Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked chicken, soft egg noodles, creamy sour cream, and two types of melted cheese, it’s topped with a crunchy potato chip or breadcrumb crust for added texture and flavor. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using potato chips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Gently fold the cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated without breaking the noodles too much.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for that cheesy crust.
- Prepare Topping: If using the optional topping, mix the crushed potato chips with the melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Alternatively, use breadcrumbs as a crunchy topping instead.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy a warm and cheesy meal!
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- If preferred, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
- For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping.
- Crushed potato chips add a delicious crunch but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if your soup or cheese is already salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American