Chicken Crouton Casserole

Chicken crouton casserole satisfies my craving for chicken potpie without requiring a full day of cooking or a rolling pin-induced meltdown. Made with shortcuts like condensed soup, rotisserie chicken and seasoned crouton cubes, this recipe is like a cheat code for comfort food—rich and savory with a topping that crunches like a dream.

Consider chicken and crouton casserole a cross between Thanksgiving stuffing and potpie, with style cues from classic hot dish recipes. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight or you just need something that tastes homemade, this chicken with croutons casserole recipe scratches the itch and still leaves you time to curl up on the couch with a good novel.

Chicken Crouton Casserole Ingredients

• Chicken broth: Chicken broth adds savory depth and moisture to the casserole, ensuring it remains moist and never dry. Broth also helps tie the creamy base together with the croutons. Use your favorite store-bought chicken broth brand or homemade.
• Condensed cream of chicken soup: Undiluted condensed soup adds richness and an unmistakable cozy flavor to this casserole.
• Sour cream: Sour cream makes the whole dish silky and adds a tangy flavor to the sauce.
• Butter: Melted butter ups the decadence factor and helps soften the croutons just enough while baking.
• Seasoned stuffing cubes: These little cubes do all the heavy lifting in this recipe. They’re crunchy, flavorful and a brilliant shortcut that soaks up the creamy sauce.
• Shredded cooked chicken: Use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken to make this come together in minutes. About 4 cups chicken gives you plenty of protein without skimping on the creamy-crunchy ratio.
• Minced fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds color and a hint of brightness that cuts through the richness.

Directions

Step 1: Make the filling

Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a large bowl, combine the broth, soup, sour cream and butter. Stir in the croutons and chicken.

Editor’s Tip: For added texture contrast, reserve a handful of croutons and sprinkle them on top before baking for a crisp finish.

Step 2: Bake

Transfer the mixture to a greased 13×9-inch baking dish. Bake, uncovered, until heated through, 20 to 25 minutes. Sprinkle with parsley if desired.

Editor’s Tip: You’ll know it’s done baking when the edges bubble slightly.

Chicken Crouton Casserole Variations

• Add veggies: Stir in a cup of frozen peas, carrots and/or sauteed mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.
• Use turkey instead of chicken: This chicken and crouton casserole recipe is perfect for Thanksgiving leftovers. Use chopped turkey instead of chicken.
• Season it: For a kick of flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder, herbs de Provence, paprika or cayenne to the sauce.
• Try different croutons: To customize the crunch, use garlic croutons, cornbread croutons or even homemade herb bread cubes.

How to Store Chicken Crouton Casserole

Store leftover chicken crouton casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps beautifully and makes for an even more flavorful second-day meal. The croutons soften slightly but stay crunchy, especially when reheated.

How long does chicken crouton casserole last?

Chicken crouton casserole will keep in the fridge for up to four days. Store it in a tightly sealed container to prevent it from drying out.

Can you freeze chicken crouton casserole?

Yes! You can freeze this casserole before or after baking. Wrap the whole dish tightly in foil and storage wrap, then freeze it for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How do you reheat chicken crouton casserole?

Reheat it in the oven at 350° until warmed through, 20 to 25 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions, but reheating it in the oven helps revive that crispy crouton topping.

Chicken Crouton Casserole Tips

Can you make croutons from scratch for this recipe?

You can use homemade croutons for this recipe. If you’re feeling ambitious, cut stale bread into cubes, then toss them with olive oil, herbs and a sprinkle of salt, and finally toast them until crisp. Homemade croutons make this chicken with croutons casserole feel gourmet, but store-bought croutons work like a charm.

What should you serve with chicken crouton casserole?

Since this dish is creamy and rich, I like to pair it with something fresh and green. I love making asparagus sides or fresh salads with leafy greens, especially if I can get them at my local farmers market. For dessert, try an easy fruit crumble or cobbler to finish the meal.