Introduction
This comforting chicken noodle casserole is a delightful dish that combines tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a medley of vegetables in a creamy sauce. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, it’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners or weekend family gatherings. It’s simple to prepare and delivers a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
12 ounces egg noodles
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 cup diced celery
1 cup diced carrots
1 cup diced onion
1 teaspoon poultry seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: Serves 8
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Step 2: Cook Egg Noodles
Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced celery, carrots, and onion. Sauté until the vegetables are tender, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 4: Add Seasoning
Stir in the poultry seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
Step 5: Combine Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables, cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
Step 6: Mix in Noodles
Add the cooked egg noodles to the mixture and gently stir to combine.
Step 7: Transfer to Baking Dish
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Step 8: Prepare Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Step 9: Bake Casserole
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
Step 10: Cool and Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Tip on Chicken
Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and shredded into bite-sized pieces for even distribution.
Vegetable Options
You can customize the vegetables by adding or substituting with your favorites, such as bell peppers or green beans.
Cheese Variations
For a different flavor, you can use different types of cheese, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
Storage Suggestions
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
Cook Techniques
Sautéing Vegetables
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add diced celery, carrots, and onion, and sauté until they are tender, about 5-7 minutes. This technique enhances the flavors and textures of the vegetables.
Combining Ingredients
In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed vegetables with cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, frozen peas, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mixing ensures that all the ingredients are evenly distributed, leading to a consistent flavor throughout the dish.
Cooking Egg Noodles
Follow package instructions to cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside. Properly cooking noodles prevents them from becoming mushy when baked in the casserole.
Assembling the Casserole
Transfer the combined mixture to a greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. This ensures that the casserole cooks uniformly and the top has a nice crust.
Making the Cracker Topping
Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter in a small bowl. This creates a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor when baked.
Baking the Casserole
Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Monitor closely to achieve the perfect golden crust without overcooking.
Cooling Before Serving
Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the flavors to settle and makes serving easier.
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great option and can save time since it is already cooked and shredded.
Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use homemade cream of chicken soup or substitute with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Absolutely! Feel free to include vegetables like bell peppers, corn, or green beans according to your preferences.
How can I make this dish healthier?
You can use whole grain or vegetable-based egg noodles, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup.
Can I prepare the casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just increase the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just cover it tightly, and when ready to bake, increase the baking time to ensure it is cooked through.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken noodle casserole is a comforting dish that brings together tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and flavorful seasonings, all baked to perfection with a golden Ritz cracker topping. It’s a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or a cozy dinner at home.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
Add steamed broccoli to your mixture for a nutritious twist and an extra layer of flavor.
Buffalo Chicken Casserole
Incorporate buffalo sauce into your chicken mixture for a spicy kick that will please any heat lover.
Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
Swap out the chicken for canned tuna and add some peas and mushrooms for a classic comfort food option.
Mediterranean Chicken Casserole
Mix in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired twist.
Chicken and Rice Casserole
Replace egg noodles with cooked rice and add bell peppers for a different texture and taste.
Vegetarian Casserole
Omit the chicken and increase the number of vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian option.
BBQ Chicken Casserole
Stir in your favorite barbecue sauce and top with coleslaw for a fun twist on the traditional chicken casserole.
