Name: Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz); 2 tbsp melted butter

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If you’re craving the kind of cozy, stick-to-your-ribs comfort that calls everyone to the table, look no further than Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole. This dish is the culinary equivalent of a heartfelt hug—packed with tender chicken, dreamy noodles, a velvety sauce, pops of veggies, and that irresistible cracker topping. Whether you’re feeding picky kids, hungry adults, or just looking for a dish that’ll taste like home with every bite, this recipe is about to become your next weeknight favorite.

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is just how accessible, reliable, and harmonious each ingredient is. From the golden noodles to the savory soup and that signature buttery crunch on top, you’ll find everything does its own special part to make this dish unforgettable.

Wide egg noodles: These are the heart of the casserole, soaking up all the creamy goodness for the ultimate comfort food texture.
Cooked chicken, shredded: Using leftover, rotisserie, or freshly cooked chicken keeps things easy and adds satisfying protein.
Cream of chicken soup: This pantry hero creates the velvety, savory base that ties everything together.
Sour cream: Brings a signature tang and luxurious creaminess to the casserole.
Frozen peas and carrots, thawed: These colorful veggies sneak extra nutrition and a pop of sweetness into every bite.
Milk: Loosens up the sauce, making every mouthful rich but never too thick.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Adds melty, bubbly goodness and a hint of sharpness you can’t resist.
Garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth and warmth—no chopping needed!
Onion powder: Lends a gentle savoriness throughout the casserole.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—don’t forget to taste and adjust at the end.
Crushed butter crackers (like Ritz): That signature crunchy topping provides buttery, salty contrast.
Melted butter: Mixes with the crackers for a golden finish that’s uniquely crave-worthy.

How to Make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat the Oven and Prepare Ingredients

Set your oven to 350°F for the just-right bake, and go ahead and cook those egg noodles (al dente is best—they’ll cook more in the oven). If your chicken isn’t already cooked and shredded, now’s the time to prep it. Don’t forget to thaw your frozen veggies so everything blends in smoothly.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. You want a smooth, glossy mixture because this will wrap every noodle and piece of chicken in tremendous flavor.

Step 3: Combine and Layer

Add in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and cheddar cheese. With a big spoon (or your hands!), gently toss everything so it’s evenly coated—the cheese will start to melt into the sauce, and the noodles and veggies will distribute all that flavor.

Step 4: Assemble in the Baking Dish

Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish, then pour in your noodle-chicken mixture. Spread it out for an even layer, smoothing the top so each bite bakes to creamy perfection.

Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, combine your crushed butter crackers with the melted butter, stirring until every crumb is glossy. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole—it’s the secret to that irresistible crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until bubbly at the edges and deeply golden on top. Let Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole rest for about five minutes before serving; this helps everything set up beautifully.

How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

While this casserole shines all on its own, topping with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or even extra cheese takes the appeal to new heights. That green pop adds a restaurant-worthy look, and a dusting of black pepper sharpens every forkful.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs like a dream with crisp green salads tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, warm dinner rolls ready to mop up the sauce, or simple steamed green beans. It’s a fantastic main that welcomes a veggie or bread on the side but stands perfectly well solo, too.

Creative Ways to Present

You can scoop Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole into individual ramekins for a fun dinner-party twist, or serve family-style straight from the baking dish for a weeknight crowd. For potlucks, line up square slices on a platter and garnish with a few sprigs of herbs for that homey-yet-festive touch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole keeps surprisingly well! Transfer any remaining pieces into an airtight container and refrigerate; it will stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day.

Freezing

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a champion freezer meal. Once cooled, slip individual portions or the whole dish (tightly wrapped) into the freezer for up to 2 months. If you know you’ll freeze before baking, hold off on the cracker topping until ready to cook for maximum crunch.

Reheating

For the best texture, heat leftovers covered in the oven at 350°F until hot throughout, about 15–20 minutes. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover and reheat in bursts, stirring for even warmth and adding a splash of milk if needed to restore the creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a timesaving, flavorful choice, and its tender texture fits perfectly in this casserole. Just shred it and fold it right into the mix.

Is there a way to make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole lighter?

You can easily swap in Greek yogurt for the sour cream to cut down on richness, and reduced-fat cheese works well too. Plenty of flavor remains, with a bit less indulgence.

What if I don’t have butter crackers for the topping?

No worries at all—crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs with a dab of butter, or even crushed potato chips will all give you that delightful crunch and golden finish.

Can I make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?

Definitely! Assemble the casserole (hold off on the topping) and refrigerate up to a day in advance. When you’re ready to bake, add the buttery cracker layer, then pop it into the oven as usual.

How do I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Feel free to toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, corn, or broccoli florets when mixing everything together. It’s an easy, tasty way to boost the color and nutrition.

Final Thoughts

There’s a reason Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole wins hearts at every gathering—it’s a classic, crowd-pleasing meal that promises comfort, flavor, and happiness in every cheesy forkful. So gather your ingredients, preheat that oven, and prepare to fall in love with a casserole that feels like it was made just for you. Don’t just take my word for it—this recipe is waiting for your own family traditions to begin!

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish that the whole family will love. This easy-to-make casserole is filled with tender chicken, creamy sauce, vegetables, and topped with a crunchy buttery cracker topping.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

12 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Topping:

1/2 cup crushed butter crackers (like Ritz)
2 tbsp melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F.
Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Add ingredients: Stir in cooked noodles, shredded chicken, peas and carrots, and cheddar cheese.
Transfer to baking dish: Place mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add topping: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter, sprinkle over casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Serve: Let cool slightly before serving.