Let’s be real—Dolly’s creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out. Whether you’re wrangling kids, racing against the clock after work, or just craving something nostalgic and soul-soothing, this casserole gets it. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with those feel-good vibes that only a good ol’ chicken noodle casserole can deliver.
And here’s the kicker? You probably already have everything you need sitting in your pantry or fridge. Yep, this recipe is that kind of magic—easy, familiar, and just a little indulgent (in the best way). So, if you’re looking for something warm, reliable, and guaranteed to get “Mmm, what is that?!” from the family, girl… you’ve found it.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Besides the obvious creamy, cheesy comfort-factor? This dish is:
- Perfect for busy nights when you just can’t deal with a 12-step recipe.
- Kid-approved (yes, even the picky one).
- Freezer-friendly, so you can make it ahead and be a total dinner boss.
- Made with classic chicken noodle casserole ingredients, but with a rich, tangy twist thanks to sour cream and cheddar.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what makes this casserole extra special—and don’t worry, nothing fancy or hard to pronounce:
- Chicken Breasts – The juicy MVP of the casserole. They soak up the sauce and stay tender throughout.
- Egg Noodles – These soft noodles hold the creamy sauce like a charm. Total comfort food material.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup – The creamy base that ties it all together. No chopping or sautéing needed—just open the can and go!
- Sour Cream – Adds a tangy depth that balances all that cheesiness.
- Cheddar Cheese – Melts into gooey perfection for that irresistible topping.
- Garlic Powder & Onion Powder – A savory one-two punch that gives your casserole that homemade flavor.
- Parsley – Adds a pop of green and just a whisper of freshness to brighten up the dish.
How to Make Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
You don’t need to be Dolly herself to pull this off—just a casserole dish, a few simple steps, and maybe a good country playlist in the background.
- Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (because, let’s be honest, you’ll forget otherwise). Grease a 9×13″ baking dish to keep cleanup easy. - Boil the Noodles
Cook your egg noodles just until tender. Don’t overdo it—they’ll keep cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside. - Cook the Chicken
You can either boil and shred the chicken breasts or use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken (a total time-saver). - Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix until creamy. - Combine It All
Toss in the noodles, shredded chicken, and chopped parsley. Stir until everything is coated in creamy goodness. - Bake to Perfection
Pour the mixture into your baking dish. Top with the rest of the cheddar cheese. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top. - Serve and Enjoy
Let it sit for a few minutes (if you can wait!). Then scoop up that creamy, cheesy, savory magic and serve with a smile.
Quick Tips for Chicken Noodle Casserole Success
- Shortcut Alert: No time to cook chicken? Grab a rotisserie chicken or use canned chicken in a pinch.
- Want a little crunch? Sprinkle some crushed Ritz crackers or French fried onions on top before baking.
- Add-ins welcome: Peas, carrots, or even chopped broccoli can sneak into the mix for extra veggies (without triggering any dinner table protests).
- Leftovers? This casserole reheats like a dream. Just microwave or pop in the oven until warmed through.
How to Serve Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
This casserole is cozy and filling all on its own, but if you’re looking to round out your meal, here are some tasty (and easy!) serving ideas:
Fresh Salads:
A crisp Caesar or a simple mixed greens salad with cherry tomatoes and cucumbers adds a refreshing crunch. Bonus points for a lemony vinaigrette to cut through the creamy richness.
Buttery Bread:
Think warm dinner rolls, cheesy garlic bread, or even flaky biscuits. Perfect for sopping up every last drop of that dreamy sauce.
Comforting Sides:
Want to go full comfort mode? Serve this with a scoop of mashed potatoes or a spoonful of creamed corn. It’s the dinner version of a warm hug.
Roasted Veggies:
Balance the meal with roasted broccoli, asparagus, or glazed carrots. They add beautiful color and a healthy touch that doesn’t feel like a chore.
