Description
This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender cooked chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy egg noodles topped with buttery crushed crackers. It’s perfect for a family dinner, combining simple ingredients into a delicious baked casserole that is both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 3 cups egg noodles (cooked according to package directions)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
Seasoning and Garnish
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prepare it for the casserole.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix the Casserole Base: In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add the cooked noodles and stir gently until everything is well mixed.
- Assemble the Casserole: Spread the prepared chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the greased baking dish.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the top of the casserole evenly.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or chives if desired. Serve warm for best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce for a fresher option.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or green beans for variety.
- Use gluten-free noodles and crackers to make this dish gluten free if needed.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven for best results.
- Butter crackers add a nice crunchy texture but panko breadcrumbs can be used as a topping alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
