Introduction: Gluten Free Chicken Casserole might just become your new weeknight hero. It’s one of those dishes that looks like you’ve put in way more effort than you actually did — and honestly, that’s my kind of cooking. This gluten free chicken casserole hits that perfect comfort food note while keeping things simple and family-friendly.
Picture juicy chunks of chicken swimming in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a buttery poppy seed cracker topping that’s golden and crispy. Whether you’re avoiding gluten for health reasons or just want a lighter version of an old classic, this recipe delivers all the cozy vibes without the heavy feeling afterward. Plus, it’s quick to throw together — you’ll go from chopping board to dinner table in about 35 minutes flat. If your family loves easy meals like my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole, they’re going to devour this one too.
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What is Gluten Free Chicken Casserole?
Gluten Free Chicken Casserole is a comforting baked dish made with tender shredded chicken, a creamy sauce, and a crunchy gluten-free topping that brings the whole thing together. Traditionally, casseroles rely on condensed soups and buttery cracker crumbs that are packed with gluten, but this version swaps those out for smart alternatives that taste just as good.
Using gluten-free cream of chicken soup (I love Pacific Foods for this) and gluten-free crackers, you’ll get all the flavor and texture of the original without any gluten. It’s warm, satisfying, and feels like a hug in a baking dish. Perfect for feeding a crowd or sneaking leftovers for lunch the next day. And let’s be real — who doesn’t love a dinner that’s as comforting as it is easy?
Reasons to Try Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
There are a few good reasons this gluten free chicken casserole deserves a spot on your regular rotation. First, it’s ridiculously easy. You mix, bake, and boom — dinner’s ready. Second, it’s flexible. Got leftover rotisserie chicken? Toss it in. Want to sneak in a little rice or broccoli? Go for it. This casserole doesn’t mind one bit. Third, it’s crowd-pleasing.
Even your gluten-loving friends won’t miss the “regular” ingredients. The cheesy, creamy filling and buttery topping have a way of winning over everyone at the table. Lastly, it’s a meal-prep dream. You can assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and just bake when you’re ready. Comfort food that fits your schedule? Yes, please.
Ingredients Needed to Make Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 1 can (10.75 oz) gluten-free cream of chicken soup (like Pacific Foods)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ⅛ teaspoon black pepper
Cracker topping: - ½ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 80 grams gluten-free crackers (about 24, crushed)
Instructions to Make Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
This Step by Step Gluten Free Chicken Casserole guide walks you through the process from preheating your oven to that first delicious bite of creamy, cheesy comfort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or someone who’s usually “team takeout,” this recipe is simple, forgiving, and incredibly rewarding. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF (177ºC). This is your first Step by Step moment — don’t skip it! A properly heated oven makes sure your casserole bakes evenly and gets that bubbly, golden finish we’re all after. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. If you prefer a deeper dish casserole, you can use a medium-sized baking dish instead (just keep in mind it might need a few extra minutes in the oven).
If you’re new to baking casseroles, check out my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole — it uses the same creamy base and helps you understand how texture and bake time work together for perfect results every time.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your gluten-free cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s smooth, creamy, and well-blended. This creamy base is the heart of your casserole — it’s what gives every bite that comforting, rich texture.
If you’d like to make your own gluten-free cream of chicken soup from scratch, I share a simple recipe in my Creamy Chicken Maryland Soup post that’s both flavorful and preservative-free. It’s a great option if you’re avoiding canned soups or want to control the salt level.
Step 3: Fold in the Chicken
Next, gently fold your cooked chicken into the creamy base. You can use shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed chicken breasts, or even leftover roast chicken from another meal. Make sure each piece is well-coated in the creamy mixture. This Step by Step mixing process ensures the chicken stays moist and flavorful throughout baking.
Tip: If you’re short on time, grab a store-bought rotisserie chicken — it’s one of my favorite kitchen shortcuts. You can also experiment with the flavor by using leftover turkey (try it with my Thanksgiving Leftover Turkey Stew for inspiration).
Step 4: Assemble Your Casserole
Once your chicken mixture is ready, transfer it into the greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly, pressing down gently to remove any air pockets. This Step by Step layering method helps the casserole bake uniformly, giving you a balanced bite of chicken, sauce, and topping in every forkful.
If you’d like to stretch this meal a bit further, you can mix in 1–2 cups of pre-cooked rice or steamed broccoli florets. The rice makes it heartier, while the broccoli adds freshness and a little crunch — kind of like a hybrid between this dish and my Creamy Chicken Broccoli Casserole.
Step 5: Make the Buttery Cracker Topping
Now for the magic touch — the topping. Melt your butter in a microwave-safe bowl and stir in the poppy seeds. Crush your gluten-free crackers in a food processor or seal them in a plastic bag and give them a few satisfying whacks with a rolling pin (great stress relief, by the way).
Combine the crushed crackers with the butter mixture and stir until they’re evenly coated. This Step by Step topping prep creates a buttery, crunchy finish that perfectly complements the creamy base underneath. You can also try a panko variation: use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of crackers and reduce the butter slightly.
