If there’s one dinner that never fails to bring cozy comfort and a happy chorus to the dinner table, it’s the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole. This classic recipe is like wrapping your family in a big, delicious hug — featuring tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, creamy sauce, gooey cheese, and a satisfyingly crunchy, buttery topping. It’s weeknight magic, equally at home feeding your family on a rushed Tuesday or anchoring a casual Sunday supper with friends. Everyone needs a casserole like this in their back pocket!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part? Each ingredient in this casserole is a food superstar, chosen to add the perfect balance of flavors and textures. From the rich cream of chicken soup to those little sweet pops of peas and carrots, every element matters. Here’s what you’ll need and why you can’t skip a thing!
- Egg Noodles (12 ounces): The sturdy yet tender base that soaks up all that luscious sauce without getting soggy.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, plus 2 more for topping): Gives a rich, savory start to the onion and a golden finish to the cracker topping.
- Onion (1 medium, diced): Sautéed onion makes the whole kitchen smell inviting and adds a savory backbone.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Just a touch for aromatic depth—no one can resist that scent!
- Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded): Tender, juicy protein that holds up in this hearty bake. Leftover rotisserie chicken works beautifully, too.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans): Brings creamy cohesion and classic casserole nostalgia.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Lends tangy richness and prevents the casserole from feeling heavy.
- Whole Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce and keeps it velvety-smooth.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots (1 cup, thawed): Sweet and colorful veggies for flavor, pop and a pretty finish.
- Seasoned Salt (1 teaspoon): Infuses easy, balanced flavor to every layer.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for just the right tiny kick.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, divided): Melty, gooey, and golden. The secret to that irresistible cheese-pull.
- Crushed Butter Crackers (1 cup): Adds the craveable crunchy topping every casserole dreams of (Ritz are a perfect pick).
- Melted Butter (2 tablespoons for topping): Brings the cracker crust together and crisps it to golden perfection.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give yourself plenty of room to assemble all the layers — trust me, this is going to be a generous, family-sized meal! Now’s also the time to thaw your frozen veggies if you haven’t already.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. You want them just tender but still with a little bite since they’ll soak up more goodness in the oven. Drain, rinse briefly, and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add your diced onion and let it cook for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds more, until it smells amazing but hasn’t browned (burnt garlic = sadness!).
Step 4: Combine the Casserole Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine your cooked noodles, shredded chicken, softened onion and garlic, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, whole milk, thawed peas and carrots, seasoned salt, black pepper, and 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Give everything a really good stir until well combined and evenly mixed—you want noodles, chicken, veggies, and cheese in every forkful!
Step 5: Assemble Everything
Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly across the surface. Now, in a small bowl, blend your crushed butter crackers with the melted butter and scatter this mixture on top of the cheese for the most heavenly crunchy finish.
Step 6: Bake Until Golden
Bake your Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole for 25 to 30 minutes. When it’s ready, the casserole will be bubbling around the edges with a gorgeous golden crust that’s almost too pretty to disturb (almost!). Let it sit for a few minutes before serving so you get lovely neat slices.
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
Just before serving, bring your Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole to the next level with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives. A dusting of paprika on top adds warmth and an extra pop of color. These finishing touches make the dish look as fresh and inviting as it tastes!
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty casserole pairs beautifully with something crisp and light. Try serving it with a green salad tossed in lemony vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or a platter of sliced tomatoes and cucumbers. For a true comfort-food feast, add warm dinner rolls to soak up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing up Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole doesn’t have to be boring. Spoon individual portions into ramekins for a fun twist, or serve with pickles and crunchy slaw for contrast. If you’re feeling playful, top it with a few extra cracker crumbs or even a handful of crispy fried onions.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The casserole keeps beautifully for up to 3 days and makes a delicious next-day lunch or speedy supper. The flavors meld and deepen overnight, making every bite even more satisfying.
Freezing
Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is a freezer-friendly superstar! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze before baking for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed (you may need to add a few extra minutes of cooking time). The crunchy topping comes out best when baked fresh, but it’s still tasty after freezing.
Reheating
To reheat, either microwave individual portions for 1 to 2 minutes until hot, or rewarm the whole casserole in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, for about 20 minutes. Remove the foil for the last few minutes so the topping gets crisp again. Add a splash of milk if the casserole looks a bit dry.
FAQs
Can I use canned chicken instead of fresh?
Absolutely! While freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken gives you the best texture, canned chicken works in a pinch and can make this recipe even faster to pull together for a last-minute dinner win.
Can I make Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole the night before, cover, and refrigerate. When you’re ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes in the oven to ensure it’s hot and bubbly all the way through.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No worries—you can substitute with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. Each brings its own subtle twist to the flavor, though cream of chicken keeps it closest to the classic taste everyone loves.
Is it possible to add more vegetables?
Of course! Feel free to stir in chopped cooked broccoli, mushrooms, bell peppers, or baby spinach along with the other vegetables. Just be sure to sauté or steam sturdier veggies first so everything is tender after baking.
How can I make this Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole gluten-free?
Simply swap in your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and use a gluten-free cream soup. For the topping, gluten-free butter crackers or crushed rice cereal work like a charm!
Final Thoughts
I hope you’ll make this Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole part of your family’s comfort food traditions—it really does bring people together with each rich, creamy, crunchy bite. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just looking for a little weeknight cheer, this recipe is sure to be a hit at your table. Happy baking!
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Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. It features tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, peas, carrots, and a cheesy cracker topping that adds a delightful crunch.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
12 ounces
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons
Onion (diced):
1 medium
Garlic Cloves (minced):
2
Cooked Chicken Breast (shredded):
2 cups
Cream of Chicken Soup:
2 cans (10.5 oz each)
Sour Cream:
1 cup
Whole Milk:
1/2 cup
Frozen Peas and Carrots (thawed):
1 cup
Seasoned Salt:
1 teaspoon
Black Pepper:
1/2 teaspoon
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (divided):
2 cups
Butter Crackers (like Ritz, crushed):
1 cup
Unsalted Butter (melted):
2 tablespoons
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles until al dente, then set aside.
- In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic.
- Combine noodles, chicken, soup, sour cream, milk, peas, carrots, seasonings, and 1 1/2 cups cheese.
- Spread mixture in baking dish.
- Mix crackers with butter and top casserole with cheese and cracker mixture.
- Bake until bubbly and golden.
Notes
- You can use leftover turkey instead of chicken for a twist.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika to the cracker topping.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/8 casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 890mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
