Rotisserie Chicken Casserole Recipe

Tender shreds of savory rotisserie chicken nestle among perfectly cooked pasta and vibrant vegetables, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that bubbles beneath a golden, crispy topping. This comforting casserole transforms convenient store-bought chicken into an extraordinary meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The combination of creamy texture, savory depth, and satisfying heartiness makes this dish the ultimate answer to 'What's for dinner?' when you need something guaranteed to please everyone at your table.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed to stretch a rotisserie chicken into multiple meals. What began as a simple way to use leftovers quickly became a family favorite that my children request regularly. The first time I served it, my husband went back for seconds and then asked if there was enough for his lunch the next day—always the sign of a winning recipe! What I love most is how adaptable it is to whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it perfect for those nights when a trip to the grocery store just isn't happening.

Flavor Building Blocks

• Rotisserie Chicken: Provides convenient, pre-cooked protein with depth of flavor—dark and white meat mixed together offers the best taste experience
• Pasta: Creates a hearty, satisfying base that absorbs the creamy sauce—medium shapes like rotini or penne capture more sauce in their crevices
• Cream of Chicken Soup: Forms the silky foundation for the sauce with minimal effort—premium brands offer better flavor but store brands work perfectly well
• Sour Cream: Adds rich tanginess that elevates the entire dish—full-fat creates the creamiest result but light works fine for a lighter version
• Cheddar Cheese: Contributes essential savory depth and creamy meltability—sharp or extra-sharp varieties provide the most flavor impact
• Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika create layers of flavor without additional chopping—these dried spices bloom beautifully in the creamy sauce
• Mixed Vegetables: Add color, nutrition, and texture contrast—frozen varieties save time while still providing freshness and visual appeal
• Buttery Breadcrumb Topping: Creates the essential crispy textural contrast to the creamy interior—the golden crust is often the most fought-over part of the dish

Effortless Preparation

Begin With The Basics

Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This standard-sized dish creates the perfect depth for the casserole to develop both creamy interior and crispy topping. The moderate temperature ensures even cooking without burning the topping.

Create The Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, combine one can of cream of chicken soup, one cup of sour cream, and half cup of milk until completely smooth. Add one teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder, half teaspoon of paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This well-seasoned mixture forms the foundation of flavor for the entire dish.

Incorporate The Main Components

To the sauce mixture, add three cups of shredded rotisserie chicken, two cups of cooked pasta (slightly undercooked is ideal as it will continue cooking in the oven), one cup of frozen mixed vegetables, and three-quarters cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.

Assemble With Care

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking. The even distribution creates perfect serving portions where everyone gets the ideal ratio of pasta, chicken, vegetables, and sauce in every scoop.

Add The Cheesy Layer

Sprinkle the remaining quarter cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole. This creates a beautiful melted cheese layer between the creamy filling and crispy topping that adds extra indulgence to each bite.

Create The Crispy Crown

In a small bowl, mix half cup of breadcrumbs with two tablespoons of melted butter until the crumbs are evenly moistened. Scatter this mixture over the cheese layer, creating a textural contrast that makes this casserole exceptional. The butter ensures the topping becomes perfectly golden and crisp.

Bake To Bubbling Perfection

Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. This time allows the flavors to meld while creating the contrasting textures that make casseroles so satisfying.

Rest Before Serving

Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period lets the sauce set slightly, making it easier to serve neat portions. If desired, sprinkle with fresh parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor.

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I discovered the magic of this recipe after buying a rotisserie chicken for a different meal and finding myself with plenty of leftovers. Rather than serving plain chicken a second night, I decided to transform it into something completely different. The first version was good but not great—a bit too dry and lacking flavor depth. After a few adjustments, particularly adding sour cream to the sauce and creating the buttery breadcrumb topping, it became something truly special. What makes this recipe unique is how it elevates convenient shortcuts into a meal that tastes completely homemade. Now I sometimes buy rotisserie chickens specifically to make this casserole!

Perfect Pairings

Transform this hearty casserole into a complete meal with simple side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Serve alongside a crisp green salad dressed with light vinaigrette to provide fresh contrast to the creamy casserole. The tangy dressing helps cut through the richness for perfect flavor balance. For an extra vegetable serving, offer steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus which adds nutritional value and vibrant color to the plate. When entertaining, start with a light soup like tomato bisque or butternut squash served in small cups as an elegant first course. Complete the meal with warm dinner rolls or garlic bread for soaking up every bit of the delicious sauce.

Creative Variations

Adapt this versatile base recipe to create exciting flavor profiles while maintaining its comforting appeal. Italian-inspired version incorporates one teaspoon of Italian seasoning in the sauce, substitutes mozzarella for cheddar, and adds half cup of sun-dried tomatoes and quarter cup of chopped olives to the mixture. Southwest style includes one teaspoon of cumin, half teaspoon of chili powder, one diced bell pepper, and uses pepper jack cheese for a gentle heat throughout. Greek-inspired adaptation introduces one cup of chopped spinach, half cup of crumbled feta cheese, quarter cup of chopped kalamata olives, and one teaspoon of dried oregano for Mediterranean flair. Mushroom lovers' delight adds one cup of sautéed mushrooms and substitutes cream of mushroom soup for a deeper, earthier flavor profile.

Make-Ahead Magic

Maximize convenience with smart preparation and storage strategies that fit your schedule. Prepare completely and refrigerate unbaked for up to 24 hours, simply adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from cold. For longer storage, freeze the assembled but unbaked casserole (without breadcrumb topping) for up to three months, tightly wrapped in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking, adding the fresh breadcrumb topping just before cooking. Store baked leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to four days, reheating individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through. For best leftover quality, reheat larger portions in a 325°F oven covered with foil for 20 minutes, then uncover for 5-10 minutes to re-crisp the topping.

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This rotisserie chicken casserole has become my reliable solution for transforming leftovers into something the whole family eagerly anticipates. What I appreciate most about this recipe is how it combines convenience with homemade taste—the kind of dish that makes people think you've spent hours in the kitchen when it actually comes together in minutes. The contrast between the creamy, savory filling and the crispy, buttery topping creates that perfect comfort food experience that satisfies both children and adults. Whether you're feeding a hungry family on a busy weeknight or looking for a dish to take to a potluck, this versatile casserole delivers both satisfaction and compliments every time.

Common Questions About Cooking

→ Can I use other cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Any cooked chicken works in this recipe - leftover grilled chicken, baked chicken breasts, or even canned chicken in a pinch. You'll need about 3 cups of shredded or diced chicken.

→ What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of celery. For a homemade alternative, make a simple white sauce with 2 tablespoons butter, 2 tablespoons flour, and 1¼ cups of chicken broth and ¼ cup milk.

→ Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and store covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it will be cold. The breadcrumb topping is best added just before baking.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger amounts, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until heated through.

→ Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Prepare through assembly, but don't bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, and add 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

→ What sides go well with this casserole?

Since this is a complete meal with protein, starch, and vegetables, a simple green salad makes the perfect side. Dinner rolls, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli are also great accompaniments.