Name: Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked shredded chicken; 12 oz egg noodles; 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon; For the Topping: 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If there’s one dish that delivers pure comfort in every creamy, cheesy bite, it’s the Ultimate Chicken Casserole. This crowd-pleaser brings together tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, a luxurious sauce, crispy bacon, and a buttery cracker topping for a dinner that satisfies like no other. Each forkful is equal parts nostalgia and joy—a perfect choice for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or any time you crave a meal that feels like a warm hug. Trust me: once you share the Ultimate Chicken Casserole with loved ones, it’s destined to be requested again and again.

Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward lineup: every ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s boosting creaminess, bringing savory depth, or adding the perfect crunch. Here’s a quick look at why each is a must-have for the Ultimate Chicken Casserole:

Cooked shredded chicken: Go for rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience and unbeatable flavor.
Egg noodles: Their thick, chewy texture soaks up every bit of the sauce, ensuring every bite is pure comfort.
Cream of chicken soup: The foundation of your creamy sauce, tying all the ingredients together.
Sour cream: This adds a welcome tang and silkiness to the casserole.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into gooey, cheesy perfection for maximum indulgence.
Milk: Loosens up the base and provides extra creaminess without being too heavy.
Garlic powder: A quick burst of savory flavor that infuses every ingredient.
Onion powder: Adds gentle depth and rounds out the seasoning profile.
Salt and pepper: Essential seasonings—don’t skip tasting and adjusting as you mix!
Frozen peas: A pop of color, sweetness, and just enough veggie crunch.
Cooked chopped bacon: Brings smoky, salty flavors that make the whole casserole irresistible.
Crushed Ritz crackers: The magic ingredient for a golden, crispy topping that’s pure comfort food.
Melted butter: Combines with the crackers for that signature toasty, buttery finish.

How to Make Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

First things first: get your oven preheated to 350°F (175°C)! Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spritz or light greasing so nothing sticks. This simple step ensures your Ultimate Chicken Casserole comes out cleanly and beautifully golden every time.

Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then toss in your egg noodles. Cook them according to the package directions—they should be just tender but not mushy, since they’ll finish cooking while baking. Drain well and set aside, ready for the final mix.

Step 3: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a spacious bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This luscious, seasoned blend will coat all your ingredients in creamy goodness and is the heart and soul of the casserole.

Step 4: Combine All the Good Stuff

Now for the fun part! Fold the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cheddar cheese, frozen peas, and crispy chopped bacon into your sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything’s well combined and every noodle is luxuriously coated. The kitchen will already be smelling heavenly at this point!

Step 5: Assemble and Top

Pour the loaded mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly from edge to edge. In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle this crunchy topping generously across the surface. This crown of buttery crackers bakes into an unmatched golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is gloriously golden and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. Let it cool for about five minutes so it sets up for perfect, scoopable servings.

How to Serve Ultimate Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Bring a little extra color and freshness to your Ultimate Chicken Casserole with a sprinkle of chopped parsley or thinly sliced green onions. If you like a touch of heat, a dusting of paprika or a few red pepper flakes wake up the flavors in each creamy bite.

Side Dishes

This cozy casserole is a meal in itself, but sides can make it feel even more special. Serve alongside a simple green salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted carrots to cut through the richness. A slice of buttery garlic bread is also a classic pairing—perfect for scooping up every morsel.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform the everyday into something fun by dishing your Ultimate Chicken Casserole into individual ramekins or mini cast-iron skillets for each guest. For potlucks, line your serving dish with a colorful napkin for a pop of style. Leftovers also make delicious handheld wraps for lunch the next day!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep your leftover Ultimate Chicken Casserole tasting its best, store cooled portions in airtight containers. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to three days—perfect for quick lunches or weeknight repeats.

Freezing

This casserole is a fantastic make-ahead freezer meal! Assemble everything up to the baking step, wrap tightly with foil, and freeze for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the dish with foil and warm in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. For single servings, a quick zap in the microwave works too—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy and prevent drying out.

FAQs

Can I swap the chicken for turkey or another protein?

Absolutely! Ultimate Chicken Casserole is super flexible—leftover turkey, ham, or even rotisserie pork all taste fantastic baked in this creamy, cheesy mix. Use whatever protein you have on hand for a tasty twist.

What are some vegetable add-ins that work well?

Feel free to toss in whatever veggies you love. Steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach all blend right in and add extra color and nutrition to your Ultimate Chicken Casserole.

Can I make this casserole ahead for a party?

Yes, and it’s a lifesaver for busy hosts! Prepare the whole thing up to the cracker topping, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When party time arrives, just add the topping and bake—it comes out fresh, hot, and crowd-pleasing every time.

How can I make it spicier?

If you love heat, add a dash of hot sauce, chopped jalapeños, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the sauce mixture before baking. The Ultimate Chicken Casserole adapts easily to your preferred spice level.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Definitely! Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers. The results are just as creamy and comforting—everyone can enjoy a helping of this classic.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about sharing a big, bubbling pan of Ultimate Chicken Casserole with people you care about. With simple ingredients and heartwarming flavors, this easy classic is a true staple for every home cook. Give it a try soon—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe whenever you want to create moments (and leftovers!) to remember.

Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Creamy and packed with flavor, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to make.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked shredded chicken
12 oz egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup cooked chopped bacon
For the Topping:
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven and prepare the dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the casserole mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, peas, and chopped bacon.
Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes before serving.