Description
Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole delivers pure comfort on a plate, blending tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles in a classic American dish. Home cooks savor this nostalgic recipe that warms hearts and satisfies hungry families with its rich, homemade goodness.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
Pasta and Vegetables:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) wide egg noodles
- 1 bag (12 ounces/340 grams) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
Sauce and Additional Ingredients:
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces/298 grams each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups coarsely crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz, about 1 cracker sleeve)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil the egg noodles in a large pot of salted water over medium-high heat until they reach a tender al dente texture, approximately 7 minutes. Carefully drain and set the noodles aside, allowing them to cool slightly.
- Create a creamy mixture by whisking together cream of chicken soup, whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and kosher salt in a spacious mixing bowl. Incorporate the cooked chicken, finely diced onion, chopped celery, and thawed vegetable medley of peas and carrots.
- Gently fold the prepared egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the savory sauce. Transfer the entire blend to a 13-by-9-inch (33-by-23-centimeter) baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer.
- Craft the crispy topping by combining crushed butter crackers with melted unsalted butter. Distribute this golden mixture evenly across the surface of the casserole, creating a tempting crunchy layer.
- Position the casserole in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the dish is thoroughly heated and the topping transforms into a light golden-brown crust.
- Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbaceous note. Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot.
Notes
- Save Time with Precooked Chicken: Grab a rotisserie chicken from the grocery store for quick and flavorful shredded meat that instantly elevates the casserole’s taste and cuts down on preparation time.
- Enhance Creaminess with Soup Selection: Select a high-quality cream of chicken soup to create a smooth, rich base that guarantees a luxurious texture and deepens the overall flavor profile.
- Create Crispy Golden Topping: Baking the casserole uncovered allows the surface to transform into a beautiful golden-brown crust, adding delightful crunch and visual appeal to the dish.
- Add Fresh Herbal Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the baked casserole to introduce a bright, clean flavor and create an inviting, restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Master Chicken Shredding Technique: Pull apart chicken meat using two forks or your hands, removing skin and bones efficiently while preparing a perfectly textured protein for your recipe, and save those bones for future homemade stock.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 430 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg