substituted with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- Ensure the egg noodles are well drained to avoid a watery casserole.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking from cold.
