Description
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked pasta dish loaded with tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a flavorful blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar. Topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust, this comforting casserole is perfect for an easy family dinner that delivers warmth and rich taste in every bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Pasta
- 12 oz egg noodles
Soup and Seasonings
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F to ensure it reaches the right baking temperature while you prepare the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
- Make Filling: In a large bowl, thoroughly mix the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, 1 cup of the cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chopped green onions until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked noodles and shredded chicken into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated without breaking the noodles.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and transfer the noodle and chicken mixture into it, spreading it evenly.
- Make Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated.
- Add Cheese and Cracker Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, then top with the buttery cracker crumbs to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping turns a golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to set, then serve warm for a delicious comfort meal.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quick and easy preparation.
- Substitute Ritz crackers with panko breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes for alternative textures.
- Add cooked bacon or chopped spinach to the filling for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 105mg