If you’re searching for comfort food that combines heartiness and flavor, look no further than Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole. This delightful dish embodies all the qualities one craves in a casserole—richness, warmth, and that unbeatable cheesy goodness. With tender chicken, pasta, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is your answer to a cozy family meal. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a gathering with friends, this casserole promises to satisfy cravings and garner compliments from everyone at your table.
Why We Love This Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
What makes Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole truly special is its simplicity combined with incredible flavor. The blend of creamy sour cream with the sharpness of cheddar cheese creates a deliciously rich sauce that envelopes the pasta and chicken. Moreover, the recipe is versatile and forgiving, allowing for minor tweaks based on your preferences or what you have on hand. It’s also a one-dish wonder, making clean-up a breeze while still delivering the comfort and warmth that everyone loves about casseroles. When served, this dish becomes the centerpiece at your table, drawing everyone in with its inviting aroma and vibrant colors from the peppers and herbs.
Ingredients about Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
To create Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole, gather the following ingredients:
- 2 cups of cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound of short penne pasta, boiled and strained
- 2 tablespoons of butter
- ½ tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ cup of minced onion
- ¼ cup of each yellow, red, and green bell peppers, minced
- 2 cloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour
- 1 and ½ cups of milk
- ½ cup of sour cream
- 2 teaspoons of dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon of chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon of dried parsley
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 cups of grated cheddar cheese
How to Make Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe Directions
To whip up this amazing chicken casserole, follow these straightforward steps that will guide you through the cooking process:
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. You want it nice and warm for the casserole to bake perfectly.
- Prepare the chicken: If you haven’t done so already, cook your chicken breast and cut it into small, bite-sized cubes. Set this aside as it will be mixed with pasta and the delicious sauce later.
- Cook the pasta: Boil the short penne pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, strain it and keep it aside. Make sure it’s not overcooked, as it will also bake in the oven.
- Sauté your vegetables: In a frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil together. Once hot, add the minced onion, bell peppers, and chopped garlic. Sauté these for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and the onion becomes translucent.
- Form the sauce: Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir it well, allowing it to cook for about a minute. This helps to thicken your sauce later.
- Add in the liquids: Slowly pour the milk and sour cream into the frying pan, stirring with a whisk to break up any lumps. You want a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Season your sauce: Mix in salt, pepper, oregano, chili flakes, and parsley. Keep cooking this mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything thickens and becomes nicely combined.
- Combine everything together: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken, cooked pasta, and the creamy sauce you just prepared. Make sure everything is well-coated with the sauce.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1 and a half cups of grated cheddar cheese, mixing it all together until incorporated.
- Prepare for baking: Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it. Spread everything out evenly.
- Top with cheese: Finally, sprinkle the remaining half cup of grated cheddar cheese generously over the top for that gooey, cheesy finish.
- Bake it: Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
When it comes to serving this stunning chicken casserole, presentation is key. Cut the casserole into squares, ensuring that each portion has a good mix of chicken, pasta, and the creamy sauce. This dish pairs exceptionally well with a refreshing salad on the side, perhaps a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the casserole.
For a touch of color, add some fresh parsley or chopped green onions as a garnish on top. This not only enhances the visual appeal but also adds a fresh burst of flavor. You can also serve it alongside crusty bread for those who enjoy soaking up the extra sauce. Just be sure to set out enough plates and utensils; this dish is sure to become a hit, and your guests will likely want seconds!
Expert Tips: Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
While this recipe is straightforward, here are some expert tips to elevate your casserole-making game:
- Flavoring the Chicken: For an extra depth of flavor, consider marinating your chicken in spices or herbs before cooking it. This can significantly enhance the taste of your casserole.
- Cheese Varieties: While cheddar is delicious, feel free to experiment with other types of cheese. Monterey Jack or a pepper jack could add a unique twist.
- Vegetable Additions: If you want to pack in more vegetables, feel free to add frozen peas, mushrooms, or even spinach to the mix. These additions not only boost nutrition but also add vibrant color and texture.
- Leftover Magic: This casserole is perfect for using up leftover chicken from a previous meal. Simply cube it and mix it in, cutting down on prep time.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s going in chilled.
How to Store Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
Storing leftovers of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole is easy:
- Allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container to maintain its freshness.
- Store it in the refrigerator, where it can last for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
- If you want longer-term storage, consider freezing the casserole. It can last in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake it at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through again.
Variation of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe
There is room for creativity in Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole. Here are some fun variations you can try:
- Buffalo Chicken Casserole: Add some buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. Topping it with blue cheese can add a delightful twist!
- Vegetarian Style: Substitute the chicken with your favorite plant-based proteins or even chickpeas and increase the amount of vegetables for a meatless version that everyone will enjoy.
- Mexican Flair: Season your chicken with taco seasoning and add black beans and corn. Topping it off with pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar will give it a nice Mexican flavor profile.
- Creamy Mushroom Casserole: Sauté mushrooms with the onions and peppers for added earthy flavor and richness. Use cream of mushroom soup instead of the milk and sour cream for a different base.
- Herb Infusions: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme or basil instead of dried ones for a more aromatic casserole. Fresh herbs can take your dish to new heights!
FAQ
What is Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe?
Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole Recipe is a comforting dish made with cooked chicken, pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and lots of cheese. It’s baked until golden and bubbly, perfect for family meals.
How long do I need to bake Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole?
You should bake the casserole at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and the top is golden brown.
Can I make Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake. Just adjust the baking time if it’s chilled.
What type of cheese is best for Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole?
Cheddar cheese is the traditional choice for this casserole, but you can mix and match with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for different flavors.
How should I store leftovers of Paula Deen’s Amazing Chicken Casserole?
Allow the casserole to cool, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Reheat before serving.
Amazing Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
For the casserole
- 2 cups cooked, diced boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 pound short penne pasta, boiled and strained
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 0.5 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 cup minced onion
- 0.25 cup yellow bell pepper, minced
- 0.25 cup red bell pepper, minced
- 0.25 cup green bell pepper, minced
- 2 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk
- 0.5 cup sour cream
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- to taste salt and pepper
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Cook the chicken breast, cut it into small cubes, and set aside.
- Boil the short penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, strain and set aside.
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, melt the butter and olive oil, then add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until soft.
- Sprinkle all-purpose flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir for about a minute.
- Slowly pour milk and sour cream into the pan, whisking to create a smooth, creamy mixture.
- Add salt, pepper, oregano, chili flakes, and parsley. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
- In a large bowl, combine chicken, cooked pasta, and the creamy sauce, mixing until well-coated.
- Stir in 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese until incorporated.
- Grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish and transfer the mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 0.5 cup of grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.