Description
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole brings comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen, blending tender chicken, silky noodles, and rich, velvety sauce. Hearty layers promise warmth with each delicious bite that will remind you of cherished family dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Noodles and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) wide egg noodles
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 ounces/298 grams) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
Seasonings and Spices:
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz) or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the culinary workspace by heating the oven to 350F (175C) and thoroughly coating a 9×13-inch baking vessel with non-stick spray.
- Immerse egg noodles in rapidly boiling, salted water. Cook until achieving a tender yet firm consistency, approximately 7-8 minutes. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
- Create a luxurious sauce by whisking cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, and cheddar cheese together. Incorporate garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until achieving a silky, uniform texture.
- Integrate shredded chicken and cooked noodles into the creamy mixture. Gently fold ingredients to ensure uniform coating without disrupting the delicate noodle structure.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a consistent layer.
- Craft a crispy topping by combining crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Generously distribute this golden mixture across the casserole’s surface.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven. Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the interior becomes effervescent and heated through.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving for an elegant finishing touch.
Notes
- Choose egg noodles that are slightly undercooked to prevent becoming mushy during baking, ensuring a perfect al dente consistency.
- Rotisserie chicken works brilliantly for added flavor and saves preparation time, making the casserole even more convenient.
- Experiment with different toppings like panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even sliced almonds for varied texture and flavor profiles.
- Swap regular dairy products with lactose-free alternatives and use gluten-free crackers to make this dish friendly for those with dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 390 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 560 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg