Joanna Gaines Chicken Casserole Recipe

I love me some warm, creamy casserole straight from the oven. And Joanna’s is packed with rich, cheesy goodness and tender chicken!

I always start with well-seasoned chicken. Even though it’s mixed into the casserole, having well-seasoned pieces makes every spoonful better.

A little garlic and onion in the base bring out deeper flavors without overpowering the dish. It’s the easiest way to make it even better.

If  you want a little extra texture, top it with crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy contrast to the creamy filling.

This casserole is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple but feels like something that took all day to make.

How to Make Joanna Gaines Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

• 1 ½ lbs Chicken Breast (cooked and shredded)
• 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz each)
• 1 can Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies (10 oz)
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
• 1 packet Taco Seasoning
• 12 Corn Tortillas
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:

Preheat your oven to 375°F.

Feel free to chat while it heats up!

Step 2:

In a mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, and sour cream.

Mix well to create a smooth sauce.

Step 3:

Layer the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with half of the tortillas.

Add half of the cooked chicken, sauce, and shredded cheese.

Repeat the layers.

Step 4:

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 minutes to melt the cheese.

Step 5:

Let the casserole cool for a bit before serving.

This makes it easier to cut and serve.

Tips and Tricks for Making This Recipe

Use Fresh Ingredients

Using fresh chicken and quality cheese can make a significant difference in the flavors of the casserole.

Your taste buds will thank you!

Don’t Overcook the Chicken

Overcooked chicken can become dry, so boil it just until done for a juicy texture.

Boiling for about 10-12 minutes usually works!

Customize with Veggies

Feel free to add cooked vegetables like bell peppers or onions to the casserole for additional texture and flavor.

I sometimes include them for extra crunch!

Experiment with Cheese

Experimenting with different cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add unique flavors.

It depends on your preferences and what you have in the fridge.

Let Rest Before Serving

Resting the casserole for a few minutes helps the layers set, making it more manageable to serve.

It’ll look neater on the plate!

What to Serve with Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Casserole

Green Beans

You can’t go wrong with a side of steamed green beans to complement Joanna Gaines’ Chicken Casserole.

They add color and a fresh taste that balances the creamy richness of the casserole.

Toss them with a bit of garlic and butter for added flavor!

Mashed Potatoes

Mashed potatoes make a classic and comforting side to go along with the casserole.

Their smooth texture pairs beautifully with the crunchy baguette topping of the dish, offering a contrast you and your family will love.

Brussels Sprouts

Roasted Brussels sprouts introduce a savory note to your meal.

Slice them in half, drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and roast until they’re crispy on the edges.

They add a little crunch and a slight bitterness that amazingly complements the softness of the casserole.

Fruit Salad

A fresh fruit salad can be an unexpected and refreshing side dish.

Combining fruits such as melon, kiwi, and strawberries brings a sweet and vibrant addition to your plate.

This option lightens the meal with its naturally sweet flavors.

Roasted Carrots

You might not immediately consider roasted carrots, but their subtle sweetness can be really nice next to the savory casserole.

Coat them in olive oil and a touch of honey, roast them until tender, and watch how they shine alongside the main dish.

Couscous

If you’re looking for something a bit different, try couscous as a unique side.

It soaks up the creamy sauce of the casserole without competing with its flavors.

A squeeze of lemon or a sprinkle of herbs like parsley takes it to the next level.

Variations and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Options

If you’re looking to make this chicken casserole without dairy, you can substitute the sour cream with a dairy-free alternative like coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt.

These swaps keep the casserole creamy and delicious!

Gluten-Free Needs

For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free bread or crackers as your crunchy topping instead of baguette slices.

This simple substitution makes the dish suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

Vegetables and Proteins

Feel free to switch up the vegetables to suit your taste!

Sometimes, I add mushrooms or bell peppers to the mix for extra flavor.

You can also swap out the chicken for turkey or tofu if you want to try new proteins.

Spicing It Up

To add more spice, incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.

This small change can give the dish a nice kick if you like a bit of heat!

How to Store Leftover Joanna Gaines Chicken Casserole

When your meal is over, take a moment to ensure that your chicken casserole is properly stored!

This simple step keeps it fresh and tasty for your next meal.

Cool It Down

Before dealing with any leftovers, make sure the casserole is cooled to room temperature.

This practice prevents condensation, which can make your delicious meal soggy.

Refrigerate Immediately

Once your casserole is cooled, place the leftovers in an airtight container.

Store it in the refrigerator, and it’ll be good for up to three days.

Freeze for Later

Planning on having the casserole later?

You can freeze it for up to three months!

Use a freezer-safe container or wrap it tightly in aluminum foil.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Chicken

You might be tempted to leave the chicken in the oven longer than needed to make it extra tender.

This approach can lead to dryness, so watch the clock and remove it once it’s perfectly cooked.

Moist chicken is key to a tasty casserole!

Using Too Much Salt

It’s easy to over-salt the dish, especially if your chicken stock is already seasoned.

Taste throughout the cooking process.

This will help maintain the right balance and avoid an overly salty casserole.

Skipping Fresh Ingredients

While convenience is tempting, using dried or canned goods can compromise flavor.

I always recommend adding fresh herbs and vegetables to give this dish a vibrant flavor.

This can really make a difference in the final result!