If you are craving a warm, comforting dish that tastes like a big, cozy hug, then you absolutely need to try The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. This casserole takes simple pantry staples and turns them into a luscious, cheesy, and creamy meal that feels like home with every bite. It combines tender chicken, tender noodles, and a rich blend of creamy soups, cheese, and a crunchy golden topping that will make you wonder why this isn’t your go-to dinner every week. Trust me when I say, once you make this, it will become a beloved classic in your recipe box.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is wonderfully straightforward. Each ingredient has a special role to play — from the silky soups creating that creamy base to the crispy buttery topping adding texture. These are all essentials that work perfectly together to give you the ultimate comfort food experience.
- 3 cups Cooked chicken: Use shredded or diced, cooked chicken gives the dish protein and hearty texture.
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles: Cooked and drained, these noodles soak up all the creamy goodness beautifully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup: Adds rich chicken flavor and velvety texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthy depth and boosts the creamy base.
- 1 cup Sour cream: Enhances tang and creaminess for a luscious finish.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Keeps the casserole moist and smooth without thinning out the flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Infuses a lovely mild savory punch.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder: Slight sweetness and a subtle bite to balance flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasoning to elevate every component.
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp and melty, cheese makes the casserole extra irresistible.
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional): Adds a burst of color and fresh veggie crunch.
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs: Gives the topping a buttery, crunchy golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter: Binds the topping and enhances that buttery flavor.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): A fresh and pretty pop of green for serving.
How to Make The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Mix Your Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish—this keeps your casserole from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. Next, 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 together gently but thoroughly—your goal is a creamy, well-blended mixture that promises to coat every noodle and piece of chicken with deliciousness.
Step 2: Add the Veggies and Season
If you want a little sparkle of color and a nutritional boost, gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots right into your creamy base. This step is optional but highly recommended because those little pops of green and orange brighten the dish visually and texturally. Once mixed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, seasoning is where your personal flavor shines through, so don’t be shy.
Step 3: Layer and Cheese It Up
Now pour your beautiful mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top lightly with a spoon or spatula, then sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. This extra cheese layer will melt into a bubbly, golden blanket as it bakes, creating that irresistible cheesy crown you want on your casserole.
Step 4: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the coating looks well blended and moist. This buttery topping is what takes The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe from great to unforgettable by adding a satisfying crunch contrast to the creamy interior. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole’s cheese layer, covering every inch you can.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it bubbles up around the edges and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. This is also the time when all the flavors have married perfectly, and your kitchen will be filled with an inviting aroma that no one can resist. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool a few minutes to settle. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a fresh, herbal touch and a beautiful presentation.
How to Serve The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds a burst of brightness and color that makes this dish feel just a little fancy. If parsley is not your thing, fresh thyme or even a little chopped green onion works wonders too. It balances the richness and adds a fresh note with every forkful.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite the hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli can add some welcome freshness and crunch. For bread lovers, a side of garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, try serving The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins topped with extra cheese and cracker crumbs for a personalized touch. Or layer the casserole in a glass dish so guests can see all the beautiful layers come through. It makes the comfort food vibe feel a little special and celebratory.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover casserole is pure luck since many devour it in one sitting, but if you do have extra, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. Keep in mind the topping may lose some of its crispness, but the creamy, cheesy goodness remains.
Freezing
You can freeze The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe either before or after baking. For best texture, freeze before baking: assemble your casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, bake it covered for about 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake until bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, to help restore the topping’s crunch. If using a microwave, cover loosely and heat in short bursts to keep heat even and avoid drying out the casserole.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and soak up the sauce perfectly, you can substitute with rotini, penne, or even elbow macaroni. Just make sure to cook and drain them well before mixing in.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
You can adapt the recipe by using dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, along with dairy-free soups or homemade creamy sauces. The texture and flavor will be slightly different but still deliciously comforting.
Can I add other vegetables besides peas and carrots?
Definitely! You can add broccoli florets, corn, or mushrooms to suit your preferences. Just make sure any veggies you add are cooked or thawed so they meld well with the creamy casserole.
How can I make this casserole more protein-packed?
Feel free to mix in some cooked bacon or use rotisserie chicken with the skin for extra flavor and protein. Adding a handful of shredded cooked ham or turkey works wonderfully too.
What’s the best way to prevent the casserole from getting watery?
Drain your noodles very well and don’t overdo the milk quantity. Also, using creamy soups instead of broth-based soups keeps the mixture thick. Finally, letting the casserole rest a few minutes after baking helps it set and firm up nicely.
Final Thoughts
There is truly something magical about The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe that turns everyday ingredients into a soul-soothing feast. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy weeknight or bringing a dish to a potluck, this casserole delights with every creamy, cheesy, crunchy bite. Give it a whirl, and I promise it will earn a permanent spot in your recipe repertoire—comfort food doesn’t get better than this!
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The Most Delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Enjoy Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole, a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a creamy blend of soups and sour cream, topped with melted cheddar and a buttery crunchy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 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 thoroughly and set it aside to be ready for the casserole mixture.
- Mix the Base Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded or diced chicken with the cooked wide egg noodles. Add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until fully incorporated and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots into the mixture for added color and nutrition, if using. Season with salt and pepper to your taste, mixing well.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy chicken noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the mixture is well coated. Sprinkle this buttery crumb topping evenly over the cheddar layer on the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping 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 if desired before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen mixed vegetables with any preferred vegetables for variation.
- Using freshly shredded cheddar cheese provides better melting and flavor compared to pre-shredded brands.
- For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheese.
- If you prefer a thicker casserole, drain the noodles well to avoid excess moisture.
- The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture.
