This one-pan cheesy chicken breast casserole is easy, tasty, and perfect for busy nights. You only need one pan and a few basic ingredients. It’s great for families, meal prep, or when you need a comforting dinner without a lot of cleanup.
What makes this recipe a favorite:
- One-pan cooking saves time and reduces dishes
- Cheesy and creamy flavor that both kids and adults enjoy
- Quick to prepare, especially if using cooked or rotisserie chicken
- Flexible ingredients make it easy to customize
- Complete meal in one dish, with protein, carbs, and optional vegetables
This is the kind of meal you can throw together with what’s already in your fridge. It works for weeknights, lunch leftovers, or even to freeze ahead.
Also, Get an Easy BBQ Chicken Garbage Bread Recipe with Store-Bought Dough
Ingredients You Will Need
You can use many pantry staples for this recipe. Here’s a basic list, plus some options to change it based on what you have.
Get more info about what ingredients you will need for One Pan Cheesy Chicken Breast Casserole, check bettycrocker.com
Basic Ingredients List
- Chicken breasts – Boneless and skinless. Diced or shredded.
- Shredded cheese – Cheddar is classic, but mozzarella or Monterey Jack work too.
- Cooked rice or pasta – White rice, brown rice, penne, or orzo are all good.
- Cream of mushroom or chicken soup – Makes the dish creamy and flavorful.
- Milk or heavy cream – Mixes with the soup to form a smooth base.
- Garlic and onion – Fresh or powdered, for extra flavor.
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, paprika, dried oregano or thyme.
Tip: If you’re using raw chicken, increase baking time by 10–15 minutes to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Optional Add-ins and Substitutes
- Vegetables – Broccoli, peas, spinach, mushrooms, or frozen mixed veggies
- Other proteins – Cooked bacon, rotisserie chicken, or sliced sausage
- Soup alternative – Homemade roux or a mix of broth and cream
- Low-carb option – Use cauliflower rice instead of regular rice
- Dairy-free version – Swap milk and cheese with dairy-free alternatives
Step-by-Step Instructions
This casserole is easy to build in one dish. You can prep it in 10 minutes and let the oven do the rest.
Step 1 – Preheat the Oven and Prepare Your Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly grease a large oven-safe skillet, baking dish, or casserole dish.
- If using uncooked rice or pasta, cook it before starting the recipe.
Also find One Pot Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta with Garlic, Parmesan, and Herbs
Step 2 – Layer the Ingredients
- Add a layer of cooked rice or pasta to the bottom of the dish.
- Place your diced or shredded chicken breast evenly over the rice.
- In a separate bowl, whisk the cream soup and milk until smooth.
- Pour the soup mixture evenly over the chicken and rice.
- Sprinkle with garlic, onion, paprika, salt, pepper, and herbs.
- Top with a layer of shredded cheese.
Don’t stir it all together. Keep the cheese on top so it gets golden and bubbly in the oven.
Step 3 – Bake and Finish
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20–25 minutes (if using cooked chicken).
- Remove the foil and bake or broil uncovered for 5 minutes to brown the cheese.
- If using raw chicken, bake for 35–40 minutes, or until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the cheese set and the flavors blend.
Tips for Best Results
Let it rest before serving to avoid a runny texture.
Use cooked chicken to save time and ensure even cooking.- Cooked Chicken Nutrition – USDA FoodData Central
Grate cheese at home for better melting.
Cut the chicken evenly so it bakes at the same rate.
Taste before baking to check the seasoning.
Flavor Variations to Try
This recipe is flexible. You can change the flavor by adjusting a few ingredients. Here are some ideas:
Tex-Mex Chicken Casserole
- Add taco seasoning
- Include corn, black beans, and salsa
- Use a Mexican cheese blend
You can also find Quick and Easy Chicken Breast Recipes for First-Time Home Cooks
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
- Mix in buffalo sauce and ranch dressing
- Top with blue cheese crumbles
Mediterranean Chicken Bake
- Use feta cheese instead of cheddar
- Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach
Italian-Style Casserole
- Add marinara sauce and Italian seasoning
- Use mozzarella and parmesan
These simple swaps let you keep the one-pan method while changing up the taste.
What to Serve with This Casserole
While this casserole is a full meal on its own, you can serve it with a few simple sides to complete your dinner.
To learn more about what to serve with This Casserole, check out pillsbury.com
- Garlic bread – Adds crunch and helps scoop up cheesy bites
- Green salad – Offers a fresh contrast to the rich casserole
- Steamed vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or green beans work well
- Pickles or coleslaw – Helps cut the creaminess with some acidity
You can also get here Three Ingredient Lemon Garlic Chicken Marinade for Oven or Grill
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish stores well and makes great leftovers.
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days
- Freeze: Freeze portions in airtight containers for up to 2 months
- Reheat: Microwave individual portions, or bake covered in the oven at 350°F until hot
If frozen, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating for best texture.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
This will vary depending on the ingredients you use, but here’s a general idea per serving:
- Calories: 400–500 kcal
- Protein: 30–35g
- Carbohydrates: 25–35g
- Fat: 15–20g
- Fiber: 1–3g
Use a nutrition calculator based on the exact brands and portions you use for more precise details.
Also know Fast and Easy Oven-Baked Chicken Breast That’s Perfectly Juicy
Conclusion
This one-pan cheesy chicken breast casserole is everything you need in a cozy, easy dinner. It’s creamy, filling, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re feeding picky kids or prepping for the week, this dish checks all the boxes.
It’s also a great recipe for busy families who want something home-cooked without spending all evening in the kitchen.
One Pan Cheesy Chicken Breast Casserole

This one pan cheesy chicken breast casserole is cozy, simple, and comforting. You mix uncooked rice, raw chicken breast, broth, and cream — then top with cheese and bake until bubbly.
It’s a no-fuss recipe that feels like a warm hug. Everything cooks together in the oven, so you don’t need to pre-cook the chicken or rice. The result? A soft, creamy casserole with tender chicken and golden, cheesy top.
It’s the kind of dish you can set and forget — and still impress the whole family. You can also mix in veggies like broccoli or peas if you want to sneak in something green.
Whether you’re new to cooking or just want something easy and satisfying, this casserole is always a win.
Ingredients
- 2 pcs Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
- 1 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Dried Oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black Pepper to taste
- 1 cup Broccoli Florets
- 1 cup Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
- 1/2 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
- 1/4 cup Heavy Cream
- 1 tbsp Cream Cheese
- 1/2 cup Chicken Broth
Optional
- Chopped Parsley for topping
- Red Chili Flakes for extra spice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Grease a large oven-safe pan with olive oil.
- Place chicken breasts in the pan.
- Season them with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and oregano.
- Add broccoli florets around the chicken.
- In a small bowl, mix cream, cream cheese, and chicken broth. Pour this over the chicken and broccoli.
- Sprinkle mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top.
- Cover the pan with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Optional: Top with parsley or chili flakes if you like a kick.
Notes
Use fresh chicken breasts for best results. If the pieces are too thick, slice them in half. You can swap broccoli for spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini. Always cover with foil during the first part of baking. This keeps the chicken moist. Then remove it to let the cheese brown. This casserole also freezes well. Just cool it fully, wrap it tightly, and store it. Reheat in the oven until hot and bubbly. Don’t microwave it too long or the cheese may split. You can also prep everything a few hours ahead and keep it in the fridge until ready to bake.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 339Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 10gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 577mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 2gProtein: 29g
Note while Creating nutrition details Table: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.