Description
A comforting and creamy Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole featuring tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a rich blend of cheeses and creamy ingredients, baked to golden perfection with an optional buttery Ritz cracker topping. Perfect for a satisfying family dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked chicken and prepared egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal and avoid sticking.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Prepare Optional Topping: Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly on top to add a crunchy, buttery finish.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese topping is golden brown and bubbly, indicating the casserole is heated through.
- Rest and Serve: Allow the casserole to cool for 5 minutes after baking for easier serving and to let flavors settle.
Notes
- For a lower-fat option, substitute reduced-fat cheeses and use light sour cream and cottage cheese.
- Make sure to not overcook the egg noodles during boiling as they will cook more in the oven.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated thoroughly before serving.
- Customize the casserole by adding vegetables like peas or broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
- The Ritz cracker topping is optional but highly recommended for added crunch and flavor.
