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If you cozy up with one dish that truly embodies comfort and soul food goodness, it has to be Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. This casserole is everything you want on a chilly evening or a busy weeknight—rich, creamy, packed with tender chicken and egg noodles, and topped with a golden, crunchy cornflake crust. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug from the inside out, perfect for feeding family or friends, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you haven’t made it sooner!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create an unforgettable dish. Each component plays a vital role: the soups bring that luscious creaminess, the sour cream and mayonnaise add richness and tang, and the cornflake topping delivers the perfect crispy finish.
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken: The heart of the dish, providing tender, juicy protein that soaks up all the creamy flavors.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: Adds velvety texture and savory depth.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Brings earthy undertones and extra creaminess.
- 1 cup sour cream: Gives a tangy richness that balances the cream soups perfectly.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: Provides smoothness and helps bind all ingredients together beautifully.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Offers a sharp, melty top layer that’s simply irresistible.
- 2 cups cooked and drained egg noodles: The comforting carb base that’s soft but substantial.
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional): Adds a fresh, slightly acidic note if you want a little extra brightness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory flavor with a subtle punch.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Provides aromatic depth without overpowering.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that tie the whole dish together.
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes for topping: Creates a satisfyingly crunchy, golden crust.
- 2 tbsp melted butter for topping: Adds richness and helps crisp the cornflakes perfectly.
How to Make Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by heating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready to go once your casserole is assembled—no waiting around and no cold starts! Preparing the oven early is key to a perfect bake with that irresistible golden crust.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Chicken Mixture
Grab a large mixing bowl and combine the shredded chicken with both cans of cream soup. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and season everything with salt and pepper. Stir gently but thoroughly until the mixture is silky smooth and evenly blended—this is going to be the rich, flavorful base of your casserole.
Step 3: Fold in Noodles and Tomatoes
Next, gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and drained diced tomatoes if you’re using them. Be careful here—you want to combine everything without breaking the noodles or making the mixture too soupy. The noodles will soak up those creamy flavors as the casserole bakes.
Step 4: Spread and Assemble
Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and spread your creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly inside. This ensures every serving will have that perfect balance of chicken, noodles, and sauce. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously on top—the cheese melts into gooey layers during baking, creating a luscious finish.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter until the flakes are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheddar cheese layer. This topping is what takes Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe to the next level, giving it that iconic, crispy golden finish everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. You’re looking for the casserole to be hot and bubbly, with the topping a beautiful golden brown. Once baked, let it cool a few minutes before digging in—this helps the layers set slightly, making it easier to serve.
How to Serve Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
While the casserole is delicious on its own, a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh herbal note. If you like a little extra tang, a small dollop of sour cream on top can complement the creamy texture beautifully.
Side Dishes
This rich casserole pairs wonderfully with crisp green salads or steamed vegetables like green beans or broccoli. Their freshness cuts through the creaminess and balances the meal, making every bite feel lighter and more satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or want to make a fun presentation, try spooning the casserole into individual ramekins before baking. This makes for charming single servings perfect for gatherings or special dinners. Another twist—add a layer of sautéed mushrooms or spinach beneath the casserole for an earthy, nutritious lift.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners during your busy week.
Freezing
You can freeze the casserole either before baking or after it has cooled completely. Wrap the baking dish tightly with foil and plastic wrap or transfer portions to freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its best quality for up to 2 months, ready for whenever comfort food calls your name.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight for best results. Warm individual portions in the microwave, or reheat the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly. If topping has lost its crispness, a quick broil can bring it back to life.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred fresh chicken breasts or thighs before starting the recipe. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked and cooled so it mixes well with the creamy base.
What if I prefer a dairy-free version?
Try substituting the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free alternatives, and choose dairy-free cheese or omit it altogether. Using dairy-free cream soups or homemade equivalents will help keep the casserole rich and creamy while fitting your dietary needs.
Is it okay to skip the diced tomatoes?
Yes! The diced tomatoes are optional and mainly add a hint of acidity and freshness. If you want a more classic creamy casserole, feel free to leave them out without sacrificing flavor.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely. Use gluten-free egg noodles and verify that your soups and cornflakes are gluten-free. This way, you can enjoy Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe without worry.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Great idea! You can toss in cooked peas, roasted bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms when mixing in the noodles. Just be mindful not to add too much moisture, or the casserole may become too soft.
Final Thoughts
Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly a timeless classic that brings comfort, ease, and flavor to your dinner table. Whether feeding family on a busy weeknight or sharing with friends on a cozy weekend, this casserole delivers every time. Give it a try—you’ll soon find it becoming one of your favorite go-to dishes for its creamy, cheesy goodness and that delightful crunchy topping.
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Paula Deen’s Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American Southern
Description
A comforting and creamy chicken casserole loaded with shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, and a cheesy, crunchy cornflake topping. This Paula Deen classic is perfect for quick family dinners, combining savory soups, sour cream, and mayonnaise to create a rich and satisfying dish that’s easy to prepare and bake to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups cooked and drained egg noodles
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot and ready for baking the casserole.
- Mix Chicken and Cream Soups: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken with both cans of cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soups. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
- Add Noodles and Tomatoes: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles and the drained diced tomatoes if using. Take care not to over-stir to preserve the noodle texture.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish to prevent sticking and spread the chicken mixture evenly inside the dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Evenly sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture in the baking dish.
- Prepare Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter, then sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer for a crispy, golden topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can omit the diced tomatoes if you prefer a creamier casserole without the added acidity.
- Make sure the egg noodles are well-cooked but not mushy before adding to maintain texture.
- Use freshly shredded cheddar cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- For a lower fat version, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with low-fat alternatives.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving for convenience.
