If you’re looking for a comforting, hearty meal that is perfect for family dinners or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, look no further than this Creamy Chicken Casserole. It combines tender egg noodles, savory chicken, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, golden crust. The addition of frozen peas adds a pop of color and texture, while the combination of cheddar cheese and parmesan provides that indulgent, cheesy flavor we all crave. With minimal prep time and easy-to-find ingredients, this casserole is a great option for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

This dish brings all the best comfort food elements together. The creamy sauce, made with chicken broth, milk, and a flour roux, coats the noodles and chicken perfectly, creating a dish that’s rich but not overwhelming. The crushed Ritz crackers on top bake into a crispy, buttery crust, adding just the right crunch. This casserole is one of those recipes that tastes even better the next day, making it an excellent choice for leftovers.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

The Creamy Chicken Casserole is a dish that checks all the boxes. It’s comforting, easy to make, and full of flavors that everyone will enjoy. The creamy sauce is made from scratch, so you don’t need to worry about any store-bought ingredients. The combination of chicken, peas, and cheese makes it a balanced dish with the right mix of protein, vegetables, and carbohydrates. The crispy cracker topping adds a unique texture that perfectly complements the creamy filling. It’s a dish that’s satisfying without being too heavy, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Additionally, it’s easy to make ahead of time and can be easily customized to suit different tastes.

Ingredients

Egg noodles
Butter
Diced white onion
Minced garlic
All-purpose flour
Chicken broth
Milk
Salt
Black pepper
Frozen peas
Cooked diced chicken
Shredded cheddar cheese
Crushed Ritz crackers
Grated parmesan cheese
Olive oil

Variations

Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with mushrooms or another plant-based protein, like tofu or tempeh, for a vegetarian-friendly dish.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free all-purpose flour substitute.
Different Vegetables: You can add or substitute other vegetables, such as corn, carrots, or spinach, to personalize the casserole to your liking.
Spicy Option: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a bit of heat.
Extra Crunch: Mix in some additional breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips with the Ritz crackers for an even crunchier topping.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles

Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for about 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to make a roux. Gradually add the chicken broth and milk, whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the frozen peas and cooked chicken to the sauce, stirring to combine. Then add the cooked egg noodles and stir to coat the noodles in the sauce mixture.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the noodle and chicken mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the grated parmesan cheese, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Drizzle with olive oil to help the crackers brown.

Step 5: Bake

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly. If you prefer a more browned top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes, keeping a close eye on it to avoid burning.

Step 6: Serve

Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving. It’s great on its own or served with a side salad for a complete meal.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t overcook the noodles: Since the casserole will bake in the oven, make sure you cook the noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy.
Use rotisserie chicken: For a time-saving hack, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to skip the cooking step for the chicken.
Customizable seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your liking. A pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a little mustard powder can add extra flavor.
Make it creamier: For an even richer sauce, you can replace some of the milk with heavy cream or half-and-half.

How to Serve

Serve the Creamy Chicken Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp side salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. For a more hearty meal, you can also serve it alongside mashed potatoes or steamed broccoli. The casserole is filling on its own but can easily be complemented by a side dish of your choice.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The casserole reheats well in the microwave or in the oven. If reheating in the oven, cover the casserole with foil to prevent it from drying out.

Freezing

This casserole can be frozen before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover the assembled casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, let the casserole cool completely before wrapping and freezing. Reheat from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

Reheating

Reheat the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. If reheating individual portions in the microwave, heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or a cheese blend of your choice for a different flavor profile.

2. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?

It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, but you can cook and shred fresh or frozen chicken breast or thighs before adding them to the casserole.

3. Can I add more vegetables to the casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like carrots, spinach, or bell peppers to make it even more colorful and nutritious.

4. Can I make this casserole without Ritz crackers?

Yes, you can substitute the Ritz crackers with breadcrumbs, crushed chips, or even a mixture of grated cheese and breadcrumbs for the topping.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

6. Can I use other pasta types instead of egg noodles?

You can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

7. Can I use a different kind of milk?

Yes, you can substitute the milk with any milk alternative like almond milk or oat milk, though it may slightly alter the flavor.

8. How do I prevent the casserole from being too dry?

Make sure to cook the noodles al dente, and be sure the sauce is creamy enough to coat the noodles. If the casserole seems dry, add a splash of milk or broth before baking.

9. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, make sure to thaw it before baking, or increase the baking time if cooking from frozen.

10. Can I use a different kind of cracker for the topping?

Yes, you can use any type of buttery cracker or breadcrumbs for the topping. Saltine crackers or even Parmesan crisps can make a great substitution.

Conclusion

The Creamy Chicken Casserole is a perfect comfort food dish that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy. With tender noodles, a creamy chicken filling, and a crispy cracker topping, this casserole combines all the flavors we love into one hearty dish. It’s versatile, easy to make, and can be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or preparing ahead for a busy week, this casserole will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.