MeMe's Recipes
MeMe's Recipes is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 30 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $28.23 total, $3.53 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Egg Noodles (extra‑wide, cooked al dente and drained)
- 8 ounce Colby Jack Cheese (shredded)
- 0.25 cup Parmesan Cheese (shredded, for extra flavor)
- 6 pieces Chicken Breasts (approximately 2.5 lb total; 2 with skin, 4 skinless, boneless preferred)
- 0.5 can Cream of Celery Soup (standard 10.5 oz can, half used)
- 0.5 can Cream of Chicken Soup (standard 10.5 oz can, half used)
- 8 ounce Cream Cheese (softened for easy mixing)
- 8 ounce Sour Cream
- 1 cup Chicken Broth (low‑sodium preferred)
- 1 stick Butter (melted)
- 1 cup Cheese Crackers (plain, crushed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles and cook until al dente, about 8‑10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Season the Noodles
Return the drained noodles to the pot, sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.
Time: PT2M
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Make the Creamy Cheese Mixture
In a large mixing bowl combine shredded Colby‑Jack, Parmesan, softened cream cheese, sour cream, half a can each of cream of celery and cream of chicken, and the cup of chicken broth. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Layer Noodles and Chicken
Spread the seasoned noodles evenly in the bottom of the casserole dish. Arrange the six chicken breasts on top, seasoning each piece with salt and pepper.
Time: PT5M
Add the Cheese Sauce
Pour the creamy cheese mixture over the chicken and noodles, using a spatula to ensure everything is well‑coated.
Time: PT2M
Prepare the Cracker Topping
Place the cheese crackers in a zip‑top bag and crush them into fine crumbs. Melt the stick of butter in a microwave‑safe bowl (about 30 seconds) and stir into the crumbs until moist.
Time: PT5M
Top the Casserole
Evenly sprinkle the butter‑crusted cracker crumbs over the surface of the casserole.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling throughout.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set and makes slicing easier.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Contains egg
Allergens: Milk, Egg, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg Noodles: wide fettuccine, any egg noodle shape
- Instead of Colby Jack Cheese: cheddar, mozzarella
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Chicken Breasts: rotisserie chicken, shredded, canned chicken
- Instead of Cream of Celery Soup: homemade celery soup, cream of mushroom
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: homemade chicken soup, cream of mushroom
- Instead of Cream Cheese: neufchâtel cheese
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Chicken Broth: vegetable broth, water with bouillon
- Instead of Butter: margarine
- Instead of Cheese Crackers: saltine crackers, graham crackers
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- 9×13‑inch Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Oven
- Microwave‑Safe Bowl (optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the egg noodles al dente
- Mixing the creamy cheese sauce until smooth
- Ensuring the chicken is fully coated with sauce before baking
- Preparing and applying the butter‑crusted cracker topping
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut – shred it and mix it into the sauce.
- For extra depth, add a pinch of dried thyme or smoked paprika to the cheese mixture.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the cream cheese with low‑fat cottage cheese.
Troubleshooting
The casserole is watery after baking.
Make sure the noodles are drained well and the sauce isn’t overly thin; add a little extra shredded cheese to thicken.
The topping isn’t crisp.
Broil for 2‑3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
Chicken is dry.
Do not over‑bake; check after 25 minutes. Using bone‑in or skin‑on pieces helps retain moisture.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cover tightly and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze uncovered for up to 2 months; reheat covered.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Cook and drain the noodles a day ahead; store in a sealed container in the fridge.
- Assemble the casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add topping just before baking.
- The uncooked casserole freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken casserole in Southern American cuisine?
Chicken casseroles have long been a staple of Southern comfort cooking, originating as a way to stretch inexpensive ingredients like noodles, cheese, and pantry soups into a filling family meal. They embody the region’s love for creamy, cheesy dishes that can feed a crowd with minimal effort.
What are traditional regional variations of chicken casserole in the Southern United States?
Southern variations often swap egg noodles for rice or macaroni, add vegetables like peas or corn, and use regional cheeses such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. Some families include a crunchy topping of crushed cornflakes or potato chips instead of crackers.
How is a classic Southern chicken casserole traditionally served?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, accompanied by a simple green salad, pickles, and fresh bread or cornbread. The casserole is cut into squares and plated with a side of buttered vegetables or collard greens.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken casserole commonly associated with in Southern culture?
Chicken casserole is a go‑to dish for potlucks, family reunions, church gatherings, and casual weekend dinners because it can be prepared ahead and feeds many people without much fuss.
How does this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It combines the hallmark American comfort‑food elements—creamy sauces, melted cheese, and a crunchy topping—while using pantry staples like canned soups. This makes it a quintessential one‑dish meal that reflects the convenience‑driven side of American home cooking.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for a Southern chicken casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, cheddar or Colby‑Jack cheese, and a buttery cracker or cornflake topping. Substitutes such as rotisserie chicken, homemade cream soups, or different cheese blends work well without losing the dish’s character.
What other Southern dishes pair well with this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Pair it with classic sides like buttery green beans, collard greens, cornbread, or a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for balance.
What makes this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American cuisine?
The combination of two different cheese varieties, a creamy soup blend, and a buttery crushed cheese‑cracker topping creates a layered texture—creamy interior with a crunchy, buttery crust—that sets it apart from simpler noodle‑and‑chicken bakes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole at home?
Common errors include over‑cooking the noodles (they become mushy), using too much broth which makes the casserole soupy, and baking too long which dries out the chicken. Follow the timing guidelines and keep the sauce thick enough to coat the noodles.
How do I know when the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is done cooking?
The casserole is done when the topping is golden brown, the sauce is bubbling around the edges, and a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken reads 165°F (74°C). The noodles should be tender but not mushy.
What does the YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary specialize in?
The YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary focuses on approachable, family‑friendly Southern and comfort‑food recipes, often featuring quick prep techniques, pantry staples, and personal storytelling that makes home cooking feel inviting.
How does the YouTube channel MeMe's Recipes | Diane Leary's approach to Southern cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Diane Leary emphasizes using everyday ingredients you likely already have, shares personal anecdotes that connect the food to family traditions, and often prepares components ahead of time to streamline the cooking process—making her style both practical and heartfelt.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
