Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is comfort food magic, pure and simple. Imagine tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and colorful veggies, all nestled in a rich, creamy sauce, then crowned with a buttery, golden cracker topping. Every bite is a hug—savory, creamy, and just a touch nostalgic. Whether you grew up on casseroles or you’re just discovering their joys, this dish promises irresistible flavor and heartwarming goodness in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simplicity is part of the magic here: the ingredient list is unfussy, but every component brings something special to the table. From the creaminess of the soup and sour cream to the crunch of the cracker topping, each one helps make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole a family favorite.
- Egg Noodles (12 oz): The tender base that soaks up all that glorious sauce—be sure to cook them just until al dente for the perfect texture.
- Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken makes for a speedy shortcut, but any juicy, shredded chicken works beautifully.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The creamy backbone of the casserole, creating a luscious, cohesive sauce.
- Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and silkiness, balancing the richness of the other ingredients.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins the sauce, ensuring it coats every noodle and morsel of chicken without being too thick.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1/2 cup): For gooey, melty decadence and a hint of sharp flavor.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots, thawed (1/2 cup): These bring pops of color and subtle sweetness to every bite.
- Chopped Onion (1/4 cup): A little fresh onion adds depth and a savory underpinning to the whole dish.
- Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): An easy way to infuse gentle garlicky warmth throughout the casserole.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for balancing and brightening all the flavors together.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just enough mild heat to keep things interesting.
- Crushed Butter Crackers (1/2 cup): The secret to that unforgettable crispy, buttery topping—use a rolling pin or your hands.
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Helps the cracker topping bake up golden and delicious for the perfect textural contrast.
How to Make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Baking Dish and Preheat
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with a little butter or nonstick spray. This simple step ensures easy serving and a hassle-free cleanup, so don’t skip it!
Step 2: Boil the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, just until al dente. Drain thoroughly—overcooked noodles can turn mushy after baking, so keep a close eye!
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This is where that signature creamy texture of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole really comes together, so take a moment to mix well until everything is smooth and luscious.
Step 4: Add the Chicken and Veggies
Gently stir in the shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and chopped onion. Folding these into the sauce means every bite will have the perfect balance of chicken, veggies, and creamy goodness.
Step 5: Combine with Egg Noodles
Add the drained egg noodles into the bowl and gently toss until all the noodles are evenly coated. Take your time—using a large spatula or spoon keeps the noodles from breaking apart, and ensures the creamy mixture surrounds every ingredient.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out in an even layer. The aroma at this point is already bound to make everyone hungry!
Step 7: Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture generously over the casserole. This topping is the crowning glory, providing an irresistible crunch and buttery flavor to every serving of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Slide the casserole dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole rest for five minutes before serving—this makes it easier to slice and lets all the flavors mingle just a little bit longer.
How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley just before serving adds a flash of green and a little freshness to each serving of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. If you’re feeling fancy, a dash of paprika or a few sliced green onions can really make it pop on the dinner table.
Side Dishes
Pairing this casserole with a simple green salad or steamed veggies keeps the meal balanced and lets the main dish shine. Classic dinner rolls or a slice of crusty bread are perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, try serving Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole in individual ramekins for personal-size portions. If you’re cooking for kids, scoop it straight into bowls and let them pick their favorite toppings—think extra cheese or a dollop of sour cream to make every bite customizable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Pop any leftover casserole into an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen overnight, making reheated portions just as delicious—sometimes even better—than the first serving!
Freezing
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is freezer-friendly, making it ideal for meal prep or sharing with friends who might need a comforting meal. Simply assemble the casserole (leave off the cracker topping), cover tightly, and freeze for up to two months. Add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly—about 20 to 25 minutes. If reheating individual servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too. If the casserole seems a little dry, splash in a tablespoon or two of milk before reheating to bring back its creamy magic.
FAQs
Can I substitute the peas and carrots?
Absolutely! Feel free to use what you have on hand—corn, chopped green beans, or small broccoli florets all work wonderfully in Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Just keep the total amount the same for the right veggie-to-noodle ratio.
What’s the best way to shred the chicken?
For extra ease, use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breast or try using a stand mixer with a paddle attachment for ultra-fine shredding. Rotisserie chicken is everyone’s favorite shortcut and keeps prep extra simple.
Can I use different cheeses?
While cheddar brings classic flavor, you can absolutely swap it out or mix it up—Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend will all melt beautifully and change up the flavor profile of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Can it be made ahead?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole (hold off on the cracker topping), cover, and refrigerate overnight. Just add the topping and bake as directed when you’re ready. It’s a brilliant make-ahead dinner for busy nights or guests.
What if I don’t have butter crackers?
No problem—crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, or even potato chips can stand in for the cracker topping. Each will give a unique crunch to Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole, so feel free to experiment with your favorites.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a cozy, crowd-pleasing classic, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole never disappoints. It’s one of those memorable main dishes that brings people together and proves that simple ingredients, a little love, and a golden, buttery topping are all you really need for an unforgettable meal. Try it soon—your dinner table will thank you!
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Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that’s perfect for a family dinner. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with chicken, veggies, and noodles, this casserole is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
12 oz
Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast:
2 cups
Cream of Chicken Soup:
1 can (10.5 oz)
Sour Cream:
1/2 cup
Milk:
1/2 cup
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
1/2 cup
Frozen Peas and Carrots (thawed):
1/2 cup
Chopped Onion:
1/4 cup
Garlic Powder:
1/2 teaspoon
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon
Crushed Butter Crackers (like Ritz):
1/2 cup
Melted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook the noodles: Cook egg noodles in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the filling: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and chopped onion. Add the cooked noodles and gently mix until fully combined.
- Assemble and bake: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole. Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- You can swap peas and carrots for corn, green beans, or broccoli.
- For added flavor, stir in 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme or poultry seasoning.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
