Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Let me introduce you to a recipe that’s about to become your new go-to comfort food—Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. This dish is like a warm hug in a baking dish, loaded with tender chicken, soft noodles, and a creamy, dreamy sauce that’s perfect for those cozy nights in. Whether you’re looking to feed the whole family, host a potluck, or just need something to make you feel right at home, this casserole will do the trick. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be going back for seconds… or thirds. It’s that good!

Why You’ll Love Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Here’s why this casserole is a total winner in my book—and I know you’ll feel the same way:

Comfort in Every Bite

With tender chicken, comforting noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce, this casserole is the definition of comfort food. It’s hearty, satisfying, and will make you feel all kinds of cozy inside.

Easy to Make

No need for fancy kitchen skills here! Dolly’s recipe is simple, straightforward, and comes together in a flash. You’ll have a delicious dinner on the table with minimal effort. This is a dish that practically cooks itself!

Family-Friendly

This casserole is a crowd-pleaser, making it perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers. The creamy texture and mild flavor will have everyone, from the pickiest eaters to the most adventurous foodies, asking for more.

Make-Ahead Friendly

You can prep this casserole ahead of time, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights or when you have guests coming over. Just assemble it, pop it in the fridge, and bake when you’re ready to serve.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this creamy, comforting casserole:

Cooked Chicken

Shredded or diced, cooked chicken is the star of the show. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly cook some chicken breasts. Either way, it adds that satisfying protein punch to the casserole.

Egg Noodles

Classic egg noodles are the perfect vehicle for soaking up that creamy sauce. Their texture is just right—not too soft, not too firm, but perfectly in between.

Cream of Chicken Soup

This is the base of the creamy sauce and a shortcut that packs in lots of flavor. It brings everything together in a smooth, comforting way.

Sour Cream

A dollop of sour cream adds a slight tang and smoothness to the sauce, making it extra rich and creamy without being too heavy.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the casserole, adding a cheesy richness that takes it to the next level. You can’t go wrong with a little extra cheese on top!

Frozen Peas

Adding frozen peas gives this casserole a pop of color and a little sweet crunch. Plus, they’re super convenient to toss in straight from the freezer.

Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt, and Pepper

These seasonings bring out all the right flavors in the casserole. They balance the richness of the sauce and bring it all together.

Olive Oil (Optional)

A little olive oil helps sauté the chicken and keep everything moist during cooking, though you could also use butter if you prefer.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive into this delicious casserole? Here’s how you make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole:

Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures your casserole bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden top.

Cook the Noodles

Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, usually around 6-8 minutes. Drain them and set them aside. This is a great time to prep the chicken if you haven’t already!

Prepare the Chicken

If you’re using raw chicken, sauté it in a bit of olive oil (or butter) until it’s cooked through and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before shredding or chopping it into bite-sized pieces. If you’re using leftover chicken, just chop it up into bite-sized pieces.

Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth. This is where the magic happens, so make sure it’s all mixed together nicely.

Combine Everything

In a large casserole dish, toss the cooked noodles, chicken, frozen peas, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Pour the creamy sauce mixture over the top and stir everything together until it’s well coated.

Top with Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole. You can add extra cheese if you’re feeling indulgent!

Bake to Perfection

Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until everything is hot and bubbly. For a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Serve and Enjoy

Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it sit for a few minutes to cool. Serve it up warm, and enjoy every comforting bite!

(Note: The full instructions, including specific times, are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: 375 kcal
Total Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 60mg
Sodium: 880mg
Total Carbohydrates: 37g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 4g
Protein: 22g

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35-40 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes

How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own, but here are some great side ideas to complete the meal:

Fresh Salad

Pair the casserole with a crisp green salad or a simple Caesar salad for a light, refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.

Garlic Bread

You can’t go wrong with some warm, crispy garlic bread to scoop up any extra sauce. It’s the perfect carb complement to this cheesy dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted vegetables like carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add a nice balance to the dish, bringing in some freshness and crunch.

Fruit Salad

For a lighter side, a fresh fruit salad can be the perfect contrast to the richness of the casserole. The natural sweetness of the fruit balances out the savory flavors beautifully.

Additional Tips

• Customize It: Add other veggies like mushrooms, bell peppers, or even spinach to sneak in some extra nutrition.
• Use Rotisserie Chicken: If you’re in a rush, rotisserie chicken makes this casserole even quicker to throw together. Just shred the chicken and add it straight to the dish!
• Double the Recipe: This casserole freezes really well, so consider making a double batch. Store the second casserole in the freezer for a quick, homemade meal on a busy day.
• Cheese Options: Feel free to mix up the cheeses. Mozzarella, Parmesan, or even Monterey Jack would work wonderfully in this dish.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen chicken?
A1: Yes! If you’re using frozen chicken, you’ll need to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Make sure to thaw and chop it into bite-sized pieces.

Q2: Can I use a different kind of noodle?
A2: Absolutely! You can swap egg noodles for penne, rotini, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time for different pasta shapes.

Q3: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A3: Yes! You can assemble it the night before, cover it tightly, and store it in the fridge. Bake it the next day when you’re ready to eat.

Q4: Can I freeze the casserole?
A4: Yes! This casserole freezes beautifully. Just prepare it as usual, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge and bake as instructed.

Q5: Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?
A5: Definitely! Feel free to add in other veggies like broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers. They’ll add extra flavor and nutrition.

Q6: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A6: You can use whole wheat pasta for added fiber, swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt, and opt for a reduced-fat cream of chicken soup to lighten it up.

Q7: What kind of cheese should I use?
A7: Sharp cheddar works best for flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Parmesan for a different twist.

Q8: Can I make this casserole without cream of chicken soup?
A8: Yes! You can make a homemade creamy sauce using milk, flour, and butter. Add in some chicken broth for flavor to replace the canned soup.

Q9: How long will leftovers last?
A9: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

Q10: Can I make a smaller batch?
A10: Absolutely! You can easily halve the recipe and bake it in a smaller dish. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Conclusion

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the kind of dish that brings warmth, comfort, and smiles to the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself to something delicious, this casserole is sure to become a favorite. Easy, creamy, and full of flavor—what’s not to love? Happy cooking!

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