Chicken Cheddar Noodle Bake (Printable Version)

Savory chicken with sharp cheddar, egg noodles, and a crunchy buttery topping baked to perfection.

# What You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 2 to 3 tablespoons olive oil
02 - 2 stalks celery, chopped
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 1 medium onion, chopped
05 - 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
06 - 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
07 - 1 cup half and half cream
08 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
09 - 3 cups cooked egg noodles
10 - 1½ pounds cooked and shredded chicken breast
11 - 1 tablespoon parsley
12 - Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Topping

13 - 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
14 - 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
15 - 4 tablespoons butter, melted

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
02 - In a 4-quart Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add bell pepper, onion, and celery; cook until onions are translucent and vegetables soften, about 5 to 6 minutes.
03 - Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
04 - Reduce heat to medium; stir in cream of chicken soup and half and half until combined and heated through.
05 - Add shredded sharp cheddar and stir until fully melted.
06 - Fold in cooked egg noodles and shredded chicken breast, mixing evenly.
07 - Add parsley, salt, and pepper to taste; stir to combine.
08 - Remove from heat and pour mixture into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish.
09 - Place Ritz crackers in a ziplock bag and crush with a rolling pin. Transfer to a bowl and mix in melted butter and shredded cheddar.
10 - Spread cracker mixture evenly over the casserole filling.
11 - Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until topping is golden and cheese is melted.