Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole: A Southern Comfort Classic

A Dish That Feels Like Home

There’s something truly special about a warm, bubbling casserole coming out of the oven. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a reminder of family gatherings, cozy Sunday dinners, and the kind of home-cooked food that brings everyone to the table. For me, Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor, with a golden, crunchy topping that adds the perfect finishing touch.

I remember the first time I had a dish like this at a family potluck. It was placed right in the center of the table, and before anyone could even get a bite, you could hear people saying, “Who made this? It smells incredible!” After one bite, I was hooked. The combination of tender chicken, rich sauce, and a crispy, buttery topping was just irresistible. Ever since then, it’s been a go-to recipe whenever I need a meal that feels like a warm hug.

Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving something hearty and nostalgic, this chicken casserole never disappoints. It’s one of those meals that’s simple to make, yet tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Classic Southern Comfort Food

This casserole is rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it one of those crowd-pleasing dishes that everyone will love.

2. Easy to Make with Simple Ingredients

Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this dish both budget-friendly and convenient.

3. A One-Pan Wonder for Less Cleanup

Everything is mixed together in one baking dish, which means minimal mess and easy cleanup.

4. Perfect for Meal Prep and Leftovers

Not only does it taste amazing fresh out of the oven, but the leftovers are just as good—if not better—the next day.

5. A Family Favorite for Any Occasion

This dish is great for weeknight dinners, holidays, and potlucks. It’s a meal that brings people together and feels like home.

What You’ll Need (Ingredients)

For the Casserole Base:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
• 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 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)

For the Topping:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted

How to Bring This Comforting Casserole to Life (Directions)

1. Preheat & Prep: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Mix the Filling: In a large bowl, combine shredded chicken, both soups, sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
3. Incorporate the Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and diced tomatoes, being careful not to break the noodles.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly in the greased baking dish.
5. Add the Cheesy Crunch: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top, then mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter and spread evenly over the cheese.
6. Bake Until Golden: Bake for 30-35 minutes or until hot, bubbly, and golden brown on top.
7. Cool & Serve: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

A Homestyle Bite: Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving Estimate)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Protein: 32g
• Fat: 29g (Saturated: 10g)
• Cholesterol: 95mg
• Sodium: 880mg
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 5g

Pro Tips for Making the Best Chicken Casserole

Use Rotisserie Chicken for Extra Flavor

To save time, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. The pre-seasoned, tender meat adds an extra depth of flavor to the dish.

Mix the Sauce Well for Even Coating

Make sure to thoroughly mix the creamy ingredients before adding the chicken and noodles. This ensures every bite is full of rich, savory goodness.

Don’t Overcook the Noodles

Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, slightly undercook them beforehand to prevent them from becoming too soft.

Try Different Cheeses for Variety

Sharp cheddar is a great choice, but you can mix in Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a bit of Parmesan for extra depth.

Use a Crispy Topping for the Best Texture

Crushed cornflakes, Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter create the perfect crispy, golden-brown topping.

Let It Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to sit for 5-10 minutes after baking. This helps it set up and makes it easier to serve.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?

Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.

2. Can I Freeze This Casserole?

Absolutely! To freeze:

• Assemble the casserole but do not bake it.
• Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.
• When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

3. What Can I Serve with This Casserole?

While this dish is hearty on its own, it pairs well with:

• Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or green beans
• A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
• Garlic bread or dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce

4. How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?

If you want a healthier version, try these substitutions:

• Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise and sour cream
• Opt for low-fat cheese
• Swap in whole wheat egg noodles for extra fiber

5. Can I Make This Gluten-Free?

Yes! Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute the cornflake topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs for a completely gluten-free dish.

6. How Do I Store Leftovers?

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in the microwave or oven at 350°F until heated through.

7. Can I Add Extra Vegetables?

Absolutely! Mix in peas, spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to make it even heartier and more nutritious.

8. What’s the Best Way to Get a Super Crispy Topping?

For the crispiest topping:

• Mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter before sprinkling over the casserole.
• Broil for the last 2-3 minutes to get a golden, crunchy finish.

Serving Suggestions: Make It a Complete Meal

1. Pair It with a Light Side Dish

Since this dish is rich and creamy, serve it with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables to balance it out.

2. Serve with Homemade Biscuits

A warm, flaky biscuit on the side is perfect for scooping up every last bite of cheesy goodness.

3. Turn It Into a Potluck Favorite

Make a double batch for large gatherings—it’s always the first dish to disappear at family events!

4. Add a Little Heat

For a spicy kick, stir in chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce into the creamy mixture before baking.

Why This Chicken Casserole Deserves a Spot in Your Recipe Collection

Some recipes become instant classics, and this Paula Deen-inspired Chicken Casserole is one of them. It’s the kind of comfort food that brings people together, whether you’re enjoying a casual weeknight dinner or celebrating a special occasion.

With its rich, creamy filling, tender chicken, and crispy, golden topping, this dish is warm, satisfying, and packed with flavor. Best of all, it’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and perfect for meal prep.

So, the next time you need a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal, try this classic Southern casserole. It’s a recipe that never fails to impress and always leaves people asking for seconds.

Happy cooking!