Description
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, a cheesy cream of chicken sauce, and a crispy buttered cracker topping. Perfect for a hearty family meal, it combines simple ingredients into a flavorful casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
Topping
- 1½ cups crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Garnish
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick.
- Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the wide egg noodles until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir well to make a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the shredded chicken, finely chopped yellow onion, celery, and thawed peas and carrots into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Add Noodles: Fold the cooked egg noodles into the mixture gently to combine thoroughly. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
- Prepare Topping: Mix the crushed butter crackers with melted unsalted butter until the crackers are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping turns golden brown and crispy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a fresh finish, and serve warm.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds a delicious roasted flavor.
- Feel free to substitute frozen mixed vegetables with your preferred mix.
- For a crunchier topping, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes watching carefully to avoid burning.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium soup and adjust salt accordingly.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
