Description
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses and soups. This comforting casserole is topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust, making it perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles
Chicken and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water until they are al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing 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 creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken and the drained egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated and well incorporated.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the noodle and chicken mixture evenly inside.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Optional Cracker Topping: If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture 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 top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce for a fresher taste.
- Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken for convenience.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2 minutes of baking.
- To make it lighter, substitute full-fat cheeses and sour cream with low-fat versions.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
