Description
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is a creamy, cheesy baked dish combining tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a rich blend of sour cream, cream cheese, cottage cheese, and cream of chicken soup. Topped with a triple cheese layer and an optional buttery Ritz cracker crust, this comforting casserole is perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup sour cream
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Toppings
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Optional Topping
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature by the time the casserole is ready for baking.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Fold the cooked chicken and egg noodles into the creamy mixture, stirring gently to coat everything evenly without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and spread the chicken and noodle mixture evenly inside it.
- Add Cheese Toppings: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella, cheddar, and grated Parmesan cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Add Optional Ritz Topping: If using, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the cheese layer to create a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set slightly for easier portioning.
Notes
- Cooking noodles al dente prevents them from becoming too mushy during baking.
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- The Ritz cracker topping is optional but adds a delightful crunch and buttery flavor.
- For a low-fat version, consider using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheeses.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
