Hawaiian Chicken Casserole

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole is a delicious, comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, sweet pineapple, and savory cheese. This hearty casserole brings together tropical flavors with the warmth of a classic comfort food, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or potlucks. The sweet and savory balance of pineapple with chicken and melted cheese is an irresistible combination that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole is an easy, one-pan meal that delivers big flavor without much effort. The creamy sauce blends perfectly with the chicken and pineapple, giving the casserole a satisfying richness. The hint of sweetness from the pineapple adds a unique tropical twist that makes this casserole stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a make-ahead meal for busy days.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)

  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)

  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

  • 1 cup sour cream

  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)

  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)

  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)

  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)

  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

  1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.

  2. Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained pineapple (reserve 1/4 cup of juice), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cooked rice, frozen peas (if using), soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

  3. Add the cheese: Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for your casserole.

  4. Assemble the casserole: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.

  5. Add the topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crispy topping.

  6. Bake the casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

  7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

  8. Enjoy: Serve the casserole hot, and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 6-8

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes

  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes

Variations

  • Add veggies: You can add other vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole for extra flavor and nutrition.

  • Use different meats: Swap the chicken for cooked turkey, , or even shrimp if you prefer.

  • Spicy version: Add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole for a little heat.

  • Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or skip the topping and use a gluten-free breadcrumb topping instead.

Storage/Reheating

  • Storage: Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

  • Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or in the microwave for 2-3 minutes until heated through.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the sweetness of pineapple with savory chicken, creamy cheese, and a crispy topping. It’s easy to make, customizable, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole will be a hit. With its tropical twist and satisfying flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite!

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Hawaiian Chicken Casserole

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  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

Hawaiian Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, sweet pineapple, and savory cheese into a comforting dish. The perfect balance of tropical flavors with classic comfort food, it’s a hit for family dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed (rotisserie chicken works well)
  • 1 can (20 oz) pineapple chunks, drained (reserve 1/4 cup juice)
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup cooked rice (white or brown)
  • 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with cooking spray or butter.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, drained pineapple (reserve 1/4 cup of juice), cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cooked rice, frozen peas (if using), soy sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
  3. Stir in 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese into the mixture. This will create a creamy, cheesy base for your casserole.
  4. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a golden, crispy topping.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
  7. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
  8. Serve hot and enjoy this comforting, flavorful dish!

Notes

You can add vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli to increase flavor and nutrition.Swap the chicken for turkey,  or shrimp for variety.if you like spice, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole.To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free crackers or skip the topping and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 60mg

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