If your weeknights are calling for comfort, flavor, and just the right amount of nostalgia, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is exactly what you need. Every bite is a throwback to family dinners where creamy sauce, hearty noodles, and savory pieces of chicken come together in a bubbling, golden-topped dish everyone can get behind. It’s simple, reliable, and absolutely delicious, making it the perfect meal when you crave a comforting classic without complicating your to-do list.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of the magic of Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is its straightforward ingredient list — each item pulls its own weight, delivering hearty texture, creamy richness, or a pop of color. Here’s why you’ll want every single one in your kitchen