Are you looking for a wholesome, hearty, and easy-to-make dinner idea that the entire family will love? Look no further than this delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Packed with tender chicken, comforting noodles, and a rich creamy sauce, this dish is the perfect answer to your weeknight dinner dilemmas. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or hosting a family gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household. Read on to discover the ingredients, step-by-step instructions, variations, and expert tips that will help you master the art of making the perfect chicken noodle casserole.

What is a Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Chicken noodle casserole is a classic American comfort dish that combines cooked chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce baked to golden perfection. It's an easy one-dish meal that's great for busy weeknights or potlucks. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, versatility, and crowd-pleasing flavors. Whether you're a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned home cook, you'll find that this dish is as easy to make as it is delicious. Ready to dive in? Let’s start with what you’ll need.
Ingredients List for Chicken Noodle Casserole
Here’s everything you’ll need to create a flavorful chicken noodle casserole:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 12 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter (melted)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
These ingredients come together to create a comforting casserole that delivers creamy, savory, and cheesy goodness in every bite.
Ingredient List for Chicken Noodle Casserole (with Fresh Ingredients)
If you're looking to add a fresher twist to the classic chicken noodle casserole recipe, you can use fresh ingredients in place of some of the pantry staples. Here’s a fresher version of the ingredients list:
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast (freshly roasted or poached)
- 12 oz fresh egg noodles (cooked)
- 1 cup homemade béchamel sauce (substitute for condensed soups)
- 1 cup fresh sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 cup milk (whole or low-fat)
- 1 cup fresh peas and diced carrots
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- ½ cup homemade breadcrumbs (or panko crumbs)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or melted butter
- 1 small onion, diced (optional for added flavor)
- 1 clove garlic, minced (for fresh flavor)
- Salt and pepper to taste
This version enhances the flavors with fresh ingredients while still retaining the cozy, creamy texture that makes this casserole a classic.
Substitutions and Variations
While the classic recipe is delightful, there are plenty of ways to customize your chicken noodle casserole to suit your preferences or dietary needs. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:
- Protein Substitutions: Swap out chicken for turkey, ham, or even canned tuna for a different flavor profile.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with tofu or a combination of mushrooms, spinach, and other veggies.
- Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream soups, almond milk, and dairy-free cheese.
- Gluten-Free Option: Swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for the topping.
- Healthier Version: Use whole-wheat noodles, light sour cream, and reduced-fat cheddar cheese to lighten up the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños for some heat.
The beauty of casseroles is their flexibility, so feel free to mix and match to find what works best for your taste and dietary requirements.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple instructions to prepare your chicken noodle casserole:

- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, peas, carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
- Gently fold in the cooked noodles until evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Top the casserole with shredded cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter, and then sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Cook Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide
For those who prefer a more detailed breakdown, here’s a step-by-step guide to making chicken noodle casserole:
- Prepare the chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breasts. For the best flavor, season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder before cooking. Once it’s cooked, shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they will continue to cook slightly in the oven.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream soups, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Mix it all together: Add the cooked chicken, noodles, peas, and carrots to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased baking dish, smoothing it out into an even layer. Top with cheddar cheese.
- Prepare the topping: Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbly, then sprinkle over the top of the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake until the cheese is melted and the topping is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Once baked, let the casserole cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the noodles: Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente. Overcooked noodles will become mushy during baking.
- Using cold ingredients: Ensure that your ingredients, especially the chicken and sauces, are at room temperature or slightly warm for better blending.
- Not enough seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding it to the noodles to ensure it’s well-seasoned. Chicken noodle casserole can sometimes be bland if under-seasoned.
Serving and Presentation Tips
While chicken noodle casserole is a simple, homey dish, there are ways to elevate the presentation and serving experience:
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve with sides: Pair the casserole with a light green salad or roasted vegetables to balance out the richness.
- Portion sizes: Scoop the casserole into individual portions using a large spoon or spatula for a neat, plated presentation.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole
This dish is perfect for family-style serving. Simply place the casserole in the center of the table and let everyone help themselves. It’s also ideal for meal prepping, as it reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Presentation Ideas for Chicken Noodle Casserole
If you're serving this casserole for guests or a special occasion, consider these presentation ideas:
- Bake in individual ramekins for a more elegant, personalized serving.
- Serve in a cast iron skillet for a rustic, farm-to-table feel.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic reduction or a dollop of sour cream for added flavor and flair.
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips
- Make ahead: Prepare the casserole up to a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and bake it when ready.
- Freeze it: This casserole freezes well. Assemble the dish, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed.
- Double the recipe: Feeding a large crowd? Simply double the recipe and bake in two separate dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes! Rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time in preparation.
Q: Can I freeze the leftovers?
A: Absolutely. Chicken noodle casserole freezes well for up to 3 months. Just store in an airtight container, and reheat when ready.
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes, feel free to substitute the egg noodles with any pasta you have on hand, such as rotini or penne.
Conclusion
There you have it—the ultimate Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe! Whether you're cooking for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe delivers all the comfort and flavor you're looking for. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and savory topping, it’s sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Don’t hesitate to experiment with substitutions and variations to make this dish your own. Happy cooking!
PrintChicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe features tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy, savory sauce baked to perfection. Ideal for busy weeknights, it’s a quick and hearty meal that everyone will love. Packed with protein-rich chicken and satisfying pasta, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp butter, melted
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded chicken, and peas.
- Add cooked egg noodles and mix to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the mixture evenly in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Notes
- For added flavor, use rotisserie chicken or add your favorite seasonings like garlic powder or paprika.
- You can substitute frozen peas with other vegetables like carrots or corn.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ⅙ of casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
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