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Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

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Author: Nonna Betty Harpe
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This Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole brings together tender chicken, rich Swiss cheese, and a golden stuffing topping in one satisfying dish. I still remember the first time my grandmother made a casserole like this on a chilly Sunday afternoon – the smell of that buttery stuffing crisping up in the oven had us kids circling the kitchen like hungry hawks.

There’s something magical about a casserole that brings everyone to the table without much fuss. Back on my family’s Midwest farm, Sunday gatherings meant feeding a crowd, and dishes like this were our secret weapon. The creamy sauce would bubble up around the edges, that stuffing would turn the most beautiful golden brown, and we’d all dig in while it was still steaming. What I love most is how forgiving this recipe is – you can prep it in the morning, pop it in the fridge, and slide it into the oven when you’re ready. The aroma of thyme and garlic mingling with melted cheese fills your kitchen with the kind of warmth that makes a house feel like home. Time to get our hands floury!

Why This Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole Belongs in Your Recipe Box

After decades of making chicken casseroles for family dinners and church potlucks, I can tell you this recipe has earned its place as a go-to favorite. The combination of Swiss cheese and sour cream creates a richness that’s hard to beat, while that crunchy stuffing topping adds the perfect contrast.

  • Uses ingredients you likely have – Most of these items are pantry staples, and you can use rotisserie chicken to save even more time
  • Comes together quickly – About 15 minutes of hands-on prep, then the oven does the rest
  • Feeds a crowd reliably – Perfect for potlucks, Sunday dinners, or whenever you need to stretch a meal
  • Adapts to your preferences – Add mushrooms, swap in different cheeses, or adjust the vegetables to suit your family
  • Makes excellent leftovers – Actually tastes even better the next day when the flavors have married together
  • Works for busy weeknights or special occasions – Fancy enough for company but easy enough for Tuesday dinner

In my kitchen, I prefer making this casserole when I know I’ll have a busy evening ahead – there’s real peace of mind in having dinner already assembled and ready to bake.

What Goes Into This Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

Cooked chicken forms the hearty base of this casserole, and I always choose rotisserie chicken when I’m short on time – it adds extra flavor from those seasonings and saves you a good 30 minutes.

Cream of chicken soup creates that classic creamy texture we all love in comfort food casseroles, binding everything together beautifully.

Sour cream adds a subtle tang that cuts through the richness and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy on your palate.

Swiss cheese brings a mild, nutty flavor that melts smoothly without overwhelming the other ingredients – it’s more sophisticated than cheddar but still comforting.

Chicken broth thins out the sauce to the perfect consistency so it coats every piece of chicken without being too thick or gloppy.

Garlic powder, onion powder, and dried thyme season the sauce with layers of savory flavor that remind me of Sunday roasts – these dried herbs distribute evenly throughout the dish.

Stuffing mix provides that irresistible crunchy topping that makes this creamy Swiss chicken casserole special, soaking up the butter to create golden, crispy clusters.

Melted butter coats the stuffing to help it brown beautifully and adds richness to every bite of that topping.

Frozen mixed vegetables add color, nutrition, and texture without any extra prep work – I prefer the convenience since there’s no need to thaw them first.

How to Make Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole Step by Step

Step 1. I’ve learned that preheating your oven to 350°F while you prep ensures it’s ready exactly when you need it – grease that 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent any sticking.

Step 2. Betty always starts by shredding rotisserie chicken into bite-sized pieces, letting the kids help with this part since it’s easy and they feel involved in making dinner.

Step 3. In your large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, whisking until you have a smooth, lump-free sauce that will coat everything evenly.

Step 4. After years of making casseroles, I learned to mix all your seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and black pepper – right into that sauce so every bite is perfectly flavored.

Step 5. Add your shredded chicken and frozen vegetables to the sauce mixture, stirring gently but thoroughly so each piece gets coated with that creamy goodness.

Step 6. Pour this chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly – Betty’s tip: use a spatula to get it right into the corners.

Step 7. In a separate bowl, toss the stuffing mix with melted butter until every piece glistens – the key I discovered is making sure no dry spots remain for that perfect golden crust.

Step 8. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing evenly over the top, creating a nice even layer that will crisp up beautifully in the oven.

