Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender cooked chicken, wide egg noodles, and a rich blend of cream soups and sour cream. Enhanced with garlic and onion powders, layered with cheddar cheese, and topped with a buttery crumb crust, this classic casserole makes a hearty and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 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 and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Mix base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cooked wide 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 well until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Add vegetables and season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and mix gently.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the prepared mixture evenly into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top to create a cheesy layer.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter until the mixture is well blended and crumbly. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer to add a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, hot throughout, and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish before serving.
Notes
- Using freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken enhances flavor and convenience.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color, texture, and nutrition to the casserole.
- The crushed Ritz crackers topping can be substituted with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers of choice for crunch.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to your preference; garlic and onion powders add nice depth to the creamy base.
- For a lactose-free version, substitute sour cream and cheese with suitable dairy-free alternatives.
