Creamy Chicken Casserole

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or a hearty weeknight meal. Loaded with tender chicken, a rich creamy sauce, and egg noodles, this casserole is topped with a crunchy Ritz cracker and parmesan crust that adds the perfect texture to every bite. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, this dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal choice when you’re looking for a filling and flavorful dinner. The creamy sauce, combined with the savory chicken and melted cheese, will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just your family, this casserole is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Comforting

The rich, creamy sauce envelops the chicken, noodles, and peas, creating a dish that’s satisfying and indulgent. It’s the perfect comfort food, especially during colder months.

2. Easy to Make

This casserole is incredibly simple to prepare with ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. With minimal prep time, it’s an effortless meal that can feed the whole family.

3. Kid-Friendly

The creamy texture and mild flavors make this dish a hit with kids. They’ll love the cheesy, crunchy topping, and you can feel good about serving them a nutritious meal with chicken and vegetables.

4. Customizable

Feel free to swap in different veggies or proteins. You can use frozen mixed vegetables instead of peas, or even add mushrooms or bell peppers for extra flavor.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

This casserole is an excellent option for meal prepping. You can make it in advance and store it in the fridge for a few days, or even freeze it for later use. It reheats wonderfully!

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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

• Different Proteins: You can replace the chicken with turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even ground beef for a different twist on the recipe.
• Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can omit the chicken and add more vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, for a hearty, meatless casserole.
• Gluten-Free Option: To make this casserole gluten-free, simply swap the egg noodles and flour for gluten-free versions, such as gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack to change up the flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

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

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Sprinkle in the flour, and cook for another minute while stirring to create a roux. Slowly add the chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Add the cooked egg noodles, frozen peas, and diced chicken to the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and mix until everything is well-coated and the cheese is melted.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.

Step 5: Add Toppings

In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Drizzle with olive oil to help the topping crisp up during baking.

Step 6: Bake

Bake the casserole in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling.

Step 7: Serve

Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy dish with a side of green salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Avoid Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook the egg noodles al dente since they will continue to cook in the casserole. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
• Make the Sauce Smooth: If you want an extra-smooth sauce, you can use an immersion blender after adding the chicken broth and milk, but this step is optional.
• Topping Tips: For an even crispier topping, bake the casserole uncovered and consider adding a little extra butter or oil to the cracker mixture before sprinkling it on top.
• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste. A combination of cheddar and mozzarella will give you a creamy, gooey texture.

How to Serve

This creamy chicken casserole is hearty enough to be served on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or even garlic bread. You can also serve it with a light soup as a starter for a more filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Freezing

To freeze, allow the casserole to cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, bake from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes or until fully heated.

Reheating

Reheat individual servings in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or in the oven for 10-15 minutes at 350°F (175°C) until hot.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the egg noodles with other types of pasta, such as penne or rotini. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta used.

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

Yes, you can cook the chicken beforehand or use leftover cooked chicken. If you’re using fresh chicken, be sure to cook it through before adding it to the casserole.

3. How do I make the casserole spicier?

Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the sauce for an extra spicy kick.

4. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Just bake it when you’re ready to serve.

5. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute the cheddar cheese with mozzarella, gouda, or a blend of cheeses. Each cheese will bring a different flavor profile to the dish.

6. How do I make this casserole healthier?

To make it healthier, use a reduced-fat version of milk, cheese, and butter. You can also replace the sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.

7. Can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or broccoli to the casserole for added nutrition and flavor.

8. Can I freeze the casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. Be sure to let it cool before wrapping it tightly and freezing it for later.

9. How do I make the casserole gluten-free?

To make this casserole gluten-free, swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free pasta. Make sure your Ritz crackers are gluten-free or use a gluten-free cracker alternative.

10. Can I use homemade chicken broth?

Yes, homemade chicken broth will add even more flavor to the casserole, so feel free to use it instead of store-bought broth.

Conclusion

This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners or when you’re craving something hearty and flavorful. With a creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy topping, it’s an easy recipe that delivers on both taste and convenience. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or preparing it ahead of time for a cozy weekend meal, this casserole is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

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