Step 9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole bubbles around the edges and the stuffing turns a gorgeous golden brown – I check at 30 minutes since every oven runs a bit different.

Step 10. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving so the sauce thickens slightly and you don’t burn anyone’s tongue, then garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color.

Keeping This Casserole Fresh

I typically store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where this casserole will stay fresh for 3-4 days. The stuffing topping will soften in storage, but it still tastes delicious – sometimes my grandkids actually prefer it that way. Make sure the casserole has cooled completely before covering it to prevent condensation from making everything soggy.

Betty’s freezing method works well for this dish if you want to prep ahead. Wrap individual portions or the whole casserole tightly in plastic wrap, then cover with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It’ll keep beautifully for 2-3 months this way. I’ve found it helpful to label the package with the date and reheating instructions so future-me doesn’t have to guess.

For the best texture, I reheat this casserole in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes if you’ve thawed it overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re reheating from frozen, add another 15-20 minutes and cover with foil for the first half of reheating. For individual portions, the microwave works fine – just heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through, though you’ll lose some of that crispy topping texture.

Perfect Partners for Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

Green salad with light vinaigrette cuts through the richness of the casserole with fresh, crisp greens and a tangy dressing – I like adding cherry tomatoes and cucumber for extra crunch.

Warm garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce, and honestly, my family would stage a revolt if I served this casserole without it.

Steamed broccoli or green beans add a healthy vegetable side that complements the casserole without competing with it – the simple preparation lets the casserole remain the star. If you’re looking for another way to prepare green beans, try my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken and Green Beans for a complete one-pan meal.

Fluffy white rice or quinoa can serve as a base underneath a portion of casserole if you want to stretch the meal further or add more substance for hungry appetites.

Tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing contrast with its crisp texture and vinegar-based dressing, which balances beautifully against the creamy, rich flavors.

Roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon make this a true cold-weather feast, especially during the holidays when you want something special but still comforting. For another hearty side option, check out my Ground Beef and Brussels Sprouts recipe.

More Chicken Casserole Recipes You’ll Love

If you enjoyed this creamy Swiss chicken casserole, you’ll want to try these other comforting chicken dishes from my kitchen:

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese instead of Swiss?

I recommend Gruyere for a similar nutty flavor with more depth, or you can use mozzarella for a milder taste – avoid sharp cheddars as they can overpower the delicate cream sauce.

How do I prevent my casserole from becoming too watery?

To prevent this issue, don’t add extra broth beyond what’s called for, and make sure your frozen vegetables stay frozen until you add them – thawed vegetables release too much moisture.

Can I make this creamy Swiss chicken casserole ahead of time?

Many home cooks find success assembling the entire casserole up to 24 hours ahead, keeping it covered in the refrigerator, then baking it straight from cold – just add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time.

Creamy Swiss Chicken Casserole

This comforting casserole combines tender chicken, creamy Swiss cheese sauce, and a crunchy stuffing topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked chicken shredded, rotisserie works great
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup Swiss cheese shredded
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 oz stuffing mix 1 package
  • 1/2 cup butter melted
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables no need to thaw
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well to prevent sticking.
  2. If using rotisserie chicken, shred it into bite-sized pieces. If cooking your own, boil or bake until fully cooked, then shred.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, and black pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir well to distribute seasonings evenly.
  5. Add shredded chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to the sauce. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
  6. Pour the chicken and sauce mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread evenly, making sure to reach all corners.
  7. In a separate bowl, mix stuffing mix with melted butter until well coated, ensuring no dry spots remain.
  8. Sprinkle the buttered stuffing mixture evenly over the chicken and sauce in the baking dish, creating an even layer.
  9. Bake for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the stuffing is golden brown. Check at 30 minutes as ovens vary.
  10. Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

Can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to baking time if baking straight from the refrigerator. Leftovers keep well for 3-4 days refrigerated or 2-3 months frozen.

Nonna Food
Welcome to NonnaFood!

I’m Nonna, and cooking is how I show love. From my garden kitchen to yours, I share fresh, simple recipes rooted in tradition and made with heart. Let’s create delicious memories together!

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