If comfort food had a name, it would surely be this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender shredded rotisserie chicken nestled within perfectly cooked egg noodles, all enveloped in a luscious, creamy blend of sour cream and savory mushroom and chicken soups. A crispy, buttery Ritz cracker topping crowns this hearty dish, adding just the right amount of crunch. This classic casserole is the kind of meal that immediately feels like a warm hug, perfect for family dinners or when you simply crave something familiar and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe sticks to simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully to create layers of creamy, savory, and crunchy textures. Each component plays a vital role in making this dish visually appealing, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.
- Medium egg noodles: The perfect tender base that soaks up all the creamy sauce without turning mushy.
- Rotisserie chicken: Fully cooked with great flavor, it saves time and adds juicy shredded chicken meat effortlessly.
- Unsalted cream of chicken soup: Adds savory richness without overpowering the dish.
- Unsalted cream of mushroom soup: Brings deep, earthy notes and smooth creaminess.
- Sour cream: For tang and velvety texture that binds everything wonderfully.
- Cream cheese (room temperature): Brings a mild, creamy tang and thickness to the mixture.
- Grated parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty flavor and a bit of salty punch.
- Onion powder: A subtle sweet onion flavor that blends seamlessly into the sauce.
- Garlic powder: Infuses a warm, aromatic depth to the casserole.
- Salt and pepper: Essential seasoning for perfectly balanced flavors.
- Ritz crackers (crushed): Creates a golden, buttery crust with irresistible crunch atop the casserole.
- Melted butter: Binds the cracker crumbs and adds richness to the topping.
How to Make Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles and Chicken
Start by preheating your oven to 350ºF and lightly spraying a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Cooking the noodles just right is key—they should be tender but firm, so boil the egg noodles according to package directions, drain them thoroughly, and set aside. Next, remove the skin from your rotisserie chicken, then carefully shred or chop the meat, making sure no bones sneak in. This step is all about preparing the foundational ingredients for your casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine both the cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups along with the cream cheese and sour cream. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. This creamy mixture is where the magic happens, creating the rich, flavorful base that will envelop every noodle and piece of chicken, ensuring every bite is decadently smooth and seasoned to perfection.
Step 3: Combine Noodles and Chicken
Gently fold the cooked noodles and chopped chicken into the creamy mixture. Take your time to blend everything so that the noodles are evenly coated and the chicken is distributed throughout. This is the heart of your Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe, bringing together all the comforting flavors and textures in one harmonious dish.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Making sure it’s leveled helps the casserole bake evenly and gives you that lovely, cozy appearance once it’s done. This layer will become wonderfully bubbly and golden as it bakes, promising pure comfort on every forkful.
Step 5: Prepare and Add the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until all crumbs are well coated. This buttery crust adds an irresistible crunch and buttery aroma that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the casserole to ensure a perfectly crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Bake the casserole uncovered at 350ºF for 45 to 55 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sides are bubbly and the cracker topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The baking melds all flavors and textures into that classic comforting casserole that makes this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe a forever favorite.
How to Serve Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh pop of flavor that complements the rich casserole beautifully. If you like, a little extra parmesan cheese on top right before serving can amp up the cheesy goodness.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines so well that it pairs perfectly with simple, fresh sides. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast, while steamed seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients to balance out the richness of the dish. Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll is always welcome for mopping up any creamy sauce left on the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more casual dinner, serve this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for easy portion control and an elegant touch. For a crowd, consider layering the casserole in a clear glass dish to show off the beautiful noodles and golden cracker topping, turning an everyday meal into a dish worth sharing and admiring.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 to 4 days — perfect for easy lunches or re-heated dinners after a busy day.
Freezing
This Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Simply wrap the casserole tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking to maintain its creamy texture and tender chicken.
Reheating
To reheat, place individual portions or the whole casserole back in the oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes, or until warmed through and bubbly. Cover loosely with foil if it starts to brown too much on top before it’s fully heated. You can also microwave leftovers, but reheating in the oven will keep that crispy cracker topping perfect.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! While rotisserie chicken adds great convenience and flavor, you can cook and shred your own chicken breasts or thighs. Just be sure to cook the chicken fully and season it lightly before mixing it into the casserole.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free cream soups or homemade alternatives. For the topping, you can substitute Ritz crackers with gluten-free crackers or crushed gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
To lighten this dish, use light sour cream, reduced-fat cream cheese, and low-sodium cream soups. You can also add in extra vegetables like broccoli or peas to boost nutrition and volume without adding many calories.
How do I know when the casserole is fully cooked?
You’ll want to bake until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the cracker topping is golden brown. Typically, this takes about 45 to 55 minutes at 350ºF. A quick poke in the center should feel hot and creamy.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it overnight. When you’re ready, just bake it directly from the fridge—add a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed to ensure it’s hot throughout.
Final Thoughts
Whipping up this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is like inviting a little bit of warmth and nostalgia to your dinner table. It’s a fuss-free, deeply comforting dish that combines creamy, savory goodness with a crunchy topping you’ll want to savor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or craving a taste of home, this casserole is just the recipe to try. Once you make it, it’s likely to become a cherished classic in your kitchen, too.
Print
Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender rotisserie chicken, egg noodles, and a rich blend of cream soups and cheeses topped with buttery Ritz cracker crumbs. Perfect for a family dinner, this hearty casserole bakes to bubbly perfection with a crispy topping.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 1 (16-oz) package medium egg noodles
- 1 whole rotisserie chicken
Casserole Mixture
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom Soup
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 (8-oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ tsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers, crushed
- ¼ cup butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350ºF (177ºC) and lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Chicken: Remove and discard the skin from the rotisserie chicken. Pull the meat off the bones and chop it into bite-sized pieces.
- Make Casserole Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the unsalted cream of chicken soup, unsalted cream of mushroom soup, cream cheese (softened), sour cream, grated parmesan cheese, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked noodles and chopped chicken to the soup and cheese mixture. Gently mix everything together until the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the combined chicken and noodle mixture evenly into the prepared baking pan.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 45 to 55 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For a lower sodium option, use low-sodium or no-salt-added versions of the cream soups.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a slightly tangier flavor and added protein.
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to set before serving.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
