Easy Cheesy Bubble Up Chicken Casserole
Easy Cheesy Bubble Up Chicken Casserole is a easy Southern American recipe that serves 6. 460 calories per serving. Recipe by TENNESSEE NIKKI on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $15.49 total, $2.58 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 cups Rotisserie Chicken (Shredded breast meat only)
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5‑oz cans; low‑sodium optional)
- 2.5 oz Bacon Bits (Store‑bought; can substitute cooked crumbled bacon)
- 1 packet Ranch Seasoning Mix (Typical 1‑oz packet)
- 1 tsp All‑Purpose Seasoning (Optional extra flavor boost)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Shredded)
- 1.5 cups Sour Cream (Full‑fat for best texture)
- 1 package Pillsbury Grands Biscuits (8 biscuits; can use any refrigerated biscuit dough)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Chopped, for garnish)
- 1 spray Cooking Spray (To grease casserole dish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat while you prepare the casserole.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Shred Chicken
Remove the breast meat from a rotisserie chicken and shred it into a large mixing bowl until you have about 3 cups.
Time: PT5M
Combine Base Ingredients
Add the two cans of cream of chicken soup, 2.5 oz bacon bits, the ranch seasoning packet, 1 tsp all‑purpose seasoning, 1 cup shredded cheddar, and 1½ cups sour cream to the bowl. Stir until everything is evenly incorporated.
Time: PT5M
Cut Biscuits
Open the biscuit package. Using a knife, cut each biscuit into eight bite‑size pieces (first cut in half, then quarters, then each quarter in half).
Time: PT5M
Fold Biscuits Into Mixture
Gently fold the biscuit pieces into the chicken mixture until they are just coated.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Casserole Dish
Spray the 9x13‑inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Transfer the entire mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly and patting lightly with the back of a spoon.
Time: PT3M
Add Topping Cheese
Sprinkle an additional ½ cup shredded cheddar over the top for extra melt and color.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden and the biscuits have puffed up.
Time: PT40M
Temperature: 350°F
Garnish
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the surface.
Time: PT2M
Rest and Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving so it sets and is easier to cut.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 460
- Protein
- 28 g
- Carbohydrates
- 32 g
- Fat
- 26 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Can be made gluten‑free with GF biscuit dough, Can be dairy‑free using plant‑based sour cream and cheese alternatives
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Rotisserie Chicken: Cooked chicken breast, Canned chicken
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: Homemade cream of chicken, Cream of mushroom soup
- Instead of Bacon Bits: Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Instead of Ranch Seasoning Mix: Homemade ranch seasoning
- Instead of All‑Purpose Seasoning: Italian seasoning, Herbes de Provence
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Mozzarella, Pepper Jack
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, Crème fraîche
- Instead of Pillsbury Grands Biscuits: Homemade biscuits, Other brand refrigerated biscuits
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro
- Instead of Cooking Spray: Butter or oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- 9x13‑Inch Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Mixing the chicken, soups, and dairy together thoroughly (Step 3).
- Ensuring biscuits are evenly distributed and not over‑mixed (Steps 4‑5).
- Baking for the full 40 minutes at 350°F to achieve a golden, bubbly top (Step 8).
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor and speed.
- For extra crunch, sprinkle a handful of crushed cornflakes on top before baking.
- If you like heat, stir in a dash of cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning.
Troubleshooting
Biscuits turned out soggy instead of fluffy.
Do not over‑mix the biscuit pieces into the wet mixture and make sure the oven is fully preheated before baking.
Top browned too quickly and the interior was undercooked.
Cover the casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking to protect the top while the interior finishes cooking.
Casserole was too dry.
Add an extra ¼ cup sour cream or a splash of milk before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months; reheat covered at 350°F until hot.
Room temperature: Do not leave out longer than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 7, cover, and refrigerate overnight; bake fresh the next day.
- Freeze the unbaked casserole (covered tightly) and bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole in Southern American cuisine?
Chicken biscuit casseroles are a classic comfort food in the Southern United States, originating from the tradition of using pantry staples like canned soup, biscuits, and rotisserie chicken to create a hearty, one‑pot meal for busy families.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken biscuit casseroles in Southern cuisine?
In the Deep South, cooks often add corn kernels or diced green chilies, while in the Gulf Coast version you might find a splash of hot sauce or Creole seasoning. Some families use buttermilk biscuits instead of refrigerated dough for a richer texture.
How is Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole traditionally served in Southern households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad, pickles, or collard greens. A slice is cut, allowed to set for a few minutes, then plated with a side of cornbread or biscuits.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole associated with in Southern culture?
The dish is popular for casual family gatherings, potlucks, and weeknight meals. It also appears at church socials and backyard barbecues where a quick, crowd‑pleasing casserole is needed.
How does Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole fit into the broader Southern cuisine tradition?
It embodies the Southern emphasis on comfort, convenience, and using leftover or readily available ingredients. The combination of creamy sauce, tender chicken, and fluffy biscuits reflects the region’s love for rich, satisfying dishes.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include rotisserie or boiled chicken, canned cream of chicken soup, refrigerated biscuit dough, sour cream, and sharp cheddar. Substitutes can be homemade cream soup, cooked chicken breast, gluten‑free biscuits, Greek yogurt for sour cream, or any meltable cheese.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole?
Pairs nicely with buttery corn on the cob, collard greens sautéed with ham hocks, a fresh cucumber‑tomato salad, or classic Southern biscuits and honey butter.
What makes Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole special or unique in Southern cuisine?
The ‘bubble‑up’ effect comes from the biscuit pieces puffing and creating a light, airy topping that contrasts with the creamy, savory base, giving the dish a textural surprise that’s both comforting and novel.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole?
Common errors include over‑mixing the biscuit pieces, not preheating the oven fully, and baking uncovered for too long which can dry the top. Keep the biscuits gently folded in and bake at the correct temperature for the full 40 minutes.
How do I know when Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the top is golden‑brown, the biscuits have puffed up and are firm to the touch, and a knife inserted into the center comes out hot with only a few moist crumbs.
Can I make Chicken Biscuit Bubble-Up Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to the point of adding the final cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes to the bake time.
What does the YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI specialize in?
The YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI focuses on easy, family‑friendly Southern comfort food recipes, quick weeknight meals, and budget‑friendly cooking tips presented with a warm, down‑home style.
How does the YouTube channel TENNESSEE NIKKI's approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
TENNESSEE NIKKI emphasizes ultra‑quick preparation using store‑bought shortcuts like rotisserie chicken and pre‑made biscuit dough, while still delivering authentic Southern flavors, whereas many other channels focus on made‑from‑scratch techniques.
Last updated: September 1, 2026
