Description: Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, blending tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, buttery crust. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in, this casserole is easy to make and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 1.5 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained (about 4 cups cooked)
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream (full-fat or low-fat)
- 1/2 cup milk (any kind)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the casserole cooks evenly and the cheese melts perfectly. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the casserole from sticking and makes serving easier.
Step 2: Combine Creamy Base In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy foundation of the casserole, providing richness and flavor. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Add Chicken, Noodles, and Veggies Add the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots (if using), and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the mixing bowl. Stir until everything is well combined. Ensure the chicken and noodles are evenly distributed throughout the creamy sauce. The peas and carrots add a touch of freshness and color.
Step 4: Assemble Casserole Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. This ensures consistent cooking and an even distribution of ingredients. Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. The cheese will melt and create a golden, bubbly topping.
Step 5: Prepare Topping In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole. This adds a crunchy texture and buttery flavor that complements the creamy filling.
Step 6: Bake Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top. The casserole is ready when the sauce is bubbling around the edges and the cheese is melted and slightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 7: Cool and Garnish Let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly and prevents burning your mouth. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, for a touch of freshness and visual appeal.
Why you will love this recipe:
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting embrace in a dish. This recipe is a symphony of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes, making it an instant family favorite.
Firstly, the creamy base, created with a blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups, combined with sour cream, delivers a velvety richness that coats every strand of noodle and piece of chicken. The garlic and onion powders add subtle, savory undertones, enhancing the overall depth of flavor without being overpowering.
The inclusion of shredded chicken transforms this casserole into a hearty and satisfying meal. Whether you use leftover roasted chicken or freshly cooked chicken breasts, the tender pieces of meat provide a delightful protein boost, making it a wholesome choice for dinner.
Egg noodles are the perfect foundation for this casserole. Their wide, ribbon-like shape soaks up the creamy sauce, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. They provide a satisfying chewiness that complements the tender chicken and creamy sauce.
The optional addition of frozen peas and carrots not only adds a pop of color but also introduces a touch of sweetness and freshness to balance the richness of the casserole. These veggies provide essential vitamins and nutrients, making the dish slightly healthier without sacrificing taste.
But the pièce de résistance is the buttery, crunchy topping. Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs create a delightful contrast to the creamy interior. The melted butter infuses the topping with a rich, golden flavor that elevates the entire casserole.
This recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to swap out the chicken for turkey, add different vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or experiment with various cheeses such as Monterey Jack or Gruyere. You can even add a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
Beyond its incredible taste, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is incredibly easy to make. With simple instructions and readily available ingredients, even novice cooks can whip up this dish with confidence. It’s a perfect weeknight meal that comes together quickly and effortlessly.
But perhaps the best part of this casserole is its ability to evoke a sense of nostalgia. It’s the kind of dish that reminds you of childhood dinners, family gatherings, and the simple joy of sharing a delicious meal with loved ones. It’s comfort food at its finest, guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face.
In summary, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a must-try recipe because of its creamy, rich flavor, hearty ingredients, delightful textures, versatility, ease of preparation, and nostalgic appeal. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve hot as a main course.
- Pair with a side salad for a balanced meal. A crisp green salad with a vinaigrette dressing complements the richness of the casserole.
- Offer a side of steamed green beans or roasted asparagus for added vegetables.
- Serve with a slice of crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
- For a heartier meal, serve with mashed potatoes or sweet potato casserole.
Tips:
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Cook the egg noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Adjust the amount of cheese to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use full-fat sour cream.
- If you don’t have Ritz crackers, use any type of cracker or breadcrumbs.
- To prevent the topping from burning, cover the casserole with foil during the last 10 minutes of baking.
- The casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
- Add other vegetables such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or celery for added flavor and nutrition.
- If you don’t have cream of chicken or mushroom soup, you can substitute with another cream-based soup, such as cream of celery or cream of broccoli.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Nutritional Information: (per serving, approximate)
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 700mg (Note: Sodium content can vary depending on the ingredients used, especially the soup.)
Conclusion:
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a timeless classic that brings comfort and satisfaction to any meal. Its simple preparation, delicious flavors, and adaptable nature make it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or special occasions. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite, offering a warm and hearty dish that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a taste of home-cooked goodness.
5 Questions and Answers about this Recipe:
- Can I substitute the chicken with another protein? Absolutely! Turkey works wonderfully as a substitute for chicken in this casserole. You could also use ham or even cooked sausage for a different flavor profile. Just make sure the protein is cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- I don’t have cream of chicken or mushroom soup. What else can I use? No problem! You can substitute with other cream-based soups like cream of celery, cream of broccoli, or even cream of potato soup. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can make your own cream sauce from scratch using butter, flour, milk, and seasonings.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can definitely make this casserole ahead of time. Assemble the casserole as directed, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before baking and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
- What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping? If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use any type of cracker or breadcrumbs for the topping. Panko breadcrumbs will give a nice, crispy texture, while regular breadcrumbs will provide a softer topping. You can also use crushed potato chips or even cornflakes for a unique twist.
- Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, you can freeze this casserole, but the texture may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding an extra 15-20 minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.
