Sometimes, after a long day, the thought of whipping up dinner feels like climbing Everest, but fear not—this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is your culinary sherpa. With just a few ingredients and a sprinkle of magic (or is it cheese?), you’ll have a dish that’s as comforting as a warm hug from an old friend. It’s like Netflix for your taste buds—easy, satisfying, and always there for you when you need it.
Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked and diced chicken, cooked wide egg noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded mozzarella cheese. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Transfer the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- In a separate bowl, mix together crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter until the crackers are well coated.
- Sprinkle the cracker and butter mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cracker topping is crispy and golden, and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Ingredients
- 1 pound cooked and diced chicken breasts
- 1 pound wide egg noodles, cooked
- 24 ounces sour cream
- 2 cans (10 ¾ ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup melted butter
Nutritional Values
Calories: 5368 | Total Fat: 360g | Saturated Fat: 184g | Trans Fat: 8g | Unsaturated Fat: N/A | Cholesterol: 1360mg | Sodium: 8104mg | Carbohydrates: 232g | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 32g | Protein: 304g
FAQ
- How long can I store Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in the refrigerator?
- This dish can be stored in the fridge for 2 to 3 days after baking. Ensure it is tightly covered to maintain freshness. When reheating, you can use a microwave or place it in the oven to crisp up the topping.
- Is it possible to prepare Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in advance?
- Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before you plan to serve it. If doing so, consider waiting to add the crushed crackers until just before baking to prevent them from becoming soggy. Add a bit more baking time until the cheese is bubbly.
- Can Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole be frozen?
- Yes, this casserole can be frozen. Before baking, let it cool completely (without the cracker topping), then wrap it tightly. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
- What ingredients are needed for this casserole?
- The main ingredients include cooked and diced chicken breasts, wide egg noodles, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, crushed Ritz crackers, and melted butter.
- What is the cooking process for Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Mix together the chicken, cooked noodles, sour cream, soup, and cheeses, then pour into a greased baking dish. Combine the cracker crumbs and melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole, and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the topping is crispy and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips
- For a time-saving option, consider using a rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. This can help speed up the preparation process without compromising on flavor.
- To ensure the crunchy topping remains crisp, add the crushed Ritz crackers just before baking. If you’re assembling the casserole in advance, keep the cracker topping separate until you’re ready to bake.
- If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, allow it to cool completely before wrapping and storing it in the freezer. Remember to add the cracker topping only after thawing and just before baking to maintain its texture.
- When reheating leftovers, use the oven instead of the microwave if you want the topping to regain its original crispiness. This will help maintain the casserole’s appealing texture.
Equipment
- 9×13″ Baking Dish – A baking dish of this size is essential for making the casserole.
- Mixing Bowl – A large mixing bowl is needed to combine the ingredients before baking.
- Oven Thermometer – Useful if someone wants to ensure their oven is at the correct temperature, especially when baking for precise results.
