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Lazy Chicken “Poor Man’s” Casserole

ByMelissa Jo Posted on Updated on
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A hand with red nail polish lifts a cheesy, gooey slice of baked lasagna from a large casserole dish in a bright kitchen, with a vase of flowers in the background.

This Lazy Chicken Poor Man’s Casserole is the ultimate creamy, cheesy, budget-friendly comfort food. I based it off my recipe for My Viral Poor Man’s Casserole. Made with tender egg noodles, rotisserie chicken, a rich cream cheese and sour cream base, and layered with marinara and melty mozzarella, this easy baked chicken casserole delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner, make-ahead meal, or cozy family favorite that feeds a crowd without breaking the bank.

and of course, here’s a list of your next MUST try recipes:

A white rectangular baking dish sits on a wooden surface behind an unopened bag of Light n Fluffy Extra Wide Egg Noodles.
A person holds a jar of Rao’s Homemade Marinara sauce and a can of Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning above a metal bowl containing white sauce and various spices.

Tony’s is an absolute must have for majority of your recipes!

A large metal bowl filled with cooked egg noodles, shredded yellow and white cheese, and a creamy sauce coating the sides of the bowl.
A close-up of a dish with a layer of bright red tomato sauce spread unevenly over chopped vegetables or pasta, possibly part of a homemade lasagna or casserole in a rectangular pan.
A large rectangular baking dish filled with lasagna topped with red tomato sauce, shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese, and sprinkled herbs, ready to be baked.
A baked casserole dish filled with golden, bubbly, and slightly browned cheesy lasagna, topped with melted cheese and herbs, sitting on a wooden surface.
A hand lifts a cheesy, gooey slice of baked lasagna from a casserole dish, revealing layers of pasta, tomato sauce, and melted cheese in a bright kitchen setting.
A hand lifts a gooey, cheesy slice of baked lasagna from a casserole dish, with melted cheese stretching out. A vase of flowers and a kitchen sink are visible in the background.
A woman in a kitchen, wearing an oven mitt and smiling, poses next to a freshly baked casserole on a wooden counter. A vase of purple and green flowers sits nearby.
A smiling woman in a maroon top holds an oven mitt and stands in a kitchen next to a freshly baked lasagna on a wooden counter. A vase of purple and green flowers sits nearby.

🤔 Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely, you can make this freeze it then bake it when you would like to use it!

What’s the best marinara to use?

Use a good-quality 32 oz jarred marinara you’ll love—this dish is simple, so flavor matters.

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes—penne, rotini, or ziti all work great.

A hand with red nail polish lifts a cheesy, gooey slice of baked lasagna from a large casserole dish in a bright kitchen, with a vase of flowers in the background.

Lazy Chicken “Poor Man’s” Casserole

Creamy, cheesy baked chicken and noodle casserole layered with marinara and mozzarella. Made with rotisserie chicken for an easy, budget-friendly comfort meal.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 5 people

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

Cook noodles

  • Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Make the creamy mixture

  • In a large bowl, mix together:
  • softened cream cheese
  • sour cream
  • garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning
  • Tony Chachere’s Creole Seasoning
  • colby jack cheese (1 cup)
  • cooked noodles
  • shredded rotisserie chicken.

Layer the casserole

  • Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom
  • Add half of the creamy noodle mixture
  • Sprinkle mozzarella cheese
  • Spoon over 1/2 marinara sauce
  • Add the remaining noodle mixture
  • Add last 1/2 of marinara sauce
  • Top with mozzarella cheese and colby jack for color.

Bake

  • Bake at 350°F for 30–35 minutes uncovered, until hot, bubbly, and the cheese is melted. On middle to lower middle rack.

Finish & serve

  • Let rest for 5–10 minutes, then garnish with parsley if desired and serve.

Video

Youtube video
Keyword lazy chicken poor man’s casserole
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👝 How to Store Leftovers

Fridge: Store covered up to 4 days
Freeze: Assemble unbaked or freeze leftovers up to 2 months

Reheat: Microwave: individual portions with a splash of water or sauce. Oven: 350°F covered until warmed through.


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