Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe is creamy, cheesy, and crunchy with chicken, broccoli, cottage cheese, and buttery crackers baked to golden perfection.
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
The funny thing about Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe is that I didn’t even want to try it the first time. You know how casseroles can sometimes look… questionable? (Don’t tell Sharon I said that.) Anyway, I was at this church potluck, already balancing a plate way too full of mystery salads and baked beans, when someone said, “You have to try Sharon’s casserole.” And I thought, “Sure, like I need another scoop of creamy something on my plate.”
But, oh man, the first bite? It was crunchy, creamy, and so ridiculously good that I went back for seconds before I even finished my first plate. I can still remember Sharon laughing because she knew she’d hooked me. Now, every time I make it at home, it reminds me of that potluck—the noise, the folding tables, the smell of twenty different dishes fighting for attention—and it always makes me smile.
Here’s a quick peek at what’s inside:
Table of content
Why You’ll Love This Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe?
This isn’t just any casserole—it’s got layers of flavor that keep you coming back. There’s the creamy mix of chicken, cottage cheese, and soup that feels like a hug in food form. Then you get the crunch from sunflower seeds (who knew those belonged in a casserole, right?). And let’s not forget the buttery cracker topping that steals the show every single time. It’s the kind of dish that feels a little indulgent but still homemade and comforting.
Ingredient Notes:
When you’re putting together Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe, here are the bits you’ll want to pay attention to:
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Chicken Breasts – Simple, classic, and filling. If you’re short on time, a rotisserie chicken works like a charm.
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Cottage Cheese – I know, some of you just made a face. But trust me—it melts into the sauce and makes it so creamy.
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Sunflower Seeds – The secret crunch. They add this nutty surprise that makes people ask, “What is that?”
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Broccoli – Toss in some green so you can say it’s healthy. Plus, it really does balance the richness.
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Cheddar Cheese – Sharp cheddar is best here. Don’t skimp.
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Butter Crackers – Ritz or Club crackers bring the perfect crunch. And yes, you will eat a few while crushing them.
How To Make Sharon’s Chicken Casserole?
Step 1: Cook the Chicken
Heat a little olive oil in your skillet, sear the chicken until golden, then let it simmer with a splash of water until cooked through. Cube it up once it’s cooled.
Step 2: Mix It All Together
In your baking dish, toss the chicken with celery, onion, sunflower seeds, soup, cottage cheese, lemon juice, parsley, and seasoning. Don’t overthink it—just mix it enough so everything’s coated.
Step 3: Add the Layers
Spread broccoli over the chicken mixture, then blanket it with cheddar cheese. Scatter those buttery cracker crumbs on top and drizzle the whole thing with melted butter. You already know it’s going to be good.
Step 4: Bake Until Golden
Pop it into a 350°F oven for about 40 minutes. You’re looking for bubbly cheese and crackers turning golden-brown. Your kitchen will smell like comfort food heaven.
Storage Options:
If you somehow end up with leftovers (doubtful), they’ll keep in the fridge for 3 days. Reheat in the oven to keep that topping crunchy. It freezes surprisingly well, too—just wrap tightly and thaw before reheating.
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Variations and Substitutions:
This casserole’s pretty forgiving. You can:
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Swap the chicken for turkey—perfect after the holidays.
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Toss in different veggies like spinach or zucchini.
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Try other cheeses if cheddar isn’t your thing. Pepper Jack for spice, mozzarella for a milder touch.
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No crackers? Panko, breadcrumbs, even crushed potato chips work.
What to Serve with Sharon’s Chicken Casserole?
On its own, Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe is filling, but if you want to make it a full spread:
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Pair with a green salad for something fresh and crisp.
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Add warm rolls or bread to mop up the sauce.
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Believe it or not, cranberry sauce pairs beautifully with the richness.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the whole thing a day in advance, stash it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What if I don’t like cottage cheese?
Swap it for sour cream or cream cheese. But really, cottage cheese here is less scary than it sounds—it melts right in.
How do I keep the topping crunchy?
Don’t cover it while baking. That topping needs to breathe to get nice and crisp.
So, there you go—Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe in all its cheesy, crunchy, comforting glory. Every time I make it, I think about that first potluck where Sharon unknowingly changed my casserole game forever. What about you—are you more of a “double cheese” person or an “extra crunch” fan?
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Remember it later!
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Keep the Flavor Coming – Try These:
Sharon’s Chicken Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 4 small to medium chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2 stalks celery finely chopped
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 5 oz package toasted sunflower seeds
- 1 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon poultry seasoning
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup broccoli chopped
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For the Topping:
- 1 sleeve 3–4 oz butter crackers , crushed
- 1/2 stick unsalted butter melted
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 3–4 minutes on one side, then 2–3 minutes on the other, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Add approximately 1/2 inch of water to the skillet, reduce the heat to low, cover, and allow the chicken to cook for an additional 5–8 minutes until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and let cool for 10 minutes before cutting into cubes.
Assemble the Base:
- In a greased 8 x 12-inch baking dish, combine the cubed chicken, celery, onion, sunflower seeds, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, lemon juice, parsley, and poultry seasoning. Toss gently to blend, then adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Layer the Vegetables and Cheese:
- Evenly distribute the broccoli over the chicken mixture. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top.
Prepare the Topping:
- Scatter the crushed butter crackers over the casserole. Drizzle the melted butter evenly over the top to coat the crumbs.
Bake the Casserole:
- Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted, the topping is golden, and the casserole is heated through.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
