If you’re searching for a creamy, comforting, and crowd-pleasing casserole, then Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is bound to steal the show at your dinner table. Just imagine forkfuls of tender chicken, fluffy noodles, and a rich, velvety sauce all baked together under a golden, buttery topping. This cozy classic is the kind of comforting dinner that brings everyone racing to the kitchen as soon as it emerges from the oven. Did you know casseroles have been a staple in American homes for generations, evolving from potluck favorites to weeknight heroes? What sets Dolly’s version apart is its unbeatable simplicity and irresistible taste.
Much like our popular Cheesy Broccoli Chicken Bake, this casserole is made with everyday ingredients and comes together in just about 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy families and last-minute meal planning. Whether you’re serving picky eaters, hungry teens, or you just need a recipe that makes enough for leftovers, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole checks all the boxes. Gather up your mixing bowls and get ready—comfort food is about to get a whole lot cozier in your home!
What is Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Have you ever wondered why some recipes end up with names that sound like they were passed down at a family reunion? Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is one of those dishes that instantly feels like an old friend—even if you haven’t met her yet! Was it named after a beloved family matriarch, or maybe after the way this dish makes everyone sing with delight? We may never know, but one thing’s for sure—the way to a man’s heart truly is through his stomach, and Dolly’s version might just seal the deal! Ready to discover why this casserole deserves a spot in your family’s recipe box? Give it a try and let its creamy magic win you over.
Why You’ll Love This
The true highlight of Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is its unbeatable blend of flavors and textures—the creamy sauce, juicy chicken, tender noodles, and crunchy buttery topping create a bite that’s both comforting and exciting. Making this casserole at home saves you a small fortune compared to takeout, and it stretches simple pantry staples into a dish that easily feeds a crowd. What really sets it apart are the luscious cheese, the slight tang from sour cream, and savory pops of peas and carrots that you can sneak in for extra color and nutrition. It’s got all the weeknight ease of our fan-favorite Chicken Alfredo Bake, but with the homey touch of a classic potluck dish. Try it for your next family dinner and see if it doesn’t become a new favorite!
How to Make
Quick Overview
This casserole is wonderfully easy to put together, with minimal prep and maximum flavor. Picture succulent chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—all baked to bubbly perfection in less than an hour. Both beginner and seasoned cooks will appreciate how few steps are involved, and cleanup is a breeze. Most of the work is done in just 20 minutes; pop it in the oven and enjoy a wholesome, comforting meal any day of the week!
Ingredients
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter
Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Step-by-Step
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in the frozen peas and carrots for extra color and nutrition, if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.
What to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole With
To complement the rich, savory flavors of Dolly’s casseroles, consider serving a crisp green salad tossed with your favorite zesty vinaigrette—the fresh greens balance out the creamy sauce beautifully. Garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls make excellent sides for soaking up every bit of that delicious sauce. For a lighter touch, steamed broccoli or sautéed green beans keep things bright and colorful. If you’re looking to round out your meal, serve with a glass of iced tea or a refreshing lemonade for the perfect finishing touch.
Top Tips for Perfecting Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
For the creamiest casserole, don’t overbake—you want it bubbly, not dry! If you’re short on time or looking to use up leftovers, rotisserie chicken is a delicious, convenient option.
Try swapping the peas and carrots for other frozen veggies, like corn or chopped broccoli, to suit your family’s taste.
If someone at your table doesn’t eat mushrooms, double up on the cream of chicken soup and skip the cream of mushroom for the same creamy texture.
To keep the topping crisp, add the cracker or breadcrumb mixture just before baking. Want an extra cheesy finish? Sprinkle a bit more cheddar in the final 5 minutes of baking.
Avoid overcooking the noodles before mixing them in; slightly undercooked noodles work best so they absorb flavor and stay firm.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days for the best taste and texture. To reheat, place a portion in the microwave and cover loosely with a microwave-safe lid, warming in 1-minute intervals until heated through.
For oven reheating, cover the baking dish with foil and warm at 350°F for about 20 minutes, removing the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping again. This casserole also freezes wonderfully—simply assemble up to the point before baking, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
FAQs
Can I make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate it. When ready to bake, remove from the fridge and bake as instructed, adding 5 extra minutes if needed.
Can I substitute another type of pasta for the egg noodles?
Yes, you can use rotini, penne, or any other short pasta. Just make sure to cook it al dente so it holds its shape during baking.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Swap egg noodles for your favorite gluten-free pasta and choose gluten-free condensed soups and crackers.
How can I add extra flavor to this casserole?
Try adding a teaspoon of Italian seasoning, a splash of hot sauce, or tossing in extra veggies like sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
What’s the best way to freeze individual portions?
Portion the cooked casserole into freezer-safe containers, ensuring they’re tightly sealed. Reheat straight from the freezer in the microwave or oven for a quick and easy meal.
Conclusion
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a warm hug in a dish—simple, budget-friendly, and irresistibly creamy. With minimal prep and crowd-pleasing comfort, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crew or planning ahead for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimum effort. Don’t forget to try pairing it with a crisp salad or some homemade bread for a truly memorable meal. Ready to dig in? Give Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole a try and let it earn a starring role in your recipe lineup!
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 cups Cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup Sour cream
- 1/2 cup Milk
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until fully combined and creamy.
- Fold in the frozen peas and carrots for extra color and nutrition, if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a crunchy, golden topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is lightly browned.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving if desired.