Keep It Simple:
Honestly, sometimes you just need a one-and-done kind of dinner. This casserole does the job deliciously—just top with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of red pepper flakes if you’re feeling fancy.
From My Kitchen to Yours
I’ve made a lot of chicken casseroles over the years, but Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole holds a special place in my heart—and my recipe box. I first whipped this up on a chilly Tuesday when dinner needed to be fast, filling, and preferably made in pajamas. One bite in, and my picky eater was asking for seconds. That’s when I knew it was a keeper.
Now it’s my go-to dish for everything from weeknight dinners to potlucks (yes, it travels beautifully). And I just know it’s going to become one of your favorites too.
FAQs About Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Can I substitute the cream of mushroom soup?
Absolutely! Cream of chicken or even cream of celery works great if mushroom’s not your thing.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You sure can. Penne or rotini hold up well, but egg noodles give it that classic chicken noodle casserole feel.
Can I freeze this casserole?
You sure can. Penne or rotini hold up well, but egg noodles give it that classic chicken noodle casserole feel.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
You sure can. Penne or rotini hold up well, but egg noodles give it that classic chicken noodle casserole feel.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, and that’s one of the best parts! Assemble the casserole (minus the cheese topping), wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw in the fridge overnight, top with cheese, and bake like normal.
How do I store leftovers?
Pop it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You can also freeze portions for easy heat-and-eat lunches or busy night backups.
How can I make this dish healthier?
Totally doable! Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sodium version of the cream soup. You can also toss in extra veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition without losing flavor.
What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
Totally doable! Try using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-sodium version of the cream soup. You can also toss in extra veggies like spinach, peas, or bell peppers to boost the nutrition without losing flavor.
What’s the best cookware to use for this recipe?
A standard 9×13″ baking dish works perfectly—glass or ceramic are both great. If you’re making it ahead and freezing, opt for a disposable aluminum tray for easy storage (and no cleanup!).
Can I substitute chicken?
You bet! Turkey is a great alternative, especially around the holidays. You could also try cooked ground chicken or even a plant-based chicken substitute if you’re going meatless. Just make sure whatever you use is fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Conclusion
Whether you’re feeding a crew, prepping ahead for the week, or just craving something creamy and comforting, Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is here to make dinner easy, delicious, and totally satisfying. Trust me—this one’s going in your repeat recipe rotation.
Happy cooking, friend! 🧡
More Cozy Casseroles to Try Next
Love Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole ? Here are more comforting favorites to add to your dinner rotation:
- 💰 Million Dollar Chicken Casserole : Creamy, cheesy, and totally indulgent—this one tastes like a million bucks (but is super easy to make).
- 👉 Creamy Chicken and Rice Casserole Delight :A rich, creamy combo of chicken and rice that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- 🍗 Dolly’s Chicken and Stuffing Casserole :Hearty, savory, and packed with cozy flavor—like Thanksgiving in a dish.
- 🥣 Chicken and Dumpling Casserole :All the comfort of classic chicken and dumplings, made casserole-style.
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy, crowd-pleasing casserole made with tender chicken breasts, hearty egg noodles, and a rich blend of sour cream and cheddar cheese. Dolly’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or when you just need some comfort food magic.
Ingredients
2 cups cooked chicken breasts, shredded or cubed
12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and lightly grease a 9×13” baking dish.
Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, half of the cheddar cheese, and parsley. Stir until well combined.
Add in the cooked chicken and egg noodles. Stir gently to coat everything in the creamy mixture.
Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is golden.
Garnish with extra parsley and serve warm.
Notes
You can use rotisserie chicken for extra convenience.
Want a little crunch? Add crushed crackers or French fried onions on top before baking.
To make it healthier, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, low-fat cheese, and low-sodium soup.
Freezer-friendly! Assemble, cover tightly, and freeze (without cheese topping). Add cheese when ready to bake.
This dish pairs beautifully with a green salad or roasted veggies.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg