Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting and creamy home-cooked meal featuring tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a rich blend of creamy soups and cheese, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines classic flavors with simple ingredients, baked to a bubbly golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Noodles Mixture
- 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, ensuring the casserole will not stick during baking.
- Mix the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cooked and drained egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir all ingredients together until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using, adding a pop of color and nutrition. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and mix gently to evenly distribute.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the well-mixed chicken and noodles mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a melted cheese layer.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole’s cheese layer to add a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish 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 let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh touch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure the egg noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Using equal parts cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup balances the flavor, but you can adjust according to preference.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt can be considered.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles, soups, and breadcrumbs.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to firm up for easier serving.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