If you’re all about texture contrasts in casseroles, you’ll love my Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake — it uses a similar technique for that irresistible crispy finish.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle your cracker topping evenly over the casserole base. This step is where patience meets reward. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping turns golden brown. If you’re using a deeper dish, add an extra 5–10 minutes of bake time.
For the ultimate crisp finish, switch your oven to broil for 1–3 minutes. Keep a close eye during this Step by Step stage — broiling can turn from golden to “oops” very quickly. If your dish isn’t broiler-safe, you can instead increase your oven to 450ºF and bake for an additional 5 minutes.
If you’re curious about broiling techniques and how to prevent burning, take a peek at my Holiday Green Bean Casserole post where I explain the broil timing sweet spot for perfectly crisp toppings.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Once it’s out of the oven, let your gluten free chicken casserole rest for 5–10 minutes. I know it smells amazing, but this Step by Step cooling period helps the creamy sauce set, making serving (and slicing) much easier.
Scoop generous portions onto plates and serve warm. It pairs beautifully with a light side salad or roasted vegetables. You can also drizzle a little extra melted butter on top if you want an extra indulgent touch — no judgment here!
For a cozy, well-balanced dinner lineup, serve it alongside my Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan. Together, they create a family-style meal that’s comforting, wholesome, and completely gluten-free.
What to Serve with Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
This casserole is rich and satisfying, so pair it with lighter sides that complement its creamy texture. A crisp green salad or roasted vegetables (think asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or broccoli) are perfect choices. For a cozier meal, you could also serve it with mashed potatoes or gluten-free dinner rolls. If you’re into flavor-packed comfort sides, check out my Easy Cheesy Broccoli and Cauliflower Bake — it’s a reader favorite for good reason. And if you want to stick with the gluten-free theme, a bowl of Creamy Chicken Broccoli Rice Cheese Casserole would be a cozy match too.
Key Tips for Making Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
- Use quality gluten-free ingredients. Not all gluten-free products are equal. Brands like Pacific Foods and Schar are reliable for great taste and texture.
- Don’t skip the cooling time. Letting your gluten free chicken casserole rest makes it slice beautifully and keeps the sauce from running.
- Add-ins welcome. Stir in pre-cooked rice, steamed veggies, or even a handful of spinach for a little variety.
- Watch the broil. The topping can burn fast, so stay close when broiling for that perfect golden finish.
- Double it for later. Make two casseroles — one for now, one to freeze. You’ll thank yourself on a busy weeknight.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Gluten Free Chicken Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store your gluten free chicken casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, pop it in the oven at 350ºF for about 15–20 minutes or until warm. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too — just cover it loosely to keep moisture in. To freeze, wrap tightly in foil and store up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven when you’re ready to enjoy. It tastes just as good the second time around, promise.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free? Yes! Swap in a dairy-free sour cream and shredded cheese. There are great options out there now.
Can I use canned chicken? You can, but freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken will have better texture and flavor.
Can I prep this ahead? Absolutely. Assemble it in the morning, refrigerate, and bake when needed.
Final Thoughts
This gluten free chicken casserole proves comfort food doesn’t need gluten to be delicious. It’s warm, cheesy, and a total crowd-pleaser — the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend family dinner, this dish delivers every time. And if you’re craving more cozy gluten-free meals, you’ll love my Creamy Turkey Broccoli Skillet or Sweet Potato Casserole with Pecan. Comfort, convenience, and flavor — that’s the trifecta of a nourishing meal.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meal.
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Gluten Free Chicken Casserole – The Ultimate Creamy Comfort Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This gluten free poppy seed chicken recipe is just as good as the original but uses gluten-free alternatives for a quick and easy dinner.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 1 can (10.75 oz) gluten-free cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Cracker topping:
- 1/2 cup butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon poppy seeds
- 80 grams gluten-free round crackers (about 24), crushed
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish or a medium deep baking dish. Set aside.
2. In a large bowl, combine gluten-free cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
3. Add the chicken to the mixture and fold it in until evenly distributed.
4. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
5. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir in the poppy seeds.
6. Crush the gluten-free crackers using a food processor or in a sealed bag with a rolling pin.
7. Mix the crushed crackers into the melted butter and poppy seed mixture until well coated.
8. Sprinkle the buttered cracker mixture over the casserole in an even layer.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly with a golden brown topping. For deep dish casseroles, bake an additional 5-10 minutes if needed.
10. Switch oven to broil and broil for 1-3 minutes until the topping is golden and crisp. Watch closely to avoid burning.
11. Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This is a great recipe for using up leftover chicken, including rotisserie or roast chicken.
If gluten-free condensed soup isn’t available, make a homemade version using a gluten-free flour blend.
For a panko topping alternative, use 1/4 cup melted butter and 1/2 cup gluten-free panko breadcrumbs, adding more as needed to coat.
We recommend Pacific Foods cream of chicken soup and Schar entertainment crackers, but you can use your favorite gluten-free brands.
To include rice, reduce chicken to 2 cups and add 1-2 cups of cooked rice before baking.
