Why are chicken casseroles so comforting? From the tender chicken and other filling ingredients to the creamy “gravy”, these meal-in one dishes are filling, soothing, and easy to make. Chances are, if you asked people to describe a traditional chicken casserole, you’d get as many answers as there are grandmas in aprons! There are chicken casserole recipes to suit many tastes and textures.

With the invention of condensed cream soups, soup-based casseroles became a popular way to use on-hand ingredients to make a one-pot dinner. Practically any meat or veggie, and other ingredients could be stirred into the concentrated soup and baked into a casserole. These basic recipes were enhanced by adding toppings that added a layer of cheesiness or crunch from fried onions or crumbled crackers.

Our easy chicken casserole recipe is perfect for getting a comforting meal on the table fast, making it ideal for any night of the week. With just 5 ingredients you likely already have, it’s a breeze to whip up when you’re short on time or energy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken or a rotisserie chicken—just shred it with two forks and you’re good to go. It’s the ultimate simple-yet-satisfying traditional chicken casserole with cheddar cheesy goodness and a crunchy layer of buttery crispy panko crumbs. This creamy-dreamy chicken will have your taste buds thanking us!

15 Casseroles That Won’t Weigh You Down