Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

Perfect for Cozy Nights, Busy Weekdays, or Family Gatherings

There’s something undeniably comforting about a hot, cheesy casserole coming out of the oven. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a hectic Monday night, or a potluck with family and friends, this Rotisserie Chicken Casserole is the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug. It’s rich, flavorful, and deceptively simple to make—perfect for those times when you want homemade comfort without spending hours in the kitchen.

This recipe was inspired by a combination of childhood dinners and modern-day convenience. Growing up, casseroles were the backbone of weeknight meals, stretching ingredients to feed the whole family. Now, with the ease of store-bought rotisserie chicken, this dish comes together in under an hour, but still delivers that nostalgic, made-from-scratch taste. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table—fast.

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⭐ Why You’ll Love This Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

This dish isn’t just convenient—it’s also incredibly delicious and adaptable. Here’s why it’s a must-try:

• Quick and Easy: Uses cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down prep time.
• Creamy and Cheesy: Comfort food at its best with gooey cheddar and creamy sauce.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters won’t say no to cheesy chicken and rice.
• Customizable: Add veggies, switch up the cheese, or use different grains.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead, refrigerate, or freeze for later.

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🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple pantry staples and a few fresh ingredients are all it takes to create this cozy casserole. Here’s what you’ll need:

Main Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
• 1 cup broccoli florets, steamed
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)

Pro Tip: Use freshly shredded cheddar for the best melt and flavor. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.

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🥘 How to Make Rotisserie Chicken Casserole

Making this casserole is as easy as mix, layer, and bake! It’s perfect for beginners or anyone short on time.

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

2. Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, combine:

• Shredded rotisserie chicken
• Cooked rice
• Steamed broccoli
• 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Mix until evenly distributed.

3. Mix the Creamy Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together:

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

This is your creamy, flavorful binding sauce that will coat every bite.

4. Bring It All Together

Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken-rice-broccoli combo. Stir everything thoroughly until well coated.

This step ensures every bite has the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and hearty textures.

5. Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it out evenly.

6. Top It Off

Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
If using, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy, golden crust.

Optional: Drizzle a little melted butter over the breadcrumbs for extra crispiness.

7. Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until:

• The casserole is bubbling around the edges
• The cheese is fully melted and lightly golden

Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving.

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🍽 Serving Suggestions

This casserole is hearty enough to be a meal on its own, but if you’re feeding a crowd or want to round it out, here are a few side ideas:

• Garlic Bread or Dinner Rolls: Perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce.
• Green Salad: Something crisp and fresh to contrast the richness.
• Roasted Carrots or Green Beans: More veggies, more color, more flavor.

Drink Pairings:

• A glass of chilled Chardonnay or a light-bodied red wine
• For a non-alcoholic option, try sparkling lemonade or iced tea

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🧑‍🍳 Customization Ideas

This casserole is incredibly versatile. Try these twists to make it your own:

• Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or pepper jack for a different flavor profile.
• Add More Veggies: Peas, spinach, mushrooms, or cauliflower all work well.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a splash of hot sauce.
• Use Quinoa or Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb or gluten-free version.
• Swap the Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery are great alternatives to cream of chicken.

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❄️ Storage and Meal Prep Tips

Fridge:

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.

Freezer:

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat at 350°F until hot and bubbly.

Make Ahead:

Assemble everything (up to the baking step) and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

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💡 Helpful Tips for the Best Chicken Casserole

• Don’t overcook the broccoli. Steam it just until tender to avoid mushiness.
• Use hot rice. Warm rice absorbs the sauce better than cold rice.
• Let it rest. Allowing the casserole to rest before serving helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes slicing easier.
• Cheese matters. Freshly shredded cheese melts better and offers a smoother texture.

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📸 Share Your Casserole Creation!

Did you try this Rotisserie Chicken Casserole? We’d love to see it! Snap a photo and tag it with #CozyCasseroles on Instagram or Pinterest for a chance to be featured.

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