This Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Imagine tender shredded chicken mixed with creamy cheddar sauce and soft egg noodles, all topped with a golden, buttery Ritz cracker crust that adds a satisfying crunch.
The blend of fresh vegetables like celery, bell pepper, and onion sautéed with garlic creates a flavorful base, making each bite rich and satisfying. Whether you’re serving it for a casual meal or a special occasion, this casserole brings warmth and comfort to the table.
- A quick and easy meal that combines creamy, cheesy flavors with tender chicken and noodles.
- The crunchy Ritz cracker topping adds texture contrast that’s irresistible.
- Customizable ingredients allow for addition of your favorite vegetables or substitutions.
Ingredients
- Olive Oil (2 to 3 tablespoons): Used to sauté fresh vegetables, adding a subtle fruity flavor and healthy fats to the dish.
- Celery (2 stalks, chopped): Adds a mild crunch and aromatic freshness that balances the creamy sauce.
- Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Provides a sweet, vibrant flavor and bright color to enhance the casserole visually and taste-wise.
- Medium Onion (1, chopped): Creates a savory base with natural sweetness when sautéed.
- Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Infuses the dish with fragrant, robust flavor, elevating the overall taste.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): Forms the creamy, rich sauce that binds the noodles and chicken together.
- Half and Half Cream (1 cup): Lightens and smooths the sauce for a luscious, velvety texture.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (3 cups, shredded): Melts into the sauce, offering depth, tang, and a cheesy richness.
- Cooked Egg Noodles (3 cups): Provides a tender, hearty base that soaks up the savory sauce perfectly.
- Cooked Shredded Chicken Breast (1 1/2 pounds): Adds lean protein and hearty texture, making the bake filling and nutritious.
- Parsley (1 tablespoon): Gives a fresh herbal note and a pop of color.
- Salt and Pepper: Enhances all flavors, adjusted to your taste preference.
- Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve): Crushed to create a golden, buttery crunchy topping that complements the creamy filling.
- Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): Mixed with crackers to add extra cheesiness and flavor to the crust.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Binds the cracker topping and adds richness and golden color when baked.
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Dish
Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This ensures even baking and easy cleanup.
- Sauté Vegetables
In a large 4-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery, cooking for about 5 to 6 minutes until onions turn translucent and vegetables soften. This step builds the aromatic flavor base for the casserole.
- Add Garlic and Build Sauce
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds to release its aroma without burning. Then reduce heat to medium and mix in the cream of chicken soup with half and half. Heat through while stirring to combine into a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Melt Cheddar Into Sauce
Gradually add shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until completely melted for rich, cheesy flavor that binds the casserole together.
- Combine Noodles and Chicken
Fold cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken breast evenly into the sauce mixture. This ensures each bite is loaded with tender chicken and pasta coated with the creamy cheddar blend.
- Season and Add Parsley
Stir in fresh parsley along with salt and pepper to taste. These seasonings brighten the dish and enhance the overall flavor profile.
- Transfer to Baking Dish
Remove the pot from heat and pour the combined mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent baking.
- Prepare Cracker Topping
Place Ritz crackers inside a ziplock bag and crush finely with a rolling pin. Transfer crumbs into a bowl and mix with melted butter and shredded cheddar cheese. This topping will provide a golden, crunchy contrast to the creamy filling.
- Top and Bake
Evenly spread the cracker and cheese mixture over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes until the topping turns golden and cheese melts, yielding a bubbly and inviting casserole.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- You can prepare the casserole in advance and refrigerate before baking to streamline meal prep.
- Adjust the seasoning and cheese amounts based on your dietary needs and tastes.
Storage Tips
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat from chilled in the oven or microwave until warmed through. For longer storage, freeze the baked dish before topping; thaw overnight before adding crust and baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting bake alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness. A light glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs perfectly with the creamy cheddar flavors.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute gluten-free egg noodles and glutten-free crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetable nutrients and flavor.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded options.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, by substituting dairy-free cream, cheese alternatives, and using a suitable cracker topping, you can create a dairy-free version.
- What type of chicken works best?
Cooked shredded chicken breast is ideal for texture and flavor, but leftover roast or rotisserie chicken is a great convenient substitute.
- Can I use other pasta?
While egg noodles work best for texture, you can use other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini for the bake.
- How do I store leftovers?
Keep leftovers refrigerated in a sealed container for up to three days. Reheat in the oven for best results.
- Is it possible to freeze this casserole?
Yes, freeze before adding the cracker topping to maintain texture. Thaw overnight before baking and adding the topping.
- Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Try adding peas, mushrooms, or spinach for extra nutrition and flavor variety.
Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven 4-quart
- 1 baking dish 9x13-inch, sprayed with nonstick spray
- 1 Rolling Pin for crushing crackers
- 1 ziplock bag for crushing crackers
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 stalks celery chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 2 10.5-ounce cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup half and half cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1½ pounds cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 1 tablespoon parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 4 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Heat olive oil in a 4-quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook until onions are translucent and vegetables soften, about 5 to 6 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Reduce heat to medium; add cream of chicken soup and half and half, stirring until combined and heated through.
- Mix in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.
- Fold in cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken breast, mixing evenly.
- Add parsley, salt, and pepper to taste; stir well.
- Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin, then combine with melted butter and 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese in a bowl.
- Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole filling.
- Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until topping is golden and cheese is melted.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
