Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe From Scratch

My Cozy Kitchen Secret

I want to share my easy chicken casserole with you. It is my go-to dinner on a busy weeknight. It always makes my kitchen smell like home.

You just mix almost everything in one bowl. Then you top it with buttery cornflakes. Doesn’t that sound simple? I still laugh at the time I used Frosted Flakes by mistake. The family loved the sweet crunch!

Why This Dish Brings People Together

This casserole is more than just food. It is a warm hug on a plate. It reminds me of sharing stories around the table.

That is why this matters. A simple meal can make everyone feel cared for. It is a way to show love without saying a word. What is a meal that makes you feel cozy and loved?

Let’s Talk About That Crunchy Top

The best part is the crunchy topping. You mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter. It bakes into a golden, crispy crust.

It is the perfect contrast to the creamy chicken and rice underneath. Fun fact: The cornflake cereal was invented by accident! Someone forgot about cooked wheat. It got rolled out and became a flake. Do you like a crunchy or a soft topping on your casseroles?

A Little Tip From My Kitchen

You can make this casserole ahead of time. Just put the chicken mixture in the dish. Cover it and keep it in your fridge.

When you are ready, add the cornflakes and bake. This is a lifesaver on crazy days. That is why this matters. A little planning makes a happy cook. What is your best trick for making dinner easier?

The Simple Joy of Cooking

Cooking does not have to be hard. This recipe uses simple steps. It is a great one to try with a helper in the kitchen.

I love the sound of the mixing spoon in the bowl. It reminds me of my own grandma. She taught me that good food comes from the heart. Give this recipe a try and see how it makes you feel.

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Cooked chicken, diced	2 cups
Mayonnaise	3/4 cup
Celery, diced	1 cup
Minute rice, uncooked	1 cup
Slivered almonds	1/4 cup
Lemon juice	1 Tablespoon
Eggs, hard boiled, sliced	3 large
Cream of chicken soup	10.5 ounce can
Onion, grated	1 Tablespoon
Salt	1/2 teaspoon
Corn flakes cereal, crushed	1 cup	For topping
Butter, melted	1 Tablespoon	For topping

My Cozy Chicken Casserole

Hello, my dear! Let’s make my favorite chicken casserole. It always reminds me of family suppers. My grandson calls it “the crunchy one.” I still laugh at that. It’s so simple to put together. You just mix everything up in one big bowl. Doesn’t that smell amazing already?

• Step 1: Grab your biggest mixing bowl. Put everything in it except the cornflakes and butter. That means the chicken, mayo, celery, and all the rest. Give it a good, gentle stir. I like to use my hands sometimes. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen.
• Step 2: Now, take your greased casserole dish. Pour your mixture right into it. Spread it out evenly with a spoon. You want every bite to be perfect. (A hard-learned tip: Grease the dish well. A sticky dish makes for a sad cook!).
• Step 3: Time for the best part! Crush the cornflakes in a bag. Then mix them with the melted butter. This will make the golden, crunchy top. My grandkids love to do this part. They always fight over who gets to shake the bag.
• Step 4: Sprinkle that buttery crunch all over the top. Cover the whole thing like a warm blanket. Try to get it to the edges. It makes such a lovely texture. Do you like a crunchy or soft casserole top? Share below!
• Step 5: Pop it in the oven at 375 degrees. Bake for about 25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbly. The top will be a beautiful golden brown. I love watching it through the oven window. It always makes my stomach rumble.

Cook Time	25 minutes
Total Time	35 minutes
Yield	6 servings
Category	Dinner

Let’s Mix It Up!

This recipe is like a good friend. It’s happy to change with you. Feel free to get creative in the kitchen. Here are a few fun twists I’ve tried over the years.

• Cheesy Delight: Stir a whole cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the mix. Everything is better with cheese, don’t you think?
• Spring Veggie: Use a can of cream of mushroom soup instead. Then add a cup of frozen peas and carrots. It makes the whole dish so colorful and fresh.
• Crunchy Swap: Try crushed potato chips on top instead of cornflakes. It gives a totally different, salty crunch. The kids absolutely love this one.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

The Perfect Plate

This casserole is a whole meal by itself. But I always like to add a little something extra. It makes dinner feel more special. A simple green salad on the side is just perfect. The crisp lettuce is so nice with the creamy casserole. Sometimes I just serve it with some buttery green beans.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is wonderful. The sweet tang cuts through the richness. For the grown-ups, a chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully. It always makes for a lovely evening. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Casserole Cozy

This casserole keeps well in the fridge. Just cover it tightly. It will be good for three days.

You can also freeze it for a busy night. I freeze it without the cornflake topping. That way the topping stays nice and crunchy later.

To reheat, just warm it in the oven. I remember my first time reheating it. The buttery cornflakes got soggy in the microwave. The oven fixes that.

Making a double batch saves so much time. This matters because a ready-made meal is a gift to your future self. You will be so glad you did it on a tiring day.

Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Troubles

Is your casserole too dry? Just add a little more soup or mayonnaise. A moist mix makes a cozy final dish.

Are the cornflakes not browning? Make sure your butter is fully melted. I once used soft butter, and it just clumped. Melted butter coats every flake.

Worried about the celery being too crunchy? You can sauté it lightly first. This softens it and brings out a sweeter flavor.

Fixing small issues builds your cooking confidence. It also makes the food taste just right for your family. That is what matters most.

Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Casserole Questions Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use a gluten-free cream soup and check your cornflakes.

Q: How far ahead can I make it?

A: You can assemble it a full day before baking. Keep it chilled.

Q: What can I use instead of almonds?

A: Try sunflower seeds or just leave them out. It will still be delicious.

Q: Can I double the recipe?

A: Absolutely. Use a bigger dish and add a few more minutes to the bake time.

Q: Any other fun add-ins?

A: A cup of frozen peas adds a lovely pop of color and sweetness. Fun fact: Adding a colorful vegetable makes any meal feel more special!

Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope this recipe becomes a favorite in your home. It holds so many happy memories for me. I love sharing these kitchen stories with you.

If you give it a try, I would love to see it. Your photos and stories make my day. Sharing food is how we connect.

Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.