Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tender noodles, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Step 2: Cook the egg noodles until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar, and shredded mozzarella. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
- Step 5: Mix the crushed buttery crackers with the melted butter and sprinkle this evenly over the casserole’s top.
- Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or thyme to the chicken mixture.
- Substitute the buttery crackers topping with panko breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on preparation.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or oven until warmed through. To reheat in the oven, cover loosely with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?
Yes, you can use any cheese that melts well, such as Monterey Jack, Colby, or even a blend of Italian cheeses to vary the flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole and cover it tightly, then refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
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Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and satisfying baked dish featuring tender cooked chicken, wide egg noodles, a creamy blend of sour cream and cream of chicken soup, and a melty combination of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it’s easy to prepare and packed with rich, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Topping
- 1 sleeve buttery crackers, crushed
- 1/4 cup melted butter
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the wide egg noodles until they are al dente, which means they should be tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cooked noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper to your taste, mixing thoroughly to ensure even distribution of flavors.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top with a spoon or spatula.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole to create a crunchy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cracker topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This helps the casserole set and makes it easier to portion.
Notes
- The cooked chicken can be substituted with leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Make sure the noodles are not overcooked to avoid a mushy casserole.
- The buttery cracker topping adds a crunchy texture, but you can substitute it with breadcrumbs if preferred.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, chicken noodle casserole, baked casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy chicken casserole
