Leftover Chicken Casserole

This leftover chicken casserole is a great way to transform extra cooked chicken into a completely new and satisfying meal. It features a simple, creamy base and a wonderfully crunchy topping.

With just a few pantry staples, this dish comes together in about 10 minutes of prep time. It’s an easy solution for a busy weeknight dinner.

Why will you love Leftover Chicken Casserole?

Using condensed soup creates a quick and flavorful sauce without needing to make one from scratch.

Layering the ingredients ensures every serving has a bit of chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheese, and crunchy topping.

Tossing panko with melted butter is the key to achieving a uniformly golden brown and crisp crust during baking.

Leftover Chicken Casserole Ingredients

• Cooked Chicken: Any type of cooked chicken works. Use leftover roasted chicken, poached chicken, or store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience.

• Condensed Soup: Cream of chicken is classic, but cream of mushroom or cream of celery are good alternatives for a different flavor profile.

• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar provides a nice contrast to the creamy soup. Colby, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend are also great choices.

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs are lighter and create a crispier topping than standard breadcrumbs. They are recommended for the best texture.

• Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over the saltiness. If you use salted butter, you may want to skip adding any extra salt to the soup.

Exact quantities are in the recipe card below.

How to Make Leftover Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Assemble the Base Layers

First, preheat your oven to 350°F. In a 13×9-inch baking dish, spread out the cooked chicken. Next, spread the condensed soup evenly over the chicken, then top with all of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 2: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

Melt the butter in a small pot or in the microwave. In a medium bowl, pour the melted butter over the panko breadcrumbs. Toss with a fork until all the crumbs are lightly and evenly coated.

Step 3: Top and Bake the Casserole

Sprinkle the buttered panko mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes. The casserole is ready when the filling is hot and bubbly and the topping is a deep golden brown. Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving.

What to Serve with Leftover Chicken Casserole

This comforting dish is substantial on its own but also pairs nicely with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli.

Helpful Tricks for Leftover Chicken Casserole

Food Safety: Poultry must be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a food thermometer to check the center of the casserole.

Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix 1 to 2 cups of steamed or thawed frozen vegetables, like peas, corn, or chopped broccoli, in with the chicken.

Resting is Key: Letting the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting is important. It allows the creamy filling to thicken slightly, so the servings hold their shape.

Topping Watch: If the panko topping begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the rest of the baking time.

How to Store and Freeze Leftover Chicken Casserole

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap the cooled casserole tightly and store for up to 2 months; the topping’s texture will soften upon thawing. For best results, reheat in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot and the topping is crisp.

Leftover Chicken Casserole Recipe FAQs

Can I add vegetables to this casserole?

Yes. One to two cups of steamed or thawed frozen vegetables like peas, carrots, corn, or broccoli can be mixed in with the chicken for extra nutrition and flavor.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

You can assemble the casserole without the panko topping up to one day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, add the buttered panko and increase the baking time by 5 to 10 minutes.

What can I use instead of panko breadcrumbs?

If you don’t have panko, you can use regular dried breadcrumbs or crushed crackers, like Ritz or saltines. The texture of the topping will be denser and less crispy.

Leftover Chicken Casserole

This simple casserole layers shredded chicken, creamy soup, and cheddar cheese, all baked under a crisp, buttery panko topping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8

Ingredients

  

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken about 1 lb or 450 g
• 2 cans condensed cream of chicken soup 10.5-ounce / 298 g
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese 8 oz / 225 g
• 3 cups panko breadcrumbs 6 oz / 170 g
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 3 oz / 85 g
• Salt and black pepper to taste, optional

Instructions

 

• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
• Spread the shredded chicken in an even layer across the bottom of the prepared dish.
• In a small bowl, briefly stir the condensed soup to loosen it, then spoon it over the chicken. Use a spatula to spread it into an even layer.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the soup layer.
• Melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl. In a separate medium bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are thoroughly coated.
• Scatter the buttered panko mixture over the cheese layer, covering it completely.
• Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until the topping is golden brown and the filling is hot and bubbly around the edges.
• To ensure the casserole is ready, check that the internal temperature in the center reaches 165°F (74°C) with a food thermometer.
• Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 10 minutes before serving. This helps it set for easier slicing.

Notes

Food Safety: Poultry must be cooked to a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a food thermometer to check the center of the casserole.

Add Vegetables: Feel free to mix 1 to 2 cups of steamed or thawed frozen vegetables, like peas, corn, or chopped broccoli, in with the chicken.

Resting is Key: Letting the casserole stand for 10 minutes before cutting is important. It allows the creamy filling to thicken slightly, so the servings hold their shape.

Topping Watch: If the panko topping begins to brown too quickly, you can loosely cover the dish with aluminum foil for the rest of the baking time.

Keyword Casserole, Chicken, easy dinner, leftover chicken casserole, leftovers