Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a savory sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enhanced with optional veggies like peas and corn, and topped with a crunchy buttery cracker topping, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups, uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions until tender, then drain and set aside to incorporate into the casserole.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, and if using, frozen peas and corn into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If desired, scatter the melted butter-mixed crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped broccoli or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and substitute the cracker topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer a lower fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
