Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole a creamy and indulgent casserole packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, and three kinds of cheese, all baked to perfection with a buttery Ritz cracker crust. This dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and creamy: The combination of cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese creates a luscious base that’s hard to resist.
Perfect for meal prep: It stores and reheats beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead option.
Family-friendly: The cheesy, savory flavors and crunchy topping are sure to please kids and adults alike.
Customizable: You can swap ingredients and add extras to suit your preferences.
Quick and easy: With just 15 minutes of prep time, this dish is simple to assemble for a stress-free dinner.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
12 oz egg noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup sour cream
1 cup cottage cheese
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (optional topping)
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
Stir in the cooked chicken and noodles, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
For the optional topping, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Let it cool slightly before serving.
Servings and Timing
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
Protein swap: Use rotisserie chicken, turkey, or leftover ham for a twist.
Vegetable addition: Mix in peas, spinach, or broccoli for added nutrients.
Cheese options: Substitute Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or your favorite cheeses.
Gluten-free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and crackers.
Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños for heat.
Storage/Reheating
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing: Wrap the casserole tightly with plastic wrap and foil before freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until heated through.
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FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate it, then bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fusilli work well as substitutes for egg noodles.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can replace it with a homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, and chicken broth for a cleaner alternative.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing?
Yes, it freezes well. Ensure it’s wrapped tightly, and add the cracker topping just before baking for the best texture.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cottage cheese. You can also skip the cracker topping to reduce calories.
Conclusion
Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole is everything I love about comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and satisfying. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers throughout the week. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, this dish is a winner for any occasion. Give it a try and watch it become a family favorite.
📖 Recipe:
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Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Description
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Million Dollar Chicken Noodle Casserole! Packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, and three types of cheese, it’s topped with a buttery Ritz cracker crust for the perfect blend of creamy and crunchy. A family-friendly favorite for cozy dinners or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
12 oz egg noodles
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1 cup sour cream
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup cottage cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional topping)
2 tbsp melted butter (optional topping)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Fold in the cooked chicken and egg noodles, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
- For the optional topping, mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Make-ahead option: Assemble the casserole and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Customization tips: Add vegetables like peas or spinach, or swap in your favorite cheeses for a personalized twist.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings
- Calories: ~420 kcal per serving (based on 8 servings)
