Looking for a warm, comforting, and family-friendly dish that’s quick and easy to make? This Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect solution! Packed with tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, a creamy sauce, and topped with melted cheese or crunchy breadcrumbs, this casserole is everything you want in a cozy dinner. Whether you're cooking for a busy weeknight or preparing a dish for a potluck, this recipe will not disappoint. Keep reading to learn how to make this simple and delicious casserole that’s sure to be a family favorite!
What Is Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a baked dish made with cooked chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce. It’s a comforting meal that brings together familiar flavors in a satisfying, crowd-pleasing dish. This casserole is essentially the baked version of a classic chicken noodle soup, but richer, creamier, and heartier. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or making ahead for a busy week. Plus, the ingredients are flexible, so you can customize it based on what you have in your pantry!
Ingredients List for Chicken Noodle Casserole
Here’s a list of ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed, rotisserie works great)
- 8 oz egg noodles (about half a package, or substitute with any pasta)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or your choice of vegetables)
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter (for mixing with the topping)
Substitutions and Variations
This casserole is incredibly versatile. Here are some substitutions and variations you can make to suit your preferences:
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or swap with turkey if you have leftovers. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch.
- Noodles: Egg noodles are classic, but you can substitute with other pasta shapes like elbow macaroni, rotini, or even whole wheat pasta.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: You can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer, or make a homemade white sauce with a roux (butter, flour, milk).
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is common, but feel free to use Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or Swiss for a different flavor.
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn work well, but you can also add fresh veggies like sautéed mushrooms, broccoli, or spinach.
- Topping: Crushed butter crackers or panko breadcrumbs are traditional for a crunchy topping. You can also use crushed cornflakes, potato chips, or omit the topping for a lighter dish.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Here’s how to make this delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole step by step:
- Preheat your oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the chicken: If you’re using leftover or rotisserie chicken, shred or cube it. If you’re cooking raw chicken, season it with salt and pepper, cook it thoroughly, and then shred or dice it.
- Mix the creamy sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Add the chicken and vegetables: Fold the cooked chicken and frozen vegetables (no need to thaw) into the creamy sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated.
- Combine with noodles: Add the cooked egg noodles to the chicken and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together to combine.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the noodle mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top with cheese and crackers: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese (and Parmesan if using) over the casserole. For a crunchy topping, mix the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it on top of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Cool slightly before serving: Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
How to Cook Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a quick recap of how to make this comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Cook the noodles until al dente.
- Prepare the chicken by shredding or cubing it.
- Mix the creamy sauce with soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings.
- Fold in the chicken, vegetables, and noodles until everything is well combined.
- Top with cheese and crunchy crackers for extra flavor and texture.
- Bake until golden and bubbly, then enjoy!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Overcooking the noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles just until al dente, as they’ll continue to cook in the oven. Overcooked noodles can become mushy.
- Undercooking the chicken: If you’re using raw chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked before adding it to the casserole.
- Too much liquid: Avoid adding extra liquid beyond what the recipe calls for, as this can make the casserole soupy. Stick to the amounts for milk and sour cream to keep the consistency creamy but not runny.
- Skipping the crunchy topping: The crunchy topping adds texture and flavor. If you skip it, you may miss out on the contrast between creamy and crispy.
Serving and Presentation Tips
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a one-dish meal, but here are a few ways to make the presentation more special:
- Garnish with fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or thyme adds a burst of color and freshness to this rich dish.
- Serve with a side salad: A light green salad with a vinaigrette or a Caesar salad pairs perfectly with the creamy casserole.
- Bread on the side: Serve with a side of crusty bread or dinner rolls to scoop up the creamy sauce.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions to complete the meal:
- Salads: A crisp green salad, Caesar salad, or coleslaw is a refreshing side.
- Vegetables: Serve with steamed green beans, roasted Brussels sprouts, or sautéed spinach for an extra serving of veggies.
- Bread: Garlic bread, dinner rolls, or biscuits make a perfect side for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Noodle Casserole
Casseroles may not always look gourmet, but you can still dress up your Chicken Noodle Casserole for a more appealing presentation:
- Use a nice baking dish: Bake and serve the casserole in a beautiful ceramic or glass dish to make it more visually appealing.
- Top with fresh herbs or extra cheese: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or a little extra shredded cheese on top just before serving can brighten up the dish.
- Serve in individual portions: For a more elegant presentation, serve the casserole in individual ramekins or small baking dishes for personalized servings.
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips
To make sure your Chicken Noodle Casserole turns out perfectly every time, here are some helpful tips:
- Make it ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just cover it with foil and bake when ready.
- Freeze for later: You can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in foil and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
- Boost flavor: For an extra burst of flavor, add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, a pinch of paprika, or a few dashes of hot sauce to the creamy sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just pop it in the oven and bake as directed.
Q: Can I freeze Chicken Noodle Casserole?
A: Absolutely! This casserole freezes well. Freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months, then thaw in the fridge before baking.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni.
Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: To make it lighter, you can use whole wheat pasta, low-fat sour cream, and add more vegetables like spinach or zucchini.
Conclusion
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, family-friendly meal that’s both easy to make and incredibly satisfying. With tender chicken, creamy noodles, and a cheesy topping, it’s the perfect dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt to your family’s tastes. Give it a try, and enjoy a delicious, homemade meal that everyone will love!
PrintChicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe combines tender egg noodles, cooked chicken, and a creamy sauce, all baked to perfection with a crispy topping. Ideal for busy weeknights, this dish offers a warm, filling, and easy-to-make meal that your family will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Skillet
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- 4 cups egg noodles (cooked)
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced onions
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken, cooked noodles, soup, sour cream, peas, onions, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the cream of mushroom soup with cream of chicken soup if preferred.
- Add extra vegetables like carrots or broccoli for more variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 780mg
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