Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish perfect for a family dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken, wide egg noodles, creamy soups, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping, it delivers rich flavors and a satisfying texture all baked to golden perfection in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Noodle Mixture
- 3 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and set it aside.
- Mix main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add vegetables and season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using, adding extra color and nutrition to the casserole. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing gently to distribute evenly.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top for a cheesy crust.
- Prepare crumb topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is lightly browned and crisp.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken from a rotisserie or leftover roast chicken works perfectly for ease and flavor.
- Wide egg noodles are recommended for the best texture, but other pasta shapes can be substituted.
- Adding frozen peas and carrots is optional but enhances taste and nutrition.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free noodles, soups, and bread crumbs.
- Letting the casserole rest after baking helps it set and makes serving easier.
