Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy cheddar sauce for a comforting and hearty meal. Enhanced with peas and corn for a pop of color and sweetness, this baked casserole is topped with additional cheese and optional buttery breadcrumbs for a delightful crispy finish. Perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups, uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender. Drain thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen peas, and frozen corn to the sauce mixture. Stir everything carefully to coat the noodles and chicken evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, sprinkle the buttered crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes to set before serving. This rest time helps the casserole firm up for easier portioning.
Notes
- For a crispier topping, ensure the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs are well-coated with melted butter before adding on top.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a fresher version.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped carrots or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat covered in the oven or microwave until warmed through.
