Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is a family-friendly dish that checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, flavorful, and filling, making it a go-to recipe for both kids and adults. With the combination of tender chicken, comforting egg noodles, and a savory blend of soups and seasonings, every bite is guaranteed to be delicious. The melted cheddar cheese adds richness, while the crispy cracker topping gives it the perfect crunch. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be customized with extra veggies like peas and carrots.

Ingredients

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

• 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

• 1 cup sour cream

• ½ cup milk

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

• ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs

• 2 tablespoons melted butter

• Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. 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.

3. Add in the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots (if using), and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is well combined.

4. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

5. Top with the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese.

6. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

7. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot, bubbly, and golden on top.

8. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired.

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cooking Time: 35 minutes

• Total Time: 50 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Vegetarian Option: Skip the chicken and use a plant-based protein or extra vegetables for a vegetarian version.

• Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a spicy twist.

• Swap the Vegetables: If you prefer other vegetables, consider swapping peas and carrots with corn, green beans, or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and substitute gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the casserole gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat individual servings in the microwave or cover the casserole dish with foil and heat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option. It saves time and adds extra flavor to the casserole.

2. Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

3. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole and store it in the refrigerator for up to a day before baking. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.

4. What can I use if I don’t have cream of mushroom soup?

You can substitute cream of celery soup or another cream-based soup. The flavor may vary slightly, but it will still be delicious.

5. Can I make this recipe without sour cream?

If you don’t have sour cream, you can substitute it with Greek yogurt or a bit of extra cream to maintain the creamy texture.

6. How do I make this casserole more cheesy?

You can add more shredded cheddar cheese to the casserole mixture or sprinkle some extra cheese on top before baking.

7. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can use any cheese you prefer. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a blend of cheeses would work great in this casserole.

8. How do I prevent the topping from getting too soggy?

Make sure the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs are mixed well with the melted butter to create a crispy topping. Also, avoid overcooking the casserole to keep the topping crunchy.

9. Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?

Yes, fresh vegetables can be used, though you may need to cook them slightly before adding them to the casserole to ensure they cook properly.

10. Can I add more seasoning to this recipe?

Feel free to adjust the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to your taste. You can also experiment with adding herbs like thyme or rosemary for extra flavor.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a delicious and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a simple dinner for your family, this recipe delivers on flavor and ease. With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and crispy topping, it's sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation.

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Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy soups, and hearty noodles, all baked together with a crispy, golden topping. This family-friendly casserole is perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings, offering a delicious blend of flavors and textures. It's easy to make and customizable with extra veggies or different cheeses. Whether you're craving a satisfying meal or looking for a crowd-pleaser, this creamy chicken noodle casserole will quickly become a favorite.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Casserole, Comfort Food, Chicken Dish
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced

8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup

1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup

1 cup sour cream

½ cup milk

1 teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)

1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)

½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs

2 tablespoons melted butter

Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

• Add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, peas and carrots (if using), and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.

• Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

• Top with remaining ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.

• In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.

• Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.

• Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley, if desired.

Notes

• You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of celery or another cream-based soup for a different flavor.

• To make the casserole spicier, add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.

• For a vegetarian option, use plant-based protein or extra vegetables instead of chicken.

• If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free egg noodles and breadcrumbs.