Description
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender chicken, egg noodles, and a rich blend of cheeses and cream sauces. This comforting casserole is topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust for an irresistible golden finish, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
Cheese and Cream Mixture
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
Cheeses for Topping
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold in the cooked chicken and egg noodles, making sure everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly inside.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the casserole.
- Optional Crunchy Topping: If using, combine crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture on top of the cheeses for added texture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a lower fat version, substitute low-fat sour cream and cottage cheese.
- The Ritz cracker topping adds a delicious crunch, but can be omitted for a softer top.
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles; al dente texture works best to avoid a mushy casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
