There’s something timeless about a bubbling casserole straight from the oven — the kind that fills your home with comforting aromas and memories of Sunday dinners at Grandma’s table. This Creamy Chicken and Herb Casserole captures that feeling perfectly. Tender chicken, fresh herbs, and a velvety sauce come together under a golden, crispy topping that’s both hearty and heartwarming. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple to make, deeply satisfying, and even better the next day.
Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (optional but delicious)
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1½ cups chicken broth
- 1 cup whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon rosemary (optional)
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a medium casserole dish (about 9x13 inches) with butter or nonstick spray. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
If you’re adding mushrooms, toss them in now and cook for another 3–4 minutes, letting them soften and release their flavor.
Sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for about 1 minute — this creates a roux that thickens the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking to prevent lumps, then add the milk or half-and-half. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes smooth and begins to thicken, about 4–5 minutes.
Step 3: Add Flavor and Chicken
Lower the heat and stir in the sour cream, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, thyme, parsley, and rosemary. Mix until everything is creamy and well combined. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Add the cooked chicken and peas (or mixed vegetables) into the skillet. Stir until the ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Finally, fold in the shredded cheese until it melts into the mixture, creating that comforting, cheesy richness
.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole — this will give it that irresistible, golden-brown crunch Grandma was famous for.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole — this will give it that irresistible, golden-brown crunch Grandma was famous for.
Step 5: Bake and Serve
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving — this helps the sauce set and the flavors meld beautifully.
Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and a burst of herb freshness. Serve warm with a side of green beans, a simple salad, or even fluffy mashed potatoes for a full comfort meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Chicken and Herb Casserole is the definition of homestyle comfort — a dish that feels like love served in a baking dish. The creamy sauce, the tender chicken, and that buttery, crisp topping all come together in harmony. It’s nostalgic yet timeless — the kind of recipe that’s been passed down through generations and will continue to warm hearts for years to come.
Every bite carries the warmth of a family kitchen, reminding you that good food doesn’t have to be fancy to be special — it just has to be made with care.
Helpful Tips for the Perfect Casserole
Use leftover chicken wisely:
- Rotisserie chicken adds flavor and saves time. You can also use leftover turkey — perfect for post-holiday meals!
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or even tarragon add beautiful aroma. If using dried herbs, remember they’re more potent — use about half the amount of fresh.
- Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake when ready to serve, adding 10 extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Carrots, broccoli, spinach, or corn all work well — just keep the proportions the same.
- Substitute low-fat milk and Greek yogurt for the cream and sour cream — you’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.
- Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warm throughout.
