There’s something magical about a casserole that brings the whole family running to the dinner table, and Dolly’s creamy chicken noodle casserole does exactly that.
This beloved comfort food classic combines tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a velvety cream sauce that’s pure nostalgia in every bite.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving that warm, home-cooked feeling, this copycat Dolly’s creamy chicken noodle casserole recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with homemade love.
It’s the ultimate one-dish wonder that transforms simple pantry staples into something truly special.
What Does It Taste Like?
Imagine creamy, savory richness meeting tender pasta and juicy chicken in perfect harmony. This casserole offers layers of umami flavor from the dual cream soups, balanced by tangy sour cream and sharp cheddar cheese.
The garlic and onion powder add subtle aromatic depth, while the buttery Ritz cracker topping provides an irresistible golden crunch. Each forkful delivers that satisfying comfort food experience-rich without being heavy, familiar yet crave-worthy.
The optional peas and carrots add sweet pops of freshness that cut through the creaminess beautifully. It’s like a warm hug in casserole form.
Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Ingredients
For the Casserole Base:
- 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)
For the Crunchy Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Kitchen Utensils You’ll Need
- 9×13-inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Can opener
- Cheese grater (if shredding cheese fresh)
Preparation and Cooking Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 40-45 minutes
Servings: 8-10 servings
Copycat Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray and set it aside. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving later.
Step 2: 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 (3/4 cup) of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until fully combined and uniformly creamy.
Step 3: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots for added color, texture, and nutrition if you’re using them. Season the entire mixture generously with salt and pepper to taste, keeping in mind the canned soups already contain sodium.
Step 4: Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out to the edges. Sprinkle the remaining 3/4 cup of cheddar cheese evenly across the top.
Step 5: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated and clumpy. Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the entire casserole to create that signature crunchy, golden topping.
Step 6: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is beautifully golden brown.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor if desired.
Customization and Pairing Ideas for Serving
1. Protein Variations: Swap the chicken for rotisserie turkey, leftover Thanksgiving turkey, or even cooked ground turkey for a budget-friendly twist. For a vegetarian version, substitute with chickpeas or extra mushrooms and use cream of celery soup.
2. Noodle Alternatives: While wide egg noodles are traditional, you can use penne pasta, rotini, or even gluten-free pasta without sacrificing texture. Whole wheat noodles add extra fiber for a healthier spin.
3. Cheese Swaps: Experiment with different cheese varieties like Monterey Jack for milder flavor, Gruyère for sophistication, or a Mexican cheese blend for a Southwestern flair. Mixing in some cream cheese makes it even more luscious.
4. Veggie Boost: Beyond peas and carrots, consider adding diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, corn kernels, or sautéed mushrooms. Fresh spinach wilts beautifully into the creamy sauce.
5. Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or mix in some pepper jack cheese for those who love heat. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top before baking works wonders.
6. Topping Variations: Instead of Ritz crackers, try crushed cornflakes, panko breadcrumbs, French fried onions, or even crushed potato chips for different textural experiences.
Essential Tips for Perfect Results
1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: Save time and add incredible flavor by using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s already seasoned and moist, eliminating the need to cook chicken from scratch. Simply shred or dice the meat and you’re halfway done.
2. Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook your egg noodles just until al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package directions. They’ll continue cooking in the oven, and slightly undercooked noodles prevent a mushy final texture.
3. Room Temperature Ingredients: Let your sour cream, milk, and cream soups sit at room temperature for 20 minutes before mixing. This ensures smoother blending and more even baking without cold spots in your casserole.
4. Proper Seasoning is Key: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust seasonings. Canned soups can be salty, so add salt cautiously. Fresh black pepper, a pinch of dried thyme, or Italian seasoning can elevate the flavor profile beautifully.
5. Achieve Golden Perfection: For that gorgeous golden-brown top, broil the casserole for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch it closely to prevent burning-you want crispy, not charred.
6. Prevent Dry Casserole: If your mixture seems thick before baking, add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth. The casserole should look slightly saucy before going into the oven, as the noodles absorb liquid during baking.
7. Make-Ahead Magic: Assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate. Add the cracker topping just before baking. You may need to add 5-10 extra minutes to the baking time if starting from cold.
Storage and Reheating Guidance
Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or warm the entire dish covered with foil at 350°F for 20 minutes. The casserole freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Common Queries and FAQs
Here are some common questions I’ve got you covered about this recipe
Can I make this copycat Dolly’s creamy chicken noodle casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add 5-10 minutes to the baking time since it’s starting cold. Hold off on adding the cracker topping until right before baking to keep it crispy.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can make a homemade cream sauce by combining 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, and 1 cup chicken broth with 1/2 cup milk or cream. Alternatively, use cream of celery soup, cream of mushroom soup exclusively, or condensed broccoli cheese soup for different flavor profiles.
How do I prevent my casserole from being too watery?
Ensure your cooked noodles are well-drained and not sitting in water. Use full-fat sour cream rather than low-fat, which releases more moisture. If your mixture looks too thin before baking, add an extra handful of shredded cheese or reduce the milk slightly.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Yes! If using fresh vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli, blanch them first by boiling for 2-3 minutes, then shocking in ice water. This prevents crunchy, undercooked vegetables in your finished casserole. Drain them thoroughly before mixing in.
Is there a healthier version of this recipe?
Certainly! Use low-fat cream soups, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and whole wheat noodles. Add extra vegetables and use white meat chicken breast. You can also reduce the butter in the topping or skip it entirely for a lighter dish.
Why is my Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole topping not crispy?
The butter-to-cracker ratio is crucial for crispiness. Make sure you’re using enough melted butter to coat all the crumbs. Also, don’t cover the casserole while baking, and consider broiling for the last 2 minutes. Using panko breadcrumbs instead of regular breadcrumbs creates extra crunch.
Can this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe be doubled for a crowd?
Yes! Double all the Dolly’s creamy chicken noodle casserole ingredients and use two 9×13-inch baking dishes or one large roasting pan. Keep the baking time the same, but check that the center is hot and bubbly. This recipe is perfect for potlucks, church dinners, and family reunions.
This copycat Dolly’s creamy chicken noodle casserole recipe proves that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated.
With its creamy texture, satisfying flavors, and that irresistible crunchy topping, it’s destined to become a regular rotation in your meal planning.
Whether you’re a busy parent looking for weeknight dinner solutions or someone who simply appreciates classic American comfort food, this casserole delivers every single time. Give it a try tonight and watch it disappear from the table!
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