Name: Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 stalks celery, chopped; 1 red bell pepper, chopped; 1 medium onion, chopped; 1 tablespoon garlic, minced; 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup half and half cream; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 1½ pounds cooked and shredded chicken breast; 1 tablespoon parsley; salt and pepper to taste; 1 sleeve Ritz crackers; 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 4 tablespoons butter, melted

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A cozy kitchen fills your senses with the tantalizing aroma of bubbling cheese and tender chicken, making even the cloudiest of days feel warm and inviting. The sight of a bubbling Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake, golden crust glistening atop a creamy mixture, is enough to prompt joyous memories. Perhaps it reminds you of family gatherings, where your loved ones came together to savor this comforting dish, laughter filling the air. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in nostalgia, bringing feelings of home and happiness, whether shared at a weekend dinner or during a holiday gathering. This Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake is sure to charm everyone at your table—just the thought of it makes my heart race! Dive into this delicious recipe, and let it weave its magic in your kitchen.

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake
Storing & Reheating
Chef’s Helpful Tips
Recipe FAQs
Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a delicious treat for a crowd, this is the dish that checks all the boxes. Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake is satisfying yet simple, and its flavors are sure to impress any guest. Get ready to create a new family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple & Quick: Whip this up in just 20 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven!
Irresistible Flavor: Creamy, cheesy goodness with every bite, complemented by the crunchy Ritz topping.
Eye-Catching Appeal: The golden crust and vibrant colors make it a show-stopping centerpiece on your table.
Flexible Serving: Perfect for dinner, potlucks, or comforting leftovers.
Diet-Friendly Options: Swap with gluten-free pasta or dairy-free cheese for a tailored version.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Olive Oil: Use 2 to 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil for sautéing your veggies; it adds a rich flavor. You can substitute this with butter for a creamier taste.
Celery (2 stalks, chopped): These add a lovely crunch and depth to the dish. Feel free to replace with carrots or bell peppers.
Red Bell Pepper (1, chopped): They bring sweetness and color. Any sweet pepper variety will work great in this recipe.
Onion (1 medium, chopped): This forms the flavor base—use yellow or white onion for a milder flavor.
Garlic (1 tablespoon, minced): Essential for a fragrant aroma. Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder works too—just use less.
Cream of Chicken Soup (2 cans, 10.5 ounces each): This is the creamy component that holds it together; homemade versions or cream of mushroom can also be used for variety.
Half and Half Cream (1 cup): Adds richness and creaminess; you can substitute it with milk, but the dish may be less decadent.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded): The star of the show for flavor. Use a good-quality cheese, and you can mix in other cheese varieties if desired.
Cooked Egg Noodles (3 cups): This is a great way to use leftover noodles. Alternatively, any pasta shape can be used.
Cooked and Shredded Chicken Breast (1½ pounds): You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or cook your own.
Parsley (1 tablespoon): Fresh parsley adds a dash of color and brightness—optional, but highly recommended!
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings for flavor.
Ritz Crackers (1 sleeve): These create a crunchy topping that adds texture and flavor; any buttery cracker can substitute.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup, shredded): More cheese never hurt, adds to the delicious topping.
Butter (4 tablespoons, melted): Combines with the crushed crackers for a luscious topping.

How to Make Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake

Preheat and Prepare: To start, preheat your oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. This will ensure your delicious Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake won’t stick as it bakes to perfection!

Sauté Vegetables: In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add your chopped bell pepper, onion, and celery, cooking until the onions become translucent and the veggies begin to soften, which should take about 5–6 minutes. This step is all about building those layers of flavor!

Add Garlic: Toss in the minced garlic, stirring constantly for about 30 seconds until fragrant. This little addition makes a world of difference, so watch it closely to avoid burning; we want that rich garlic flavor without the bitterness!

Combine Creamy Components: Reduce the heat to medium and stir in your cream of chicken soup and half and half. Cook until everything is combined and heated through. This mixture should be smooth and creamy, enticing you with its rich aroma.

Melt Cheese: Next, add in your 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and creamy. The cheese adds that wonderful sharpness that will elevate your dish to new heights.

Fold in Noodles and Chicken: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and your shredded chicken breast until everything is evenly mixed. This may seem like a lot of noodles and chicken, but trust me—everything will meld beautifully.

Season: Add in the parsley, salt, and pepper to taste, adjusting according to your preference. This is your chance to personalize the flavor, ensuring it’s just right for you and your family.

Transfer to Baking Dish: Remove the mixture from the heat and pour it into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for a perfect bake.

Create the Topping: Take your sleeve of Ritz crackers and crush them in a ziplock bag using a rolling pin until they’re fine crumbs. Transfer these crumbs to a bowl and mix them with the melted butter and the reserved 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. This topping will bring that delightful crunch on every bite!

Spread and Bake: Evenly spread the cracker mixture over the casserole filling, ensuring full coverage. Then pop it in the oven, uncovered, and bake for 15 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the cheese is bubbling around the edges. Your kitchen will smell divine!

Storing & Reheating

You can store any leftover Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake at room temperature for up to two hours after cooking. For longer storage, keep it in the fridge for 3–4 days in an airtight container. If you want to freeze it, wrap the dish tightly and store it for up to 3 months—simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. When you’re ready to enjoy again, reheat it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Just be aware that the crispy texture of the topping may soften after freezing, so you might want to sprinkle an extra layer of crushed crackers before reheating to refresh that crunch.

Chef’s Helpful Tips

Get your ingredients ready: Using room temperature cream and cold chicken right from the fridge can make a smoother mixture.
Don’t rush the sauté: Allow the vegetables to soften adequately to bring out their sweetness. This step enhances their flavor significantly.
Mix carefully: When combining the pasta and chicken with the sauce, be gentle to prevent breaking the noodles.
Experiment with flavors: Feel free to add in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added nutrition and taste.
Make it ahead: Prepare the casserole a day in advance; just cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to pop it in the oven.

If you are ready to savor the delightful flavors of this Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake, you’ll find that it becomes a cherished addition to your weekly meal rotation. The blend of creamy cheese, chewy noodles, and tender chicken topped with a crunchy layer is simply irresistible. Feel free to experiment with ingredients, from different cheeses to vegetables—this dish is versatile enough to adapt to your family’s preferences. Enjoy every single bite!

Recipe FAQs

Is this dish suitable for freezer storage?

Absolutely! You can freeze Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake for up to 3 months. Just make sure to tightly wrap it after it cools down. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating in the oven.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Feel free to swap out the sharp cheddar for other cheese varieties like Monterey Jack or even mozzarella for a different taste. Mixing cheeses can also create a rich flavor profile!

What if I don’t have cooked chicken on hand?

Not a problem! You can quickly poach chicken breasts or use rotisserie chicken for convenience. Just ensure they’re shredded before mixing them in to create that delightful melding of flavors.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can easily modify this recipe by using gluten-free pasta and choosing gluten-free crackers for the topping. Always check the labels to ensure all ingredients are indeed gluten-free.