Description
This classic Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, comforting dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed onions, and a cheesy, vegetable-filled sauce, it’s topped with buttery crushed crackers for a delightful crunch. Easy to prepare and freezer-friendly, this casserole combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1½ cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Dairy and Creamy Components
- 2 tablespoons butter (plus 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping)
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Protein
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
Topping
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
Seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, thawed peas and carrots, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Prepare Topping and Bake: In a small bowl, mix crushed butter crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes. This allows the casserole to set, making it easier to serve and enhancing the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for a quick and convenient option.
- Adding cooked mushrooms or sautéed bell peppers can boost vegetable content and flavor.
- This casserole freezes well before baking; cover tightly and freeze for up to 2 months to enjoy later.
