Description
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce. Enhanced with garlic and onion powder, and topped with a crispy buttery cracker crust, this casserole makes a perfect easy weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie works well)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Veggies: Fold the cooked and drained egg noodles, shredded chicken, and frozen peas and carrots (if using) into the creamy mixture. Mix gently until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly with a spatula.
- Add Cheese and Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the casserole, then evenly top with the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping has turned a golden brown color.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool slightly before serving to let it set, ensuring easy servings and enhanced flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for the cream of chicken soup to change the flavor profile.
- Add a dash of hot sauce to the mixture for a spicy kick.
- For additional vegetables and nutrients, stir in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach before baking.
