If you’re craving a cozy, comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you are going to adore Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. This dish brings together tender chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a luscious blend of creamy soups and cheese that meld into pure, crowd-pleasing deliciousness. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight family dinner or a special occasion centerpiece, this casserole is the kind of recipe that becomes a beloved classic in your kitchen. It’s simple yet packed with flavor and texture, making every bite memorable and satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe plays a key role in creating its rich texture and delightful flavors. These pantry staples are easy to find and come together effortlessly to elevate the dish.
- 3 cups Cooked chicken: shredded or diced, providing tender protein that is the heart of this casserole.
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles: cooked and drained, offering a chewy, comforting base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup: adds savory depth and creaminess.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup: brings an earthy undertone that enriches the flavor.
- 1 cup Sour cream: intensifies creaminess and adds a slight tang for balance.
- 1/2 cup Milk: thins the mixture slightly to keep it silky smooth.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: imparts warm, aromatic notes without overpowering.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder: enhances depth and rounds out savory flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: essential seasonings to bring all the flavors together.
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: offers gooey richness and melty indulgence.
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional): adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness.
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs: creates a delightfully crunchy topping.
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter: binds the topping and adds a golden crisp finish.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): brings fresh, herbaceous brightness to the final dish.
How to Make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish ensures the casserole won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze. This setup lets you focus on assembling the delicious layers of your casserole with no hassle.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture turns smooth and creamy, guaranteeing that every forkful has that luscious, comforting texture everyone loves.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasonings
For extra color and a touch of sweetness, fold in the frozen peas and carrots if you’re using them. Give the filling a taste, then season with salt and pepper as needed. This step personalizes the casserole’s flavor to your liking.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top, creating a cheesy layer that will melt and turn beautifully golden as the casserole bakes.
Step 5: Create the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until well combined. This mixture will form a buttery, crunchy crust that contrasts perfectly with the creamy interior. Sprinkle it generously over the cheese layer.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes until it’s bubbling around the edges and the topping has a gorgeous golden-brown color. The enticing aroma filling your kitchen at this point is proof that Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is almost ready to be enjoyed.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to allow the casserole to set slightly, making serving easier. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top if you like a fresh herbal note and a pop of green color.
How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
This casserole really shines with just a simple garnish of freshly chopped parsley, which adds a vibrant color contrast and a mild, fresh flavor that complements the creamy richness perfectly. If you want to kick it up, a little sprinkle of smoked paprika or finely grated Parmesan can also add lovely finishing touches.
Side Dishes
Pair Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad or some roasted seasonal vegetables to balance the creaminess with fresh, light textures. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also fantastic companions that help soak up every last bit of the luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family gathering or potluck, consider serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. You can also layer the casserole in clear glass dishes to showcase the colorful peas, carrots, and cheese, making it visually as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe stores beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers just as enjoyable, if not more so, than the first serving.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole before baking by covering it tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It will keep well for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed for a fresh-from-the-oven taste any day.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through. Adding a splash of milk before reheating helps maintain creaminess and prevents drying out.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and saves time without sacrificing the deliciousness of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you’re not a fan of mushroom soup, feel free to swap it with more cream of chicken soup or even a homemade white sauce. This will keep the casserole rich and creamy without the mushroom flavor.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles, gluten-free soups, and replacing the crackers with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Can I add other vegetables besides peas and carrots?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like broccoli florets, corn, or even chopped spinach to add your own twist and nutritional boost to the casserole.
How do I prevent the topping from burning while baking?
If your topping tends to brown too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil halfway through baking and then remove it for the last 10 minutes to achieve a perfect golden finish without burning.
Final Thoughts
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is more than just a dish—it’s comfort food crafted with love and simplicity that can brighten any mealtime. Once you try it, this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying casserole will become a staple in your home, ready to bring smiles to family and friends alike. So grab those ingredients, dig in, and enjoy every delicious spoonful!
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Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, a savory blend of cream of chicken and mushroom soups, and a cheesy breadcrumb topping for added crunch. This hearty casserole is perfect for a family dinner, offering a creamy texture balanced with a crispy golden topping and optional veggies for color and nutrition.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodles
- 3 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
Soup and Dairy Mixture
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cheese and Toppings
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside for later use.
- Prepare the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cooked and drained egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Add vegetables and seasoning: If desired, gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots for added color and nutrition. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste, adjusting as needed.
- Assemble in baking dish: Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this crunchy mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly throughout and the topping is nicely browned and crisp.
- Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom or chicken soup with homemade versions for a fresher taste.
- Adding frozen peas and carrots is optional but adds nutrition and color to the casserole.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers.
- The casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
