Delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Comforting Dish You Need to Try!
If you're on the lookout for an easy, comforting, and flavorful meal, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is perfect for you. It's a family-friendly dish that’s packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, creamy sauce, and veggies all baked together to create a warm and hearty casserole. Not only is this recipe delicious, but it’s also simple enough for even the busiest of weeknights. So, stay with us as we walk you through every step of making this comforting dish.
What is Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a baked dish that combines cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s baked to perfection with a crispy topping of breadcrumbs or cheese, creating a delightful contrast between creamy and crunchy textures. This dish is perfect for using leftover chicken and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and seasonings.
Now, let’s dive into the ingredients that you will need for this recipe.
Ingredients List for Chicken Noodle Casserole
To make a classic Chicken Noodle Casserole, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (leftover rotisserie chicken works well)
- 4 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (you can substitute with cream of mushroom soup if preferred)
- ½ cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed (or other mixed vegetables)
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (to mix with breadcrumbs)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chopped green onions, for garnish
Ingredient Notes
- Egg Noodles: These are the traditional choice for a Chicken Noodle Casserole, but you can substitute with any short pasta like penne or rotini if needed.
- Chicken: Leftover chicken from a rotisserie chicken or any pre-cooked chicken will work perfectly in this casserole. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch.
- Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are a classic choice, but feel free to swap in other veggies like broccoli, green beans, or corn.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base for the sauce, but you can also use cream of mushroom or celery soup if you want to switch up the flavor.
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is versatile and can be tailored to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are a few ideas for substitutions and variations:
- Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
- Low-Fat Option: Opt for low-fat or fat-free sour cream, milk, and cheese to reduce the calorie count.
- Dairy-Free: Replace the dairy ingredients with non-dairy alternatives like almond milk and dairy-free cheese.
- Add Protein: Boost the protein content by adding bacon bits, crumbled sausage, or even chopped ham.
- Spice It Up: For those who love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the creamy mixture.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Before we get into how to cook Chicken Noodle Casserole, it’s important to make sure all the ingredients are prepped and ready. This will make the cooking process smoother and quicker.
- Cook the Noodles: Start by cooking the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready when it’s time to bake the casserole.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until smooth.
- Add Chicken and Vegetables: Fold the cooked chicken and thawed peas and carrots into the creamy mixture.
- Combine with Noodles: Gently stir the cooked egg noodles into the chicken mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Breadcrumb Topping (Optional): If you like a crispy topping, mix the melted butter with breadcrumbs and sprinkle them over the cheese.
- Bake: Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or green onions before serving.
How to Cook Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a simplified version of how to cook Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Cook your egg noodles until tender and drain them.
- Mix together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in the cooked chicken and thawed vegetables.
- Add the cooked noodles and combine everything well.
- Transfer to a baking dish and top with shredded cheese (and breadcrumbs if using).
- Bake until the casserole is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish with parsley and serve!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
While this recipe is relatively easy, there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:
- Overcooking the Noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles al dente (slightly firm) since they will continue to cook in the oven.
- Dry Casserole: To prevent the casserole from drying out, make sure you have enough creamy sauce to coat the noodles and chicken. You can add a little extra milk if it seems too dry.
- Skipping the Resting Time: Allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes after removing it from the oven. This helps the sauce thicken and makes it easier to serve.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Presentation is key, even for a simple dish like Chicken Noodle Casserole. While the casserole may look rustic, you can elevate the presentation with a few simple touches.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Serve the casserole in the same dish you baked it in for a cozy, family-style meal.
- Garnish each serving with fresh parsley or green onions to add a pop of color.
- Pair it with a light side salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Use individual ramekins to bake and serve the casserole for a more formal or portion-controlled presentation.
- Top each serving with a small dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of shredded cheese for added richness.
- Add a dash of paprika or chili flakes for a vibrant red accent and a hint of spice.
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the casserole, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
- Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can I use canned chicken for Chicken Noodle Casserole? Yes, you can use canned chicken if you're short on time. Just be sure to drain it before adding to the casserole.
- What other vegetables can I add to the casserole? You can add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, green beans, corn, or even mushrooms.
- Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time? Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when you’re ready to serve.
- How do I prevent my casserole from drying out? Ensure there’s enough creamy sauce, and avoid overbaking. You can also cover the casserole with foil for the first 15 minutes of baking to keep it moist.
- Can I freeze Chicken Noodle Casserole? Yes! Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Conclusion
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles in one delicious dish. It’s easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying as a weeknight family meal. Whether you’re looking for a quick meal or something to impress your guests, this casserole won’t disappoint. Give it a try, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction it brings to your table!
Be sure to bookmark this recipe and try it soon for a comforting meal that everyone will love!
PrintChicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This chicken noodle casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dish packed with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce. It’s easy to make and the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights. Enjoy the perfect blend of textures and flavors, ideal for dinner or leftovers.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup milk
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, peas (if using), and half of the cheese. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and golden on top.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like corn or carrots.
- For a crispy topping, use Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 950mg
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