Description
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a rich and creamy baked dish combining tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a blend of three cheeses with a savory creamy sauce. This comforting casserole is topped with a crispy Ritz cracker crumb topping and baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect hearty meal for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
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 egg noodles until they are al dente. Drain well 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 thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
- Combine ingredients: Fold in the cooked chicken and the drained egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated for consistent flavor.
- Transfer to baking dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure easy removal and even cooking.
- Add cheese topping: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a rich, cheesy crust.
- Prepare optional topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheeses for added crunch and flavor.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to set and to prevent burns.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- The Ritz cracker topping is optional but adds a nice crispy texture to the casserole.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce if preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheeses and dairy products.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked when ready to serve.
- Ensure noodles are al dente to prevent overcooking during baking.