Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole: Quick, Creamy, and Irresistible

Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole is the kind of comfort food that makes you forget the stress of a long day. Warm, creamy, and bubbling with melted cheese — it’s like a cozy hug on a plate. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want leftovers that actually taste better the next day, this dish has you covered. Plus, it’s one of those quick-prep recipes that doesn’t require you to dirty every pot in the kitchen.

The combination of tender chicken, perfectly cooked pasta, and cheesy goodness makes Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole an easy weeknight hero. You can even make it ahead, stash it in the fridge, and pop it in the oven when you’re ready to eat. If you’ve been searching for a family dinner that brings everyone to the table without a fuss, you’ve just found your new go-to.

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What is Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole?

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is Southern comfort at its finest — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty goodness. It’s a one-dish wonder that blends juicy cooked chicken, tender pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce made with milk, sour cream, butter, and flour. The casserole is baked to golden perfection, giving you that irresistible crispy cheese crust on top.

It’s versatile, too: you can mix in vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition, or spice it up with jalapeños if your crew loves a kick. This dish reflects Paula Deen’s signature homestyle charm — unfussy, flavorful, and filling. Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or just a night when you crave something hearty and nostalgic, this casserole feels like home in every bite.

Reasons to Try Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

There’s a reason Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole has earned a spot in so many kitchens. First off, it’s quick and simple — 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of baking, and dinner’s ready. Second, it’s budget-friendly; you can use leftover chicken or rotisserie meat, and any pasta you have on hand.

Third, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser — even picky eaters can’t say no to creamy pasta and melted cheese. It’s also customizable: swap the cheese types, toss in veggies, or go gluten-free with chickpea pasta. And because casseroles freeze beautifully, this dish is a lifesaver for busy nights. There’s something about this meal that feels like it’s made with love — the kind of old-fashioned, no-shortcuts cooking Paula Deen is famous for.

Ingredients Needed to Make Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

• 2 cups cooked chicken, cut into bite-sized pieces (for easy shredded chicken, check out our guide on how to cook shredded chicken)
• 4 cups cooked and drained pasta (about 2 cups uncooked; penne, cavatappi, or rigatoni work 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 to Make Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

Let’s dive into this Step-by-Step guide for Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole, where every move in your kitchen leads to creamy, cheesy, Southern-style perfection. Whether you’re a beginner or a confident home cook, these directions are easy to follow, practical, and full of flavor-boosting tips that make all the difference.

Step 1: Gather and Prepare All Your Ingredients

Before you start cooking, take a few minutes to get everything ready. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Having all your ingredients prepped and measured makes the cooking process smooth and stress-free — trust me, your future self will thank you. If you haven’t cooked your chicken yet, check out our guide on Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet for tips on perfectly cooked chicken that stays juicy. For the pasta, use short shapes like penne, rigatoni, or cavatappi, and cook it just until al dente so it holds up well in the casserole.

Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic for Flavor

Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add your finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook them for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they turn soft and fragrant. This is where the aroma starts to fill your kitchen — that warm, buttery scent is a sign you’re off to a great start. If you love rich, layered flavors, you can toss in a pinch of thyme or parsley here for an herby twist (similar to what we do in our Grilled Salsa Verde Pepper Jack Chicken).

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Once your aromatics are softened, sprinkle in 2 tablespoons of flour and whisk continuously for about a minute. This forms what’s known as a roux, the key to that thick, velvety sauce. Don’t skip this step — it helps the sauce cling to the pasta instead of pooling at the bottom. Slowly pour in 1 cup of milk, whisking as you go to avoid lumps. Then, stir in ½ cup of sour cream. Keep whisking for another 3–4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken and coat your spoon. It should feel smooth and rich, not runny.

Step 4: Melt the Cheese into the Sauce

Now for the best part — the cheese. Add 2½ cups of grated cheese (reserve about ½ cup for topping later). Stir gently until it melts completely into the sauce, creating a luscious, creamy blend that’s downright irresistible. If you like a more robust flavor, use a mix of cheddar and Colby Jack, or go for a slightly nutty tone with Swiss. This step is where the Paula Deen magic really shines through — that signature Southern creaminess in every spoonful.

Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Seasonings

Add your cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet with the cheesy sauce. Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes, along with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are completely coated in that silky sauce. Each piece should glisten with creamy goodness. For a little extra personality, try tossing in some sautéed broccoli or baby spinach — veggies blend beautifully here and make the dish even heartier. If you prefer a kick, check out how we bring heat to our Fiery Chicken Ramen with Creamy Garlic Sauce; you can borrow the idea by adding a hint of chili or cayenne to your casserole.

Step 6: Transfer and Add the Final Cheese Layer

Carefully transfer the creamy chicken and pasta mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese over the top for that golden, bubbling crust everyone fights over. Want to add a touch of crunch? Mix a few tablespoons of breadcrumbs with melted butter and scatter them on top — this gives the casserole an extra texture that’s hard to resist.

Step 7: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place the dish in your preheated oven and bake for 20–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and lightly golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like comfort itself. If you’re baking from frozen or refrigerated prep, add an extra 10 minutes to your bake time. When done, take it out and let it rest for about 5 minutes — this helps everything set and makes serving cleaner (and safer for impatient hands).

Step 8: Serve, Enjoy, and Store the Leftovers

Your Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole is now ready to serve! Scoop generous portions into bowls or plates, and watch as that gooey cheese stretch works its magic. Pair it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a balanced meal — Easy Glazed Carrots are a lovely sweet complement. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready for round two, reheat it in the oven or microwave for that same creamy, cheesy satisfaction.

What to Serve with Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some roasted veggies. Try serving it with Easy Glazed Carrots for a touch of sweetness, or Greek Turkey Meatballs with Tzatziki if you want a protein-packed side. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are also a great idea if you’re going all-in on comfort food night. And for a cozy finish, pair it with a light soup like Creamy White Chicken Lasagna Soup.

Key Tips for Making Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

• Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
• Pick the right pasta: Choose short, sturdy shapes like penne or rigatoni — they hold sauce beautifully.
• Don’t overbake: Once it’s golden on top, pull it out. Overbaking can dry out the sauce.
• Make it ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance, refrigerate it, and bake when ready.
• Add a twist: Mix in broccoli, spinach, or even crispy bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole

Leftovers? Lucky you. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, cover with foil and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes. You can also freeze the unbaked casserole — just wrap tightly in foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken? Absolutely! It saves time and adds great flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
What cheese works best? Cheddar and Colby Jack melt beautifully and taste amazing together.
Can I freeze leftovers? Yes, tightly sealed portions reheat wonderfully in the oven.

Final Thoughts

Paula Deen Amazing Chicken Casserole is one of those meals that never fails to bring people together. It’s simple, hearty, and downright comforting — a real Southern classic that’s easy enough for weeknights yet special enough for Sunday dinner. Next time you’re craving creamy, cheesy goodness, give this recipe a try. And if you love recipes like this, check out our Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta or Healthy Chicken and Vegetable Skillet for more crave-worthy ideas.

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