Creamy Chicken Casserole

When comfort food calls, there’s nothing quite like a warm, bubbling chicken casserole fresh from the oven. This Creamy Chicken Casserole with Buttery Cracker Topping delivers everything you love about a hearty homemade meal – tender shredded chicken, a rich and creamy sauce, gooey melted cheese, and a golden, buttery cracker topping that adds the perfect crunch in every bite.

This recipe is ideal for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or potluck events. The best part? It comes together with simple ingredients you likely already have on hand, especially if you pick up a rotisserie chicken. The flavor is bold and satisfying thanks to the Creole seasoning, while the blend of cheeses makes it irresistibly creamy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps and common ingredients make this recipe accessible for all skill levels.
• Family Friendly: The creamy texture and cheesy flavor appeal to both kids and adults.
• Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes just as good the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Customizable: You can easily switch up the seasonings, cheeses, or even add vegetables.

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Ingredients

• 1 (10.5 oz) can condensed cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup cottage cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1½ tsp Creole Kick seasoning, plus extra for garnish
• 1 tsp garlic powder, divided
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 4 cups shredded cooked chicken (about 1 rotisserie chicken)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley, plus extra for garnish
• 30 buttery round crackers (such as Ritz), crushed (about 1¼ cups)
• ¼ cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken Mixture

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, sour cream, softened cream cheese, Creole Kick seasoning, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until smooth and well blended.
Fold in the shredded chicken and parsley until evenly coated in the creamy mixture.

3. Make the Cracker Topping

In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed crackers, melted butter, and the remaining ½ teaspoon garlic powder. Mix until the crumbs are evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole

Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese evenly over the top.
Add the cracker crumb mixture, spreading it evenly to cover the cheese.

5. Bake

Cover the dish with foil and bake for about 35 minutes.
Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 8–10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra Creole Kick seasoning and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor and color before serving.

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Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole

• Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds rich flavor.
• Soften Cream Cheese Fully: This ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce.
• Crush Crackers Evenly: A uniform crumb size helps the topping bake up evenly.
• Let it Rest: Allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce can thicken slightly.

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Variations to Try

• Add Veggies: Stir in peas, broccoli, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Switch the Cheese: Try sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a twist.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for heat.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free crackers and soup.

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What to Serve With Creamy Chicken Casserole

This casserole is versatile enough to be served as both a main dish and a warm dip for parties or game day. Here are some great pairing ideas:

1. Fresh Green Salad – Adds freshness and balance to the richness.
2. Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans – Keeps the plate wholesome and colorful.
3. Roasted Vegetables – Carrots, zucchini, or brussels sprouts make great sides.
4. Buttered Egg Noodles or Rice – Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
5. Mashed Potatoes – For the ultimate comfort food combination.
6. Dinner Rolls or Garlic Bread – Great for sopping up every bit of sauce.
7. Cornbread – Adds a slightly sweet, crumbly complement.
8. Ritz Crackers – Serve alongside for dipping when using the casserole as a party appetizer.
9. Celery and Carrot Sticks – Crisp, refreshing, and perfect for dipping.
10. Baked Sweet Potatoes – A sweet and savory pairing that works beautifully.

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Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: Warm in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or microwave in short intervals.

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This Creamy Chicken Casserole with Buttery Cracker Topping is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you serve it as the star of your dinner table or as a hot, cheesy dip for a gathering, it’s bound to be the dish everyone asks for again and again.