Dinner

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. It combines tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This casserole is easy to make and sure to satisfy everyone at the table.

A close-up view of a four-layer baked dish in a white casserole dish with a dark blue exterior. The top layer is golden brown melted cheese with a slightly crispy texture and sprinkled green herbs. Below it, there is a creamy white sauce covering chunks of tender white chicken meat, visible through a scoop taken out from the corner. The casserole dish rests on a decorative white plate with a green floral pattern, placed on a white marbled surface, next to a fork. 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 work 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 creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce.
Try adding vegetables like peas or spinach for added color and nutrition.
Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy shortcut.
If you prefer a mild dish, omit the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.