The aroma of a bubbling casserole wafts through the kitchen, filling the air with an inviting warmth. The rich scent of creamy cheddar mingles seamlessly with the aromatic notes of sautéed vegetables, promising comfort with every bite. Picture a golden-brown crust of crushed Ritz crackers covering a delightful mixture of tender chicken and perfectly cooked egg noodles swimming in a cheesy sauce. Just as every family has its own take on classic recipes, my childhood version of this Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake always made me feel at home. It was a staple at family gatherings, often bringing a chorus of “Mmm” and satisfied sighs around the table.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Each bite takes me back to bustling kitchen moments, where laughter and good food intertwined. Even now, as I prepare to share this beloved recipe, I can’t help but feel that same excitement. This dish is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends. Imagine serving this comforting Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake at your table, watching faces light up with joy. Let’s dive into making this delicious meal that’s sure to become a new favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Ready in just 35 minutes, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights.
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy cheddar and savory chicken create an explosion of taste in each bite.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden Ritz cracker topping makes this dish gorgeous and inviting.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for family dinner, potlucks, or even as meal prep for the week!
Diet-Friendly Options: Easily swap ingredients to cater to dietary needs, like gluten-free noodles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: Provides a rich base for sautéing vegetables. Extra virgin offers the best flavor.
Celery: Adds a crunch and subtle flavor; substitute with bell pepper for added sweetness.
Red Bell Pepper: Brings color and sweetness. You can use any bell pepper variety if needed.
Onion: Essential for flavor depth. Yellow or sweet onions work well.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic enhances aroma and overall flavor.
Cream of Chicken Soup: Acts as the creamy base; homemade or store-bought works—consider low-sodium options for a healthier choice.
Half and Half Cream: Offers the perfect creaminess; heavy cream can be substituted for richer results.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Offers bold flavor; feel free to mix with mild cheddar or mozzarella.
Egg Noodles: This dish is best with cooked egg noodles, but replace them with tri-color pasta for extra color.
Cooked Shredded Chicken: A great way to use leftovers. You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens flavors; however, dried parsley works too in a pinch.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust to taste.
Ritz Crackers: The star of the topping! Crush for the crunchy layer; however, gluten-free crackers can serve as a great alternative.
Butter: Adds richness and helps achieve that perfect crunch when mixed with cracker crumbs.

How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F. It’s essential to prepare your baking dish by spraying a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray. This will ensure your **Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake** comes out perfectly without sticking to the sides.

Sauté Vegetables: In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chopped celery, red bell pepper, and onion, cooking them for about 5 to 6 minutes until the onions turn translucent and the vegetables soften. This step will fill your kitchen with tantalizing aromas.

Add Garlic and Soup: Stir in the minced garlic and continue cooking for about 30 seconds, keeping it moving to avoid burning. Lower the heat to medium and stir in the cream of chicken soup and half and half cream until the mixture is warmed through and well combined—this creamy base is where the magic begins!

Melt Cheese: Fold in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s melted and fully integrated into the mixture. Keep an eye on it, you want it beautifully gooey and cheese-laden.

Combine Noodles and Chicken: Now, fold in the cooked egg noodles and the shredded chicken breast, mixing everything together evenly. Add some chopped parsley along with salt and pepper to taste, making sure to stir everything well so the flavors blend harmoniously.

Transfer and Prepare Topping: Carefully pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. For the topping, take a sleeve of Ritz crackers and place them in a ziplock bag, crushing them gently with a rolling pin. In a separate bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter and an additional cup of shredded cheddar to create a scrumptious topping.

Top and Bake: Spread the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole filling, covering it entirely. Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, watching closely until the topping turns golden, and the cheese is bubbling. A little crispy bite on top can take this dish from great to extraordinary!

Storing & Reheating

To store your leftover Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake, let it cool and then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. At room temperature, it can sit for about two hours, but for safety, refrigerate remaining portions within that time. It stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’d like to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and enjoy it within 3 months. Reheating can be done in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through—around 20 minutes. Note that the texture might change slightly, but a sprinkle of fresh cheese on top during reheating can help revive that cheesy goodness.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Avoid overcooking your chicken; it should be tender and juicy to blend nicely into your bake.
Use room-temp ingredients where possible, especially the cream and cheese, for easier mixing.
If you want to get ahead, you can assemble the casserole a day early. Just refrigerate it and bake when ready to serve.
Mix in some frozen peas or corn for added nutrients and flavor; these are delicious additions!
If you want extra depth, a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne would elevate flavor without being overpowering.

Recipe FAQs

Can I use other types of cheese?

Absolutely! While sharp cheddar is the star of the Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake, feel free to switch it up with Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even a little mozzarella for a melty texture. Experimenting with different cheese types can bring a new dimension to the flavor profile you might enjoy!

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire casserole a day in advance. Just cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before popping it in the oven. This can save time, especially for gatherings!

What if I don’t have cooked chicken?

No problem! You can easily cook chicken breasts in boiling water for about 20 minutes until fully cooked, or grab a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store. Dicing or shredding it will give you that perfect tender chicken texture for mixing.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole wheat or gluten-free egg noodles for a nutritional boost. You can also swap half of the cream for low-fat yogurt or sour cream to maintain creaminess but reduce the fat content. Adding vegetables like spinach or broccoli is another great way to enhance the dish’s nutrition without sacrificing flavor!

By embracing this delicious recipe, you’ll be well on your way to creating a meal that’s as comforting as it is satisfying. Enjoy your cooking adventure and savor every scrumptious bite!

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Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

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Author: Dorothy
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

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Description

This Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake combines creamy cheddar, tender chicken, and crunchy Ritz crackers for the perfect comfort food. Ideal for a cozy dinner or meal prep!

Ingredients

Olive Oil
Celery
Red Bell Pepper
Onion
Garlic
Cream of Chicken Soup
Half and Half Cream
Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Egg Noodles
Cooked Shredded Chicken
Parsley
Salt and Pepper
Ritz Crackers
Butter

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch pan with nonstick spray.
In a Dutch oven, heat olive oil and sauté celery, red bell pepper, and onion until soft.
Add garlic, then cream soup and half and half; mix until warmed.
Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted.
Fold in cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken along with parsley, salt, and pepper.
Pour mixture into baking dish, crush Ritz crackers and mix with butter and cheddar, then top casserole.
Bake uncovered for about 15 minutes until topping is golden and cheese is bubbling.

Notes

Use room-temp ingredients for easier mixing.
Assemble the casserole a day ahead and refrigerate it before baking.
Mix in frozen peas or corn for added flavor and nutrition.