Dinner

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

ByVictor Layne December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting and cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a rich cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This casserole is easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

A close-up of a baked dish in a white ceramic deep baking dish with a blue outside, placed on a white plate with green floral design. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer shows tender white shredded chicken, the middle layer is a creamy sauce with pieces of yellow corn mixed in, and the top layer is a thick golden-brown melted cheese crust with browned spots and small green herb bits sprinkled across. The edges of the cheese are bubbly and slightly crisped. The dish sits on a white marbled surface with a fork beside it. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces
4 cups cooked and drained pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni works best)
3 tablespoons butter
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons flour
½ cup sour cream
1 cup milk
3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), with ½ cup reserved for topping
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in the flour and cook for about 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add the milk and sour cream, whisking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the grated cheese, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce.
Step 5: Add the cooked chicken, pasta, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the sauce, tossing everything together until evenly coated.
Step 6: Transfer the mixture to a prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the reserved ½ cup of cheese on top.
Step 7: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the cheese on top is bubbling and golden brown.
Step 8: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions and garlic.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time when preparing the cooked chicken.
Try mixing different cheese varieties for a unique taste—sharp cheddar pairs well with Swiss.
If you prefer a creamier casserole, increase the sour cream to ¾ cup.
To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Avoid freezing as the sauce may separate upon thawing.

How to Serve

A white casserole dish filled with baked chicken and cheese casserole sits on a stack of white floral plates on a white marbled surface. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer is white cooked chicken chunks, the middle layer is creamy pale yellow cheese sauce, and the top layer is melted golden brown cheese with small spots of darker brown and green herb sprinkles scattered across. The cheese topping has a slightly bubbly and smooth texture with some crisp, browned edges. A fork rests nearby on the white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use uncooked chicken instead of cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and avoid drying out the casserole. If using uncooked chicken, cook it thoroughly before adding to the dish.