You can’t beat the ease of this slow-cooker chicken casserole. This recipe feeds a crowd and it’s a cinch to whip up. Prep this recipe as directed or make the casserole all your own with our tips for adding or swapping ingredients.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Casserole Ingredients
- Canned condensed cream of chicken soup
- Chicken broth
- Onion
- Garlic powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts
- Elbow macaroni
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions, optional
Directions
Step 1: Slow-cook the chicken
In a 5-quart slow cooker, combine the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Then add the chicken and cook on low until tender, about 4 to 5 hours.
Step 2: Shred the chicken
Transfer the chicken from the slow-cooker to a cutting board. Allow it to sit for a minute or two to cool slightly, then use two forks to shred the chicken. (Just be sure not to wait too long—shredding is easiest when the chicken is still warm.) When you’re done, return chicken to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Cook the pasta
Cook pasta according to the package’s directions to al dente. Be sure to salt your water—this gives noodles some flavor right from the start. Use 1-1/2 tablespoons of kosher salt for every pound of pasta or for every gallon of water in the pot. Drain pasta when it’s done cooking.
Step 4: Finish dinner in the slow cooker
Stir pasta, cheese and sour cream into the slow cooker, and mix well with shredded chicken. Cover and cook on low until the cheese is melted, about 15 to 20 minutes. Garnish with green onions and additional cheese if you like.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Casserole Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for putting your own spin on things, so get creative!
- Add veggies: During step 4, add chopped veggies like bell peppers, broccoli or squash.
- Reduce the fat: Simply swap in low-fat versions of the condensed cream of chicken soup, cheese and sour cream.
- Change up the cheese: Swap some of the cheddar with another variety of cheese to adjust the flavor. Think pepper jack for extra spice, or smoked gouda for, well, smokiness.
Slow-Cooker Chicken Casserole Tips
How should you store leftover slow-cooker chicken casserole?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Plan to eat them within the next three to four days.
Can you freeze slow-cooker chicken casserole?
In general, casseroles are ideal recipes for preparing ahead of time and freezing for easy meals. But this recipe in particular has quite a bit of dairy, which unfortunately doesn’t hold up well in the freezer. We recommend storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator and finishing off any leftovers within three to four days.
How should you reheat slow-cooker chicken casserole?
For multiple servings, reheat on low in the slow-cooker until warmed through. Or for individual portions, reheat either in the microwave in a microwave-safe dish, or in a saucepan on low on the stove, stirring consistently.
