Homey Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Soul-Warming Meals

Pioneer Woman’s chicken noodle casserole elevates comfort food to an art form with its irresistible blend of flavors and textures.

Layers of succulent chicken intertwine with silky noodles, creating a culinary masterpiece that whispers of home and warmth.

Crispy cracker crumbs crown this delectable dish, promising a delightful crunch in every heavenly bite.

Creamy and rich, the sauce binds ingredients into a harmonious symphony of taste.

Vegetables peek through, adding vibrant color and nutritional depth to this classic comfort meal.

Home cooks treasure this recipe for its effortless elegance and crowd-pleasing magic.

One spoonful transports you to a world of pure, nostalgic deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 25 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Egg Noodles: Choose fresh, high-quality noodles with a firm texture and smooth surface.
• Cooked Chicken: Select tender, well-seasoned chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor.
• Cream Of Chicken Soup: Pick low-sodium version for better control of saltiness.
• Whole Milk: Opt for fresh, full-fat milk for richer consistency.

• Onion, Celery: Select crisp, firm vegetables with vibrant color and no soft spots.
• Peas, Carrots: Use frozen mixed vegetables for convenience and consistent quality.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Select aged cheese with robust, tangy flavor.
• Butter Crackers: Use buttery, crisp crackers for perfect golden crunch.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for better flavor control.
• Ground Black Pepper, Kosher Salt: Select fresh, premium spices for enhanced taste.
• Parsley: Pick bright green, fresh herbs with strong aroma.
• Unsalted Butter: Ensure butter is at room temperature for easy mixing.

Casserole Tools for Making Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Dish

• Large Pot: For boiling egg noodles with plenty of room for stirring and cooking.
• Mixing Bowl (Spacious): To combine creamy mixture ingredients and fold in noodles smoothly.
• Measuring Cups: For accurate liquid and ingredient measurements.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring and folding ingredients gently.
• 13-by-9-inch Baking Dish: Provides the ideal space for spreading casserole mixture evenly.
• Separate Small Bowl: Used for mixing cracker topping with melted butter.
• Cheese Grater: To shred sharp cheddar cheese freshly.
• Colander: For draining cooked noodles quickly and effectively.
• Oven Mitts: Essential for safely handling hot dishes and casserole.
• Chopping Board: To chop onions, celery, and parsley with ease.
• Sharp Knife: For precise ingredient chopping.

How to Assemble and Bake the Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Preheat Kitchen Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F, creating the perfect warm environment for our comforting dish.

• Prepare Noodle Base

Boil salted water and cook egg noodles until they’re tender yet firm. Drain and set aside, ready to become part of our delicious creation.

• Craft Creamy Chicken Mixture

Combine cream of chicken soup, milk, and cheese in a large bowl. Toss in shredded chicken, diced vegetables, and seasonings. Gently fold in the cooked noodles, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

• Assemble Casserole

Pour the luxurious mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure every bite is packed with goodness. Top with a crunchy cracker coating made by mixing crushed butter crackers with melted butter.

• Bake And Finish

Slide the casserole into the waiting oven and let it transform for 30-35 minutes. Watch as it turns a beautiful golden brown, bubbling with warmth and promise. Once done, sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately, letting the irresistible aroma invite everyone to the table.

Flavor Tips for Pioneer Woman’s Casserole

Explore creative twists that make this dish uniquely yours.

Replace chicken with turkey, diced ham, or even plant-based protein for a fun flavor adventure. Different proteins bring exciting texture and taste variations to the classic recipe.

Add extra vegetables like diced bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to increase nutritional value and create a more colorful dish. Seasonal vegetables work wonderfully to keep the casserole fresh and exciting.

Experiment with different cheese blends like monterey jack, gruyere, or pepper jack to elevate the flavor profile. Sharp or mild cheeses can dramatically transform the casserole’s overall taste experience.

Try alternative toppings like crushed potato chips, herbed breadcrumbs, or toasted panko for a unique crispy texture. Each topping brings its own special crackle and excitement to the dish.

Serve Pioneer Woman’s Chicken Noodle Casserole Comfort-Style

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Complement the casserole with a crisp green salad topped with cucumber slices and a light vinaigrette dressing for a balanced meal.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Offer warm, buttered dinner rolls or a slice of rustic sourdough to soak up the creamy sauce and add extra texture.
• Add Zesty Side Dish: Create a tangy coleslaw with shredded cabbage, carrots, and a light mayo dressing to cut through the richness of the chicken casserole.
• Create Family-Style Presentation: Bring the entire baking dish to the table for a warm, inviting communal dining experience that encourages sharing and conversation.

Reheat and Store Chicken Noodle Casserole from Pioneer Woman

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftovers in airtight containers within two hours of cooking. Refrigerated casserole stays delicious for 3-4 days when sealed properly.
• Freeze for Future Feasts: Wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Frozen chicken casserole maintains quality for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For larger servings, restore crispy topping by baking in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes. Add a splash of milk to prevent dryness.
• Meal Prep Magic: Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate unbaked. When ready to serve, pop it directly into the preheated oven. This strategy saves time and delivers a fresh, hot meal in no time.

Hearty Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Hearty Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole delivers comfort from scratch with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Home cooks can savor this classic midwestern dish that warms souls and satisfies hunger with simple ingredients.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (from 1 rotisserie chicken)
• 12 oz (340 g) wide egg noodles
• 2 cans (10.5 oz/298 g each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 bag (12 oz/340 g) frozen peas and carrots, thawed
• 1 cup (240 ml) whole milk
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 ½ cups coarsely crushed butter crackers (such as Ritz, about 1 cracker sleeve)
• ½ small yellow onion, finely chopped
• 2 celery stalks, finely chopped
• 2 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• ½ tsp kosher salt
• Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Noodle Preparation: Submerge egg noodles in generously salted boiling water, cooking until perfectly tender. Drain and allow to rest momentarily.
2. Flavor Fusion: Whisk cream of chicken soup with whole milk, sharp cheddar cheese, ground black pepper, and kosher salt in a substantial mixing vessel. Integrate cooked chicken, diced onion, chopped celery, and thawed vegetable medley, blending until harmoniously combined.
3. Casserole Assembly: Tenderly incorporate cooked noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring comprehensive coating. Transfer the luxurious blend into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish, distributing evenly to create a uniform layer.
4. Crunchy Topping Construction: Merge crushed butter crackers with melted unsalted butter, creating a golden, crisp coating. Lavishly spread this mixture across the casserole’s surface for a textural dimension.
5. Baking Transformation: Slide the casserole into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 30-35 minutes until thoroughly heated and the topping achieves a delectable golden-brown hue.
6. Finishing Touch: Extract the casserole from the oven and embellish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while the dish radiates warmth and appetizing aroma.

Notes

• Noodle Texture Tip: Cook egg noodles precisely to al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring they maintain a perfect bite after baking.
• Cheese Selection Strategy: Use sharp cheddar for deeper flavor complexity, enhancing the casserole’s overall taste profile.
• Cracker Topping Trick: Crush butter crackers unevenly for varied texture, creating an extra crispy and interesting golden-brown crust.
• Temperature Check: Allow casserole to rest 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier without falling apart.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg