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
Scale
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.
