Dinner

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

ByElla Hart November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce, it’s both easy to make and satisfying for the whole family.

A close-up of a baked casserole in a dark blue baking dish with a white inside, placed on a white plate with green floral patterns, over a white marbled surface. The casserole shows two visible layers: the bottom layer consists of shredded cooked chicken in white and light beige tones, and the top layer is a golden-brown melted cheese crust, lightly browned with hints of yellow and orange, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs. The cheese layer has a bubbly and slightly uneven texture, covering the entire surface. 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
1/2 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
3 cups grated cheese (cheddar, Colby jack, Swiss, or a combination), with 1/2 cup reserved for topping
1/2 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 1/2 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 along with the onions and garlic.
Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a tangier taste and added protein.
Top with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy crust.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave in shorter intervals to avoid drying out.