Description
This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender shredded chicken, cheesy sauce, and tender egg noodles topped with a crispy cracker crust. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner or family meal, it combines sautéed onions, garlic, and a rich creamy sauce with peas and cheddar cheese baked to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Sauce
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 medium white onion, diced
- 3 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups frozen peas
- 1 pound shredded cooked chicken
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Topping
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2-3 teaspoons olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them well and transfer the noodles to the prepared baking dish evenly.
- Make Creamy Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onion and sauté for 5 to 7 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and flour, cooking for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add Liquids and Season: Gradually pour in the chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with salt and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded cooked chicken. Mix until the cheese melts and the ingredients are well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the creamy chicken mixture evenly over the cooked noodles in the baking dish, spreading it out smoothly.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil with a fork until the mixture is crumbly but combined.
- Top and Bake: Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
- Serve: Remove from oven and let cool slightly before serving hot for a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use cooked rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to save time.
- Substitute milk with a lactose-free alternative to reduce lactose.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free flour.
- Feel free to add mushrooms or carrots to the sauce for added vegetables.
- Allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set for easier slicing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
