Traeger Cheesy Chicken Casserole is a smoky, creamy, and ultra-comforting dish packed with tender smoked chicken, melty cheese, and a rich, flavorful sauce. Cooking this casserole on a Traeger grill infuses it with a subtle wood-fired taste that takes it to the next level. Perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or gatherings, this casserole is an easy crowd-pleaser!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Smoky and Cheesy Goodness – The Traeger grill adds a deep, wood-fired flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy, cheesy filling.
- Easy and Comforting – A simple, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Great for Leftovers – This casserole reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Customizable – Easily swap ingredients to fit your taste preferences or dietary needs.
- Crowd Favorite – A warm, gooey, cheesy dish that everyone will love!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (smoked and shredded)
- Cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- Cheddar cheese (shredded)
- Monterey Jack cheese (shredded)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Chicken broth
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Butter
- Bread crumbs (for topping)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
Step 1: Smoke the Chicken
- Preheat your Traeger grill to 225°F.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and smoke for 60-90 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove the chicken, let it rest for a few minutes, then shred it.
Step 2: Prepare the Pasta and Sauce
- While the chicken is smoking, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, and shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 3: Assemble the Casserole
- Preheat the Traeger grill to 350°F.
- In a greased cast-iron skillet or baking dish, combine the shredded smoked chicken, cooked pasta, and sauce mixture. Stir well.
- Sprinkle the Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top.
- Melt butter and mix it with bread crumbs, then sprinkle the mixture over the cheese.
Step 4: Smoke and Bake
- Place the casserole on the Traeger grill and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the grill, let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 90 minutes (including smoking time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
- Extra Creamy – Mix in a little cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Option – Use cauliflower florets instead of pasta.
- Different Cheeses – Try smoked gouda or pepper jack for a flavor twist.
- Crunchy Topping – Swap breadcrumbs for crushed Ritz crackers or crispy fried onions.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of smoking it?
Yes, but you’ll miss the smoky flavor. Add a dash of smoked paprika to mimic it.
What type of wood pellets work best for smoking chicken?
Hickory, applewood, or cherry wood pellets complement chicken well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
Can I use a different protein?
Absolutely! Try smoked turkey, pulled pork, or even shrimp.
Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup?
Yes! A homemade version will add even more depth of flavor.
What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair well.
How do I make the casserole less rich?
Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and reduce the cheese slightly.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
Use two forks or a hand mixer for quick and easy shredding.
Can I add vegetables to the casserole?
Yes! Peas, mushrooms, or broccoli would be great additions.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Add an extra splash of chicken broth before baking if needed.
Conclusion
Traeger Cheesy Chicken Casserole is the perfect balance of smoky, creamy, and cheesy flavors, making it a must-try comfort meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this dish delivers in every way. Fire up your Traeger and enjoy this irresistible casserole today!
Print
Traeger Cheesy Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Smoker & Oven
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Traeger cheesy chicken casserole is the ultimate comfort food with a smoky twist! Juicy, smoked chicken is combined with creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and a crispy golden topping. The Traeger adds a deep, rich flavor to every bite, making this a perfect family dinner or meal prep dish.
Ingredients
For the Smoked Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 3 cups shredded smoked chicken)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
For the Casserole:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Smoke the Chicken (Skip if using pre-smoked chicken):
- Preheat the Traeger grill (or any pellet smoker) to 225°F.
- Rub the chicken with olive oil, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken directly on the grill grates and smoke for 1 hour, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Add cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Stir until smooth and creamy.
-
Assemble the Casserole:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded smoked chicken, and cheese sauce. Mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Sprinkle with crushed Ritz crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
-
Bake on the Traeger:
- Preheat the Traeger to 350°F.
- Place the casserole dish directly on the grill grates and bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top.
-
Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from the grill and let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm!
Notes
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheddar cheese for an even deeper smoke flavor.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 300°F with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
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