A Creamy Classic That Feeds the Soul
Welcome to Recipes2Gather—where cozy, crave-worthy meals are just a recipe away! If you’re searching for an easy weeknight dinner that feels special, you’ve just found it. Our Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole is rich, creamy, and packed with hearty goodness. Imagine tender chunks of chicken, savory bites of ham, melty cheese, and a golden-baked top that makes every bite pure comfort.
This dish brings together everything we love about classic casseroles with just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for leftovers, this recipe is reliable, delicious, and always satisfying. Plus, it uses common ingredients and simple steps—perfect for busy home cooks looking to make something hearty without the hassle.
Key Benefits
Why is Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole such a standout? It’s more than just cheesy goodness—it’s a smart, family-friendly meal that fits right into your life. Here’s why it’s a total dinner winner:
- One-Pan Wonder: All the deliciousness comes together in a single casserole dish—less cleanup, more flavor.
- Balanced and Filling: With protein from chicken and ham, carbs from pasta or potatoes, and creamy cheese throughout, it’s a well-rounded meal on its own.
- Great for Leftovers: This reheats like a dream and can be portioned for lunches throughout the week.
- Prep-Friendly: Cook your chicken and ham ahead of time or use leftovers—no need for extra trips to the store.
- Freezer-Ready: Assemble and freeze it before baking. Pull it out when you need a comforting dinner fast.
- Kid and Adult Approved: It’s got a mild, cheesy flavor profile that pleases even picky eaters.
For more cozy classics that bring folks together, you might also love our old-fashioned baked macaroni and cheese—another comforting casserole that earns repeat requests.
Ingredients for Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole
This casserole relies on everyday ingredients to deliver extraordinary flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 cups of cooked chicken, either shredded or cut into bite-sized chunks
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham – diced
- 3 cups of cooked pasta (like rotini or elbows) or chopped cooked potatoes
- One 10.5 oz can of creamy chicken soup (the condensed kind)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese – divided
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley – optional for garnish
- Half a cup of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs to give it that crispy top laye
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
You can mix in extra veggies like peas or broccoli for added nutrition. If you love cheese-based meals, don’t miss our guide to Colby Jack cheese, which also works beautifully in this casserole.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole
Here’s how to whip up this ultra-comforting bake in no time:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
- Add the Stars: Stir in cooked chicken, ham, pasta (or potatoes), and 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese.
- Transfer & Top: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top it off with the rest of the cheddar, mozzarella, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
- Crunchy Finish: In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
- Bake It Up: Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes so everything sets nicely before you cut into it. Add a little sprinkle of green onions or parsley on top to brighten it up.
For an extra-rich variation, try stirring in a spoonful of cream cheese filling before baking—it melts into the casserole beautifully.
Creative Ways to Customize Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole
Casseroles are built for creativity. Here’s how you can tweak this one to fit your style and what you’ve got in the fridge:
- Cheese Swap: Mix in pepper jack for a little kick, or go bold with Asiago cheese.
- Add Veggies: Stir in cooked broccoli, peas, or sautéed mushrooms to boost the nutrition and color.
- Make It Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the base mixture for a flavor punch.
- Breadcrumb Alternatives: Use crushed Ritz crackers, cornflakes, or panko for different textures on top.
- No Soup Option: Use a homemade white sauce if you prefer to skip canned soup—just whisk butter, flour, and milk together until thickened.
Whip up an extra batch and tuck it in the freezer—you’ll thank yourself on a busy night.Just assemble in a disposable aluminum tray, cover well, and label. Pull out for busy nights when cooking from scratch isn’t in the cards.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole
This casserole can absolutely hold its own, but here are some simple ideas to round it out:
- Fresh Side Salad: A tossed green salad with vinaigrette adds balance and a refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Carrots, Brussels sprouts, or green beans roasted with olive oil and herbs pair perfectly.
- Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Ideal for soaking up every last bit of that cheesy goodness.
- Brunch Addition: Cut into squares and serve with fruit salad and Shirley Temple Punch for a hearty brunch crowd.
- Kid-Friendly Pairing: Serve with apple slices or corn on the cob for an easy, fuss-free side.
It’s this kind of easy-going, crowd-pleasing flexibility that makes casseroles a forever favorite on dinner tables everywhere.
Helpful Resources for Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole
- Learn how to safely freeze casseroles and reheat them from The Kitchn.
- Get pro tips on melting and mixing cheeses for casseroles at Serious Eats.
- Find out how cooked ham is stored and used at Bon Appétit.
- Explore chicken health benefits and prep tips with Healthline’s expert guide.
Conclusion
Our Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole is the kind of dish you’ll want to make again and again—easy, creamy, and loaded with comfort. Whether you’re prepping for a busy week or just craving something warm and hearty, this recipe delivers every time. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s no surprise that casseroles like this one keep finding their way onto American family menus.
Want more delicious, cheesy creations? Be sure to try our smoked mac and cheese or explore how goat cheese appetizers can elevate your entertaining game.
Print
Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole Ultimate Comfort Bake
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This creamy Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole is full of comforting flavor with tender chicken, savory ham, and three cheeses baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, cubed or shredded
- 1.5 cups cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups cooked pasta or diced potatoes
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions or parsley
- 1/2 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 dish.
- In a large bowl, whisk soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
- Add chicken, ham, pasta, and 1½ cups cheddar. Mix well.
- Pour into dish. Top with remaining cheeses.
- Mix crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest for 10 minutes. Garnish and serve.
Notes
Add veggies or swap cheese for extra flair. Freezes well before baking.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Chicken Ham Cheese Casserole, cheesy chicken bake, ham casserole
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe?
Yes! Using rotisserie chicken saves time and brings in that already-seasoned, savory goodness.
Can this be frozen?
Absolutely! Just put it together, seal it up well, and freeze it for up to three months. Just move it to the fridge the night before you plan to bake it so it has time to defrost.
Can I make this ahead?
Yep! Feel free to prep it the night before—just cover and chill it until you’re ready to bake the next day.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Whip up a simple homemade substitute using butter, flour, some broth, and a splash of milk.
Is it gluten-free?
It can be! Just swap in gluten-free noodles, and double-check that your soup and topping are safe for gluten-free diets too.