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Cracker-Crowned Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Cracker-Crowned Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe


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4.5 from 30 reviews

  • Total Time: 45-50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole wraps classic comfort into every warm bite. Rich sauce and tender noodles make it a family favorite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
  • 12 oz wide egg noodles
  • 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup

Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
  • 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, thawed

Supporting Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 ½ cups coarsely crushed butter crackers
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • Chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and boil a large pot of salted water. Cook 12 oz wide egg noodles for precisely 7 minutes until barely tender.
  2. Drain noodles and set them aside. Grab a large mixing bowl to combine 2 cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup whole milk, 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon kosher salt.
  3. Add 3 cups of shredded chicken to the creamy mixture. Fold in ½ small finely chopped yellow onion, 2 chopped celery stalks, and 12 oz thawed frozen peas and carrots.
  4. Gently incorporate the cooked noodles into the chicken mixture, ensuring everything blends evenly.
  5. Transfer the entire mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it flat and smooth.
  6. Melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Toss 1 ½ cups crushed butter crackers with the melted butter in a separate bowl.
  7. Sprinkle the buttery cracker crumbs across the entire casserole surface.
  8. Bake at 375°F for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges bubble.
  9. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup to control salt content and customize flavor to your preference.
  • Swap egg noodles with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version that’s equally delicious and comforting.
  • Fresh rotisserie chicken works better than canned for more authentic, richer taste and tender meat texture.
  • Break crackers into uneven pieces for a more rustic, crunchy topping that adds interesting texture to the casserole.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
  • Category: Casseroles
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 420 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 8 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg