Name: Church Chicken Casserole
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: For the casserole:; Nonstick spray; 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked; 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into 1/2-inch pieces; 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided; 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced; 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 1/2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 8 ounces sour cream; For the topping:; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons butter, melted

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Church Chicken Casserole is the kind of hearty, comforting dish that brings people together around the table. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, noodles, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping, this recipe has all the makings of a classic potluck favorite. It’s warm, filling, and perfect for family dinners, church gatherings, or any time you need a satisfying and easy-to-make casserole.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is pure comfort food—creamy, savory, and topped with a golden, buttery crunch. It’s made with everyday pantry ingredients and is versatile enough to suit your preferences. Whether you’re serving a crowd or prepping dinner ahead of time, this casserole checks all the boxes for ease, taste, and nostalgic charm. It’s a true one-pan wonder with rich flavor in every bite.

Church Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Casserole

nonstick spray or butter for greasing
egg noodles
boneless, skinless chicken (breasts or thighs), cut into pieces
kosher salt
ground black pepper
vegetable oil
unsalted butter
cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
all-purpose flour
chicken broth
milk
onion powder
garlic powder
sour cream

For the Topping

Ritz crackers
melted butter

Directions

Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
Cook the Noodles
Boil egg noodles in salted water, cooking for 2 minutes less than the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Brown the Chicken
Season chicken with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the chicken and cook until lightly browned, about 5–7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Cook the Mushrooms
In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon oil. Add mushrooms and sauté for 4–5 minutes until browned and tender. Season with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Set aside with the chicken.
Make the Sauce
Add 2 tablespoons butter and 1 tablespoon oil to the pan. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes until light tan. Slowly whisk in chicken broth, then milk. Stir continuously until the mixture thickens, about 8 minutes. Season with 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder.
Assemble the Casserole
Add cooked noodles, chicken, and mushrooms to the sauce. Stir in sour cream and mix until well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Prepare the Topping
Crush Ritz crackers into coarse crumbs and mix with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake
Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish. Bake uncovered for 30–40 minutes, until bubbly and golden on top.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 8 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, carrots, or broccoli to the mix for extra nutrition.
Cheesy Twist: Mix in shredded cheddar or mozzarella for a cheesier casserole.
Low-Carb Version: Substitute noodles with cooked cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Herby Finish: Stir in chopped fresh thyme or rosemary for added flavor depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.
To freeze, assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, cooked rotisserie chicken works well and cuts down on prep time.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble it up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

What’s a good substitute for Ritz crackers?

Crushed butter crackers, seasoned breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes can work.

Can I skip the mushrooms?

Yes, you can leave them out or replace them with another veggie like zucchini or bell peppers.

What type of milk is best?

Whole milk adds richness, but any milk you have on hand will work.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, freeze in portions for easy reheating. Reheat in the oven or microwave until hot.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The creamy texture and mild flavor make it a hit with kids.

Can I use gluten-free noodles and flour?

Yes, just ensure all substitutions are gluten-free, including the crackers.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with a green salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

How do I know when it’s done baking?

The topping should be golden brown, and the casserole should be bubbling around the edges.

Conclusion

Church Chicken Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s everything you want in a classic casserole. Whether you’re feeding your family or taking it to a potluck, this recipe brings warmth, flavor, and just the right amount of nostalgia to the table.