If you’re craving a meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. This dish combines tender shredded chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a creamy sauce studded with fresh vegetables, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust that makes every bite irresistibly comforting. Perfect for family dinners or feeding a crowd, this casserole is as straightforward to make as it is delicious to devour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role — from adding creamy richness to introducing fresh, crisp texture and a cheesy depth of flavor. Gathering all these essentials ensures your casserole turns out perfectly balanced and satisfyingly hearty every time.
- Wide egg noodles (12 oz): The pasta base that provides a tender, chewy bite, perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans, 10.5 oz each): This is the heart of the sauce, delivering velvety richness and deep chicken flavor.
- Whole milk (1 cup): Adds a silky smooth texture to the sauce, keeping it luscious but not overly thick.
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup): Brings a sharp, tangy note and creamy melt that ties everything together.
- Ground black pepper (1 tsp): Adds just the right touch of warmth and spice without overpowering the flavors.
- Kosher salt (½ tsp): Enhances all the ingredients and balances the creaminess.
- Cooked, shredded chicken (3 cups): Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here, delivering juicy, tender bites throughout.
- Yellow onion, finely chopped (½ small): Offers a subtle sharpness and a hint of sweetness when baked.
- Celery stalks, finely chopped (2): Adds a fresh crunch and earthy flavor to the mix.
- Frozen peas and carrots (12 oz, thawed): Brings pops of color and a mild sweetness to brighten the casserole.
- Crushed butter crackers (1½ cups): For the addictive golden, buttery topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tbsp): Binds the cracker topping and adds an irresistible buttery aroma.
- Chopped parsley: For a fresh, vibrant garnish that finishes the dish with a pop of green.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Dish
Start by getting your oven warmed up to 375°F (190°C). While it’s heating, lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole won’t stick and cleanup is easy. This first step ensures your casserole bakes evenly and comes out looking beautiful.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the wide egg noodles until they’re just al dente—about 7 minutes is perfect. This gives them a little bite so they won’t get mushy when baked. Drain the noodles well and set them aside while you prepare the rest of the casserole.
Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup, the cup of whole milk, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and kosher salt. Stir these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and creamy—this sauce will be the luscious, flavorful base for your casserole.
Step 4: Mix in the Chicken and Veggies
Now it’s time to fold in the shredded chicken, finely chopped yellow onion, chopped celery, and thawed peas and carrots. Each ingredient contributes texture and flavor, creating a hearty, wholesome filling for the noodles to cozy up to.
Step 5: Add the Noodles
Gently fold the cooked egg noodles into the sauce and chicken mixture until everything is well combined. Transfer this delicious blend into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly so it bakes uniformly.
Step 6: Make the Cracker Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed butter crackers with melted unsalted butter. This topping will bake up golden brown and crunchy, giving your casserole a perfect contrast in texture.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping evenly over the casserole. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake it for 30 to 35 minutes until everything is heated through and the topping is beautifully golden and crisp.
Step 8: Garnish and Serve
Once out of the oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a bright splash of color and fresh flavor. Serve the casserole warm, and get ready for all the compliments that are sure to come your way!
How to Serve Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic and simple garnish for this casserole, bringing a hint of herbal brightness. You can also sprinkle on a bit of extra sharp cheddar cheese or even some crispy bacon bits if you want to elevate the dish with a savory crunch.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables balances the creamy richness perfectly. A side of crusty bread or warm rolls can help mop up every last bit of that delicious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins. Top each with a sprinkle of cracker crumbs and fresh herbs right before serving for a personal, charming presentation that feels special and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for 3 to 4 days. Be sure to cover it tightly to maintain moisture and flavor for the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes wonderfully. You can prepare the casserole fully, then cover it tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating for a convenient, comforting meal anytime you want.
Reheating
When ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheat the casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot throughout—usually about 20 minutes. You can also microwave individual servings, but oven reheating helps maintain that lovely topping crispness.
FAQs
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and carrots?
Absolutely! Fresh peas and diced carrots can be used and may add an even brighter texture and flavor to this casserole. Just make sure to finely chop and briefly steam or sauté harder veggies like carrots so they bake evenly.
What type of chicken works best for this recipe?
Rotisserie chicken is perfect because it’s already cooked and seasoned, saving you time and adding flavor. However, leftover baked or boiled chicken also works great if shredded properly.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the wide egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crackers. Many brands offer gluten-free options that will work well and keep the dish just as tasty.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
To make it vegetarian, swap the chicken for a hearty vegetable like mushrooms or cooked chickpeas, and use a vegetarian cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken soup.
How can I make this casserole more cheesy?
If you love cheese, add a bit more shredded sharp cheddar or experiment with a mix of cheeses like mozzarella or Parmesan for different layers of flavor and extra gooeyness.
Final Thoughts
The Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a timeless dish that brings together comfort, flavor, and simplicity in one delicious package. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a make-ahead meal that feels special, this casserole is bound to become a cherished favorite at your table. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again.
