If you’re craving a comforting, creamy, and utterly satisfying meal, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need to brighten up your dinner table. This timeless casserole combines tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a luscious blend of cream soups and cheeses, all baked to bubbly perfection with a crispy, buttery topping. It’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, hearty yet inviting—a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, ready to become your new family favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to making Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe truly shine. Each component is simple yet essential, working together to build layers of flavor, creamy texture, and vibrant color.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups): Shredded or diced for a tender, protein-packed base that melts into every bite.
- Wide egg noodles (8 oz): Cooked and drained, these noodles provide a hearty, comforting foundation.
- Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can): Adds a rich, savory creaminess that deepens the casserole’s flavor.
- Cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz can): Brings earthy undertones and extra creaminess for perfect balance.
- Sour cream (1 cup): Introduces tang and luscious texture, keeping the dish moist and velvety.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the mixture and helps blend everything smoothly.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): A subtle punch of aromatic flavor, adding warmth.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the savory depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): You control the seasoning to suit your palate perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Half is mixed in, half sprinkled on top for gooey, melty goodness.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, optional): Brighten the casserole with color, sweetness, and a little veggie boost.
- Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): The secret to a golden, crispy topping that contrasts the creamy filling.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Binds the crunchy topping to perfection, adding richness.
- Chopped parsley (for garnish, optional): Fresh and vibrant, it adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get Your Oven Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure your casserole doesn’t stick and bakes evenly. This step sets the stage for a perfectly cooked dish that slides out effortlessly.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, toss together the cooked chicken and wide egg noodles. Then add the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Season the mixture with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese. This combination creates the creamy heart of your casserole, delivering a satisfyingly rich and flavorful base that every spoonful will boast.
Step 3: Add Vegetables (Optional)
If you want a bit of color and an extra touch of nutrition, fold in the frozen peas and carrots. Their subtle sweetness and bright hues make the casserole not only tastier but more visually appealing. This small addition truly elevates the dish while keeping it comforting and wholesome.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour your creamy mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top, promising a gorgeous melted layer once baked.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter until every crumb is coated. Scatter this golden topping evenly across the casserole. This is what’ll provide that irresistible crispy contrast when baked, making each bite a delight.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s bubbling and the topping turns a beautiful light brown. This bake time allows all those flavors to meld seamlessly while developing a textural harmony.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give it a few minutes to cool slightly so the casserole sets up and the flavors settle. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like—a fresh breath of green that brightens each serving and makes it look as good as it tastes.
How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a fantastic garnish for Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It adds a hint of herbal brightness that cuts through the creaminess, elevating the overall eating experience. You can also try a sprinkle of extra cheddar for an indulgent touch or even some crispy bacon bits if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with crisp garden salads or steamed green vegetables to lighten the meal and add freshness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also complement the creamy, cheesy dish perfectly, giving you something to sop up every delicious bite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist during gatherings, try serving Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or mini skillets. You could also make it the centerpiece of a buffet table, offering an array of toppings like sliced olives, diced tomatoes, or even a drizzle of hot sauce to please different palates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly helps maintain its freshness and flavor, so you can enjoy your creamy comfort meal again without sacrificing quality.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully, making it perfect for meal prep. Assemble the dish as directed but do not bake. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil before placing it in the freezer. It can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, just allowing a bit more time for the dish to heat through.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. This keeps the creamy texture intact. For single servings, reheating in the microwave works well, just be sure to cover and stir halfway through to warm evenly.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a perfect shortcut, adding deliciously seasoned chicken with minimal effort, which makes Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe even easier to prepare.
Is it necessary to use both cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups?
Using both soups adds depth and complexity to the creamy base. However, if you prefer, you can substitute one of them with your favorite cream soup or use all cream of chicken for a milder flavor.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To adapt Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for dairy-free diets, use dairy-free sour cream and cheese alternatives, and choose cream soups that are dairy-free or make your own. The casserole will still be creamy and satisfying.
What can I substitute for wide egg noodles?
Wide egg noodles give this casserole its classic texture, but you can also use other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even macaroni if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook and drain them well before mixing.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to include vegetables like broccoli florets, mushrooms, or bell peppers to customize Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe to your liking and add even more nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those magical dishes that feels like home no matter where you are. It’s easy to make, comfortingly creamy, and packed with flavors everyone will love. Whether you’re serving family on a weeknight or bringing a warm dish to a potluck, give this recipe a try—you’ll soon find it becoming a beloved staple in your kitchen.
Print
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish that combines tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, creamy soups, and cheesy goodness topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a perfect family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 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
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures the casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large 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 fully combined and creamy.
- Add Vegetables: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using, then season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste for balanced flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter until well mixed. Sprinkle this buttery crunchy topping evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is lightly browned and crisp.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving warm.
Notes
- Using cooked chicken is a great way to use leftovers or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color, texture, and nutrition to the casserole.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, substitute the wide egg noodles and breadcrumb topping with gluten-free alternatives.
- The topping can be swapped for crushed crackers of choice or panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
- Allow the casserole to rest a few minutes after baking to set and make serving easier.
