This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a creamy sauce, it’s topped with a golden, crispy crust that makes it irresistible. It’s a one-pan meal that is as satisfying as it is easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort food at its best: Warm, creamy, and filling, this dish is a classic family favorite.
- Easy to customize: Add your favorite vegetables or switch up the protein to suit your tastes.
- Great for leftovers: This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying the next day.
- Feeds a crowd: Perfect for potlucks, parties, or large family dinners.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Egg noodles
- Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- Cream of chicken soup
- Sour cream
- Milk
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Mixed vegetables (optional, like peas or carrots)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs for topping
- Butter (for topping)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Add the cooked noodles, chicken, and optional mixed vegetables to the sauce. Stir to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to a baking dish: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish and spread evenly.
- Add the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole.
- Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 6-8 people
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Protein swaps: Replace chicken with turkey, ground beef, or cooked sausage.
- Vegetarian option: Use plant-based chicken or mushrooms as the protein and cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.
- Add spices: Enhance the flavor with paprika, thyme, or Italian seasoning.
- Cheese lovers: Mix in additional types of cheese like mozzarella or parmesan for a richer casserole.
- Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole can be frozen before baking. Assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
FAQs
How can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake it when ready to serve.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly for this recipe and saves time.
What kind of noodles should I use?
Egg noodles are traditional, but you can use any pasta you prefer, such as penne or rotini.
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! Add any vegetables you like, such as broccoli, zucchini, or spinach.
Can I make this without the topping?
Yes, the topping is optional, but it adds a delightful crunch.
What other cheeses can I use?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack, Colby, or a cheese blend work well too.
Can I use a different soup base?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes.
How do I prevent the casserole from drying out?
Make sure to cover it with foil during baking if you’re worried about it drying out, and avoid overbaking.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking for a convenient make-ahead meal.
Can I halve the recipe?
Yes, simply reduce the ingredient amounts by half and use a smaller baking dish.
Conclusion
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a warm, hearty dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to the table. Its creamy texture, savory flavors, and crispy topping make it a standout choice for family dinners or potlucks. Whether you follow the classic recipe or make it your own with variations, this casserole is sure to become a household favorite.
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Chicken Noodle Casserole
Description
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a hearty and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s perfect for family dinners and can be prepared ahead of time for convenience.
Ingredients
- Noodles and Chicken:
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Vegetables:
- 2 cups frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- Cheese and Topping:
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Prepare the Noodles:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to low and add the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk to the skillet, stirring until smooth.
- Season with dried basil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Pour the sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is well coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers (or panko bread crumbs) with the melted butter.
- Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crispy topping.
- Bake:
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
- Serve:
- Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let it set.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- For added flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack.
- Feel free to substitute the peas and carrots with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated. If baking from cold, add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
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