Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food that brings warmth and deliciousness to any table. This delightful dish is not only easy to prepare but is also a family favorite that combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a cozy gathering, this casserole delivers satisfying flavors with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Casserole
- Quick and Easy: Perfect for busy weeknights, it only takes about 30 minutes to prepare.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by both kids and adults, it’s a guaranteed hit at the dinner table.
- Comforting Meal: It’s the perfect dish for those chilly nights when you need a warm and hearty meal.
- Versatile: You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or using leftover chicken.
- Make Ahead Option: This casserole can be prepared in advance and kept in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for topping
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Egg Noodles: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Combine with Noodles: Add the drained egg noodles to the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine completely.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicken noodle mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Prepare the Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Serve: Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole!
Tips for the Perfect Casserole
- Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for a quick prep. Just shred it and mix it in!
- Vegetables: Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables like broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheese types; Monterey Jack or mozzarella can provide different flavors and textures.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without baking and cover it with foil. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking it, adding a few minutes to the cooking time.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigerating Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well! Cover it tightly and store it for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
- Reheating: To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until heated through.
Nutritional Information
While comfort food is often indulgent, this casserole can be made a bit healthier with some simple modifications. You can substitute low-fat sour cream and use whole wheat egg noodles for a healthy twist. Here’s a rough breakdown for a single serving (1/8 of the casserole):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fat: 14g
Serving Suggestions
Pair your Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. Fresh bread or garlic bread also makes a great side for sopping up the creamy goodness.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is not just a dish; it’s a warm hug on a plate. With minimal preparation time and an array of flavors, it has earned its place as a staple in family dinner recipes. Gather your family around the table and delight in the comforting flavors that this casserole provides. Whether you stick to the classic version or get creative with your own additions, this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for quick prep.
- 8 ounces egg noodles Cook according to package instructions.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix Add any favorite vegetables for extra nutrition.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 ounces)
- 1 cup sour cream Can use low-fat as a healthier option.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese Feel free to experiment with different cheese types.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- to taste Salt and pepper
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil For greasing the baking dish.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs for topping
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, frozen peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Add the drained egg noodles to the chicken mixture and stir gently to combine completely.
- Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with olive oil. Pour the chicken noodle mixture into the dish and spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes or breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
Baking
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Once out of the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.