Do you love comforting meals that are both easy to make and packed with flavor? This Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is your answer! This creamy, cheesy dish is a true crowd-pleaser and a perfect choice for a busy weeknight. It comes together with minimal effort, offering rich, hearty flavors the whole family will appreciate. Get ready to add a new favorite to your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole
This isn’t just any casserole; it’s a dish designed for simplicity and taste, perfect for any home cook. Here’s why you will absolutely love this fantastic chicken noodle casserole:
- Quick and Simple Preparation: You can assemble this delicious casserole in under 15 minutes, thanks to pre-cooked chicken and pantry staples.
- Irresistibly Cheesy and Creamy: A wonderful blend of cheeses and creamy soups creates a rich, comforting texture in every bite.
- Perfect for Family Dinners: Kids and adults alike will ask for seconds of this hearty, satisfying meal. It truly tastes like a million bucks!
- Excellent for Meal Prepping: Prepare it ahead of time for an easy bake-and-serve option later in the week. Exploring the broader advantages, consistent meal preparation can significantly contribute to healthier eating habits and time management, as highlighted by resources like Harvard’s Nutrition Source on the benefits of meal preparation.
- Customizable to Your Taste: Add your favorite veggies or different cheeses to make it uniquely yours.
Ingredients for Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole
Gather these simple ingredients to create your own Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole. Each item plays a key role in building the incredible flavor and texture.
- 4 cups chopped cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5-oz) cans unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 4 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (2.8-oz) can French fried onions
Notes & Substitutions
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here for a super quick start. You can also use leftover roasted chicken, shredded chicken breasts, or even canned chicken for ease. Just be sure to chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Alternative Cream of Soups: Feel free to swap cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if that’s what you have on hand. For a slightly different flavor, consider using a combination.
- Topping Alternatives: If French fried onions are not your preference, crush some Ritz crackers or use panko breadcrumbs mixed with a little melted butter for a crunchy topping.
- Optional Vegetable Additions: Boost the nutrition and color by stirring in a cup of frozen peas, carrots, or mixed vegetables. Add them directly to the mixture before baking; they will cook perfectly in the casserole.
- Unsalted Soup: Using unsalted cream of chicken soup gives you better control over the dish’s overall saltiness. You can adjust the seasoning to your family’s preferences.
Equipment Needed
You will need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- 9×13-inch baking dish: A standard size for most casseroles.
- Large pot: For cooking the egg noodles.
- Large mixing bowl: To combine all the creamy ingredients and chicken.
- Chef’s knife & cutting board: For chopping your cooked chicken.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure correct ingredient amounts.
How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your comforting Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole. You will have a hot, bubbly dinner ready in no time!
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set the prepared dish aside.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Next, boil the egg noodles according to the package directions. Make sure not to overcook them; you want them still a little firm since they will bake further in the oven. Drain the noodles well and set them aside.
- Combine Creamy Mixture Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, both cans of unsalted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cottage cheese, room temperature cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, onion powder, and garlic powder. Stir all these ingredients together until they are smooth and well-blended.
- Stir in Cooked Noodles: Add the cooked and drained egg noodles to the large bowl with the chicken and creamy mixture. Gently fold the noodles into the mixture until they are thoroughly coated and evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the entire chicken and noodle mixture evenly into your prepared 9×13-inch baking pan. Make sure it forms a consistent layer.
- Top with French Fried Onions: Scatter the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole. This will create a crispy, golden crust during baking.
- Bake Until Bubbly and Golden: Place the uncovered casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp. Remove the casserole from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving.
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole
Make your Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole truly stand out with these handy tips:
- Shred or Chop Chicken Uniformly: Aim for even-sized pieces of chicken so it distributes well and cooks consistently.
- Ensure Cream Cheese is Softened: Room temperature cream cheese mixes much more easily into the creamy sauce, preventing lumps.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook your egg noodles just to al dente. They will soften more as they bake in the casserole, so a slight firmness initially is perfect.
- For Extra Crispiness: Drizzle a tablespoon of melted butter over the French fried onions before baking for an even richer, crispier topping.
- Season Generously: Taste your creamy mixture before adding the noodles and adjust salt and pepper. Canned soups can vary in sodium, so season to your liking.
Serving Suggestions & Variations
This easy chicken noodle casserole pairs well with many simple sides, making it a complete meal.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with simple green vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add freshness and color.
- Pair with a fresh salad: A light Caesar salad or a garden salad with a vinaigrette balances the richness of the casserole.
- Offer warm dinner rolls or biscuits: They are perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce.
Make Ahead & Storage
- Assemble up to 24 hours in advance: Prepare the casserole entirely, including the French fried onion topping. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Store baked leftovers: For optimal safety and freshness, understanding the recommended storage times for cooked chicken is crucial, as outlined by the USDA guidelines for storing cooked chicken. Keep any remaining chicken noodle casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave, or reheat larger portions in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through.
Freezing Instructions
- Assemble, then cool completely: If you want to freeze the casserole after baking, allow it to cool completely before doing so.
- Cover tightly: Wrap the entire dish (or individual portions) tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will last for up to 3 months.
- Thaw and bake: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. Bake as directed, possibly adding 15-20 minutes to the cooking time if starting from cold. You can also bake from frozen (without thawing), but increase the baking time significantly (around 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes), covered for the first 45 minutes, then uncovered.
Nutrition Information
Please remember that these nutritional values are estimates only. The actual nutrition content can vary based on specific ingredient brands, preparation methods, and portion sizes.
| Amount Per Serving | |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~450 |
| Total Fat | ~25g |
| Saturated Fat | ~10g |
| Cholesterol | ~90mg |
| Sodium | ~800mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | ~30g |
| Dietary Fiber | ~2g |
| Total Sugars | ~3g |
| Protein | ~30g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can! Penne, rotini, or even macaroni noodles work well as alternatives to egg noodles in this Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole. Cook any pasta to al dente before adding it to the mixture.
What kind of cooked chicken works best?
Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver. You can also use any leftover roasted or boiled chicken, or quickly poach some chicken breasts and shred them for this recipe.
Can I add fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Sauté fresh vegetables like diced carrots, celery, or mushrooms until tender before adding them to the chicken mixture. This ensures they cook through evenly in the casserole.
Is this casserole spicy?
No, this chicken noodle casserole is a mild and comforting dish. It features savory and creamy flavors without any heat. If you enjoy a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes!
How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?
Ensure you don’t overbake the casserole. Remove it from the oven once it’s bubbly and the topping is golden. You can also add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth to the mixture before baking if you prefer a looser consistency.
Conclusion
This Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole truly lives up to its name, offering a rich, creamy, and utterly delicious meal with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or meal prep. We hope this simple recipe helps you create a comforting dish that brings smiles to your table. Give it a try soon, and don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments!
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350ºF and lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, cottage cheese, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cooked noodles, mixing until well combined.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared pan and top the casserole with french fried onions.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and heated through.