Name: Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Egg Noodles: 12 oz cooked and drained Shredded Chicken: 3 cups cooked Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream Cheese: 1 package (8 oz), softened Sour Cream: 1 cup Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup shredded Parmesan Cheese: 1/2 cup grated Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon Onion Powder: 1/2 teaspoon Salt: 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon Ritz Crackers or Butter Crackers: 1 cup crushed Butter: 2 tablespoons melted

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If there’s one dish that brings both comfort and unabashed coziness to the table, it’s Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole. Imagine tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, and two types of melty cheese, all bound together in a luscious, creamy sauce and topped with a buttery cracker crust. This casserole was made for busy weeknights and potlucks alike—effortless to assemble but rich enough to earn those rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Whether you serve it to family or share it with friends, Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary day into something special.

Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t need a fancy shopping list to whip up this casserole; just a handful of kitchen staples that, when combined, create something truly irresistible. Each ingredient plays a starring role, whether it’s for flavor, texture, or that extra bit of color you crave in classic comfort food.

Egg noodles: These tender, twisty noodles are the backbone of the casserole, soaking up every drop of that dreamy sauce.
Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a time-saving hero here, but any cooked chicken will work for hearty protein.
Cream of chicken soup: The secret to an ultra-creamy base; it brings savory, rich flavor without any fuss.
Cream cheese, softened: This is where the “million dollar” richness comes in—cream cheese adds silkiness and tang.
Sour cream: Adds luxurious creaminess and just the right touch of tang to balance the flavors.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts throughout the casserole for that classic, gooey cheese pull.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Gives a salty, nutty depth that takes the casserole up a notch in flavor.
Garlic powder: Just the right amount to add warmth and savory depth without overpowering the dish.
Onion powder: Offers subtle sweetness and roundness to the sauce.
Salt: Essential for lifting up all the flavors—taste before serving and adjust as needed.
Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity; fresh cracked pepper is extra tasty if you have it.
Crushed Ritz crackers or butter crackers: These create the irresistible, buttery crunch on top—don’t skip it!
Melted butter: Binds the cracker topping and adds a beautiful golden sheen.

How to Make Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Baking Dish and Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Take a moment to lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish—this ensures nothing sticks and guarantees a perfect scoop every time. Prepping your dish now makes assembly a breeze.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Chicken Filling

Grab a large mixing bowl and add your cooked egg noodles, tender shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the noodles and chicken are fully coated in that creamy, cheesy mixture. The filling should look outrageously rich and delicious at this point!

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

Scoop the chicken noodle mixture into your greased baking dish. Use a spatula to spread it evenly from edge to edge, making sure every bite will be packed with all the creamy goodness.

Step 4: Add the Buttery Cracker Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or your favorite butter crackers) with the melted butter. Stir until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole for a golden, crunchy finish on top.

Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly

Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. The casserole should be hot and bubbly, with a beautiful golden topping. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving so everything sets up nicely for clean, satisfying slices.

How to Serve Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions brightens up the dish and adds a little color contrast to that cheesy, golden top. For those who love a hint of heat, try a light dusting of smoked paprika or red pepper flakes right before serving.

Side Dishes

This casserole is comfort food royalty, but it plays nicely with a bright, crisp side salad, steamed green beans, or buttery corn on the cob. For a heartier spread, serve it up with garlicky Texas toast or pillowy dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole shines as a family-style bake, but you can also portion it into individual ramekins for dinner parties or special occasions. For a twist, spoon it onto a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted broccoli, adding a pop of color and a dose of greens under all that creamy comfort.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers keep beautifully! Store any extra casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors only get better as they meld, making lunch or dinner the next day extra special.

Freezing

Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is freezer-friendly, so you can savor its magic on your own timeline. Assemble the casserole (but don’t bake) and wrap it tightly in foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and place it in a 350°F oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until heated through. A splash of milk added before heating helps restore creaminess. For individual portions, a quick zap in the microwave also works perfectly!

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic in Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole, rotini, penne, or even macaroni all make worthy substitutes—just be sure to cook them al dente so they hold up well during baking.

Can I add vegetables to the casserole?

Yes! Stir in frozen peas, a handful of baby spinach, or sautéed mushrooms for extra nutrition and color. Just make sure to add veggies that don’t release too much water, so the casserole stays creamy.

What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?

Rotisserie chicken is your friend for fast prep—just pull the meat away from the bones and shred with two forks. If you’re cooking chicken at home, poaching or using a stand mixer to shred warm, cooked chicken are great shortcuts.

Can this casserole be made ahead?

Definitely! Assemble the Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate, covered. When ready to bake, simply add the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if starting from cold.

How can I make this casserole gluten-free?

To make a gluten-free version, just swap in your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and choose a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers. The results are still every bit as rich and satisfying!

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that promises rave reviews with every creamy, cheesy bite, Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is it. I truly hope you give this cozy classic a try—there’s nothing like sharing a meal that tastes like a warm hug. Enjoy!

Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of this Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole. Creamy and savory, with a crispy buttery cracker topping, this dish is sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients

Egg Noodles:

12 oz cooked and drained

Shredded Chicken:

3 cups cooked

Cream of Chicken Soup:

1 can (10.5 oz)

Cream Cheese:

1 package (8 oz), softened

Sour Cream:

1 cup

Cheddar Cheese:

1 cup shredded

Parmesan Cheese:

1/2 cup grated

Garlic Powder:

1 teaspoon

Onion Powder:

1/2 teaspoon

Salt:

1/2 teaspoon

Black Pepper:

1/4 teaspoon

Ritz Crackers or Butter Crackers:

1 cup crushed

Butter:

2 tablespoons melted

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix Casserole: In a large bowl, combine noodles, chicken, cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Spread in the baking dish.
Prepare Topping: Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Rest and Serve: Let it rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.