Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a cheesy sauce. Topped with buttery cracker crumbs, this cozy dish is perfect for a family-friendly weeknight dinner or a comforting meal to share with loved ones. Simple ingredients come together to create a satisfying, homemade classic that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Comforting – A rich, cheesy sauce coats every bite of tender noodles and chicken.
- Easy to Make – Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients for a hassle-free meal.
- Great for Leftovers – Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day!
- Family-Friendly – A meal that kids and adults alike will enjoy.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – Assemble ahead of time and bake when ready.
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- 1/2 small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1 1/2 cups crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles until just al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded cheddar, black pepper, and salt.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped onion, celery, and thawed peas and carrots.
- Add the Noodles: Fold in the cooked egg noodles until everything is well combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 30-35 minutes, until heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cooking Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Servings: 8-10
Variations
- Different Cheeses – Swap out sharp cheddar for Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even Swiss.
- Extra Veggies – Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for more nutrition.
- Protein Swap – Try turkey instead of chicken for a post-holiday twist.
- Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes.
- Freezing: Assemble the casserole without baking, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
2. Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds great flavor and makes the prep even easier.
3. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute it with cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or a homemade creamy sauce.
4. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While egg noodles work best, you can use penne, rotini, or another short pasta.
5. How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the noodles just until al dente so they don’t become too soft while baking.
6. Can I make this casserole healthier?
Use whole wheat noodles, low-fat cheese, and reduced-sodium soup for a lighter version.
7. What can I serve with this casserole?
A fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread pair perfectly with this dish.
8. Can I add a crunchy topping?
Yes! Try using panko breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a different texture.
9. What’s the best way to crush the crackers?
Place the crackers in a zip-top bag and crush them with a rolling pin or use a food processor.
10. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes! Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
Conclusion
Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic, comforting dish that brings together creamy sauce, tender chicken, and cheesy goodness in every bite. With its buttery cracker topping and hearty texture, it’s the perfect meal for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. Try this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe today and enjoy the ultimate cozy comfort food!
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Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole
Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish made with tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a rich sauce. Topped with buttery cracker crumbs, this easy-to-make casserole is perfect for a cozy family dinner or meal prep. Simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser!
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie works great)
- ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
- 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
- 1 bag (12 oz) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1½ cups crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- Chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente (about 7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, mix the cream of chicken soup, milk, shredded cheddar, black pepper, and salt.
- Combine ingredients: Stir in the shredded chicken, chopped onion, celery, and thawed peas and carrots.
- Add the noodles: Fold in the cooked egg noodles and mix until well combined. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
- Make the topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is heated through and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Cheese Variations: Try Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a different flavor.
- Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach.
- Protein Swap: Use turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free cream soup substitute.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
