Mississippi Chicken Casserole Recipe

This Mississippi Chicken Casserole is a game-changer for your dinner rotation! Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this comforting dish combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables with a tangy kick from pepperoncini peppers. Ready in about an hour with minimal hands-on time, it’s the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying that doesn’t require you to be chained to the stove.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ultimate Comfort Food: This casserole has everything you crave – creamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a golden cheese topping that will make your mouth water before you even take a bite.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for meal prep or when you need to feed a crowd without the last-minute cooking stress.
• Balanced and Satisfying: With protein from chicken, carbs from noodles, and a healthy serving of veggies, this is truly a complete meal in one dish.
• Customizable: Easy to adapt based on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s preferences.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken breasts: The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying. They get perfectly tender when shredded and folded into the creamy sauce.
• Yellow onion and garlic: These aromatics create the flavor foundation – don’t skip them! They add depth and savory notes that elevate the entire dish.
• Greek yogurt: Adds creaminess and tanginess while keeping the dish lighter than using all heavy cream or sour cream.
• Milk: Helps create that silky texture in the sauce without making it too heavy.
• Butter: Just a bit adds richness and helps the casserole develop that irresistible golden top.
• Monterey Jack cheese: Melts beautifully and has the perfect mild flavor that doesn’t overpower the other ingredients.
• Egg noodles: The ideal pasta for this casserole – they cook perfectly in the sauce and soak up all that delicious flavor.
• Frozen mixed vegetables: A convenient way to add color, nutrition and texture. They make this truly a one-dish meal.
• Pepperoncini peppers: The secret ingredient that gives this casserole its Mississippi character! They add a mild tang and subtle heat that makes this dish special.
• Ranch seasoning: A homemade blend that adds incredible flavor without any processed ingredients or additives.
• Homemade cream of chicken soup: So much better than the canned stuff! It creates a silky, flavorful base for the casserole.

Variations

• Protein Swap: Use rotisserie chicken to save time, or try turkey, ham, or even smoked sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Pasta Options: No egg noodles? Try rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni – just make sure they’re uncooked when you add them.
• Veggie Variations: Use whatever vegetables your family enjoys! Broccoli, cauliflower, bell peppers, or spinach would all work beautifully.
• Heat Level: Increase the pepperoncini for more tang and heat, or substitute with milder banana peppers for less heat while maintaining that signature flavor.
• Cheese Choices: Cheddar, pepper jack, or a Italian blend would all be delicious alternatives to Monterey Jack.

How to Make Mississippi Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients

Preheat your oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish. This will be filled to the brim, so don’t try to squeeze it into anything smaller!

Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken

Place raw chicken in a pot, cover with water, and boil for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Shred with two forks or use a hand mixer for faster shredding. This technique gives you perfectly moist, tender chicken pieces.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Cook the onions and garlic until fragrant and slightly translucent. These create the flavor base for the entire dish, so don’t rush this step – those caramelized notes make a difference!

Step 4: Make Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup

In the same pan you used for the aromatics, combine chicken broth, milk, flour, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper. Whisk continuously over medium heat until thickened. This happens quickly, so stay vigilant! The homemade version is so much more flavorful than anything from a can.

Step 5: Mix Ranch Seasoning

Combine dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and optional dried chives in a small bowl.

Step 6: Combine Everything

In a large mixing bowl, add the shredded chicken, onion mixture, cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt, milk, melted butter, half the cheese, uncooked noodles, vegetables, chopped pepperoncini, and 3 tablespoons of ranch seasoning. Mix everything thoroughly.

Step 7: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish, making sure to press the noodles into the liquid so they cook properly. Top with remaining cheese. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then uncover and bake for another 10-15 minutes until bubbly and the noodles are tender.

Step 8: Finish and Serve

For an extra golden top, broil for 2-3 minutes (watching carefully!). Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

• Noodle Submersion: Make sure your uncooked noodles are pressed into the liquid mixture so they cook properly. Dry noodles exposed on top won’t soften during baking.
• Protein Shortcut: Use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time – you’ll save about 20 minutes!
• Make Your Own Ranch: Homemade ranch seasoning gives you control over sodium and eliminates preservatives. Make extra to keep on hand for other recipes!
• Even Shredding: If you have a stand mixer, use the paddle attachment to shred your chicken in seconds. It creates perfectly even shreds with no effort.
• Check Doneness: Test a noodle from the center of the casserole to ensure everything is fully cooked before removing from the oven.

How to Serve

This Mississippi Chicken Casserole is truly a complete meal on its own, but here are some great serving ideas to round out your dinner:

Simple Sides

Pair with a fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy casserole.

Bread Options

Warm crusty bread or soft dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or chives adds a bright finish and visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually continue to develop, making this casserole sometimes even better the next day!

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing before baking, assemble everything but don’t bake. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

For baked leftovers, portion into airtight containers and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

For refrigerated leftovers, reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For a whole casserole, reheat covered in a 350°F oven for about 20-30 minutes until heated through.

Add a splash of milk if the casserole seems dry when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of cooking raw chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken or any leftover cooked chicken works perfectly in this recipe. You’ll need about 3-4 cups of shredded chicken. This is a great shortcut that saves about 20 minutes of prep time without sacrificing flavor.

What if I don’t like pepperoncini peppers?
While the pepperoncinis give this casserole its distinctive “Mississippi” character, you can substitute with milder peppers like banana peppers for less heat, or omit them entirely. If you omit them, consider adding a tablespoon of vinegar or some lemon juice to maintain that tangy element that balances the richness.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to cook, you may need to add 5-10 minutes to the covered baking time since you’re starting with a cold dish. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining.

My family doesn’t like mixed vegetables. What can I substitute?
You can customize the vegetables completely to suit your family’s preferences. Try using just corn and peas, or add broccoli florets, sautéed mushrooms, or diced bell peppers. The key is to maintain the same volume (about 3 cups) of vegetables to keep the liquid ratio correct.

Final Thoughts

This Mississippi Chicken Casserole brings together creamy, tangy, and savory flavors in a way that will have everyone asking for seconds. What I love most about this recipe is how it transforms simple ingredients into something truly special. The homemade cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning make all the difference, elevating this from an ordinary casserole to a memorable meal your family will request again and again. Give it a try on your next busy weeknight – I promise it won’t disappoint!

Print