Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

If you are looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug from the inside, the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is absolutely your go-to. This casserole combines tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked egg noodles topped with a golden buttery cracker crust that creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavors. It’s an irresistible, wholesome meal that brings together simplicity and classic homestyle goodness in every bite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this recipe is a star in its own right, coming together to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe unforgettable. From the creamy soup base to the crunchy topping, each element plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance.

• 12 oz wide egg noodles: These noodles hold the sauce beautifully and provide a tender, satisfying bite.
• 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup: Acts as a rich, velvety base that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
• 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps loosen the sauce to coat every ingredient evenly.
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Sharpness elevates the dish with a bold, cheesy flavor beneath the topping.
• 1 tsp ground black pepper: Provides a subtle warmth to balance the creamy richness.
• ½ tsp kosher salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering the dish.
• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here — juicy, tender, and packed with savory goodness.
• ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped: Adds a bit of mild sweetness and a fresh crunch.
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped: Brings a distinctive mild herbal note and extra texture.
• 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, thawed: These veggies add beautiful color and a touch of natural sweetness.
• 1½ cups crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz): Creates that iconic crispy, buttery topping that makes every bite exciting.
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted: Ensures the crust browns nicely with a rich buttery flavor.
• Chopped parsley, for garnish: A fresh, vibrant finish that brightens the whole casserole.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. This simple prep ensures your casserole won’t stick and bakes evenly.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles until just al dente, which usually takes about 7 minutes. Drain them carefully and set aside. This step is essential because perfectly cooked noodles hold their shape while soaking up luscious sauce later on.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, whole milk, shredded cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Whisk everything together until smooth and creamy. This sauce will envelop your chicken and vegetables in a rich, cheesy blanket of comfort.

Step 4: Mix in Chicken and Vegetables

Add the shredded chicken, finely chopped yellow onion, chopped celery, and the thawed peas and carrots to the sauce mixture. Stir gently but thoroughly so the ingredients meld together, distributing the flavors beautifully.

Step 5: Fold in the Noodles

Carefully fold the cooked egg noodles into your creamy, savory mixture until everything is evenly coated. This step ensures every bite delivers the perfect balance of pasta, chicken, and veggies.

Step 6: Assemble in Baking Dish

Transfer your combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking and topping coverage.

Step 7: Create the Crunchy Topping

Mix the crushed butter crackers with the melted unsalted butter until fully combined. Sprinkle this buttery crumb topping evenly over the casserole. This topping bakes into the golden crunchy layer that defines the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe’s irresistibility.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Bake the assembled casserole in your preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. You want to heat it through completely and gently brown the cracker topping without burning it. When the casserole bubbles mildly and the crust is a gorgeous golden color, you know it’s ready to enjoy.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and herbal brightness. Serve warm and get ready for heartfelt compliments!

How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley is the classic touch that adds a fresh, elegant look to the casserole while offering a slight herbaceous note that contrasts beautifully with the creamy richness.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs wonderfully with fresh green salads or roasted vegetables to balance its comforting heaviness with a crisp, refreshing bite. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls also complement it perfectly for those who want to soak up every bit of that delicious creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a lovely family-style presentation, bake your Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in charming individual ramekins or small cast-iron skillets. This makes serving fun and adds a rustic, cozy feel to your meal. You can even dust the top with a little smoked paprika or sprinkle extra cheese before baking for a flavorful twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making cold or reheated portions even tastier.

Freezing

This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it fully in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking or reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20 minutes. If you want the topping crispy again, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of wide egg noodles?

Absolutely! While wide egg noodles are traditional and perfect for holding the sauce, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or even fettuccine if needed. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is rotisserie chicken mandatory, or can I use fresh cooked chicken?

Rotisserie chicken is a huge time saver and adds extra flavor, but you can definitely use freshly cooked chicken breast or thighs. Just be sure to shred it finely for the best texture.

Can I make this casserole without cheese?

While cheese is a key ingredient for richness and flavor, you could reduce or omit it in a pinch. Consider adding extra seasoning or a bit of nutritional yeast for a cheesy note without dairy.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and choose gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers for the topping. This way, you keep all the deliciousness without worrying about gluten.

What can I do to make the topping extra crunchy?

Mixing the crushed crackers with melted butter is essential, but you can also add a handful of toasted breadcrumbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for an even more flavorful crunch.

Final Thoughts

The Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those treasured dishes that brings comfort, nostalgia, and smiles to any table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or a welcoming group of friends, it delivers effortless deliciousness that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Don’t hesitate to try it soon—you’ll be amazed at how such simple ingredients can come together to create a meal that feels so special.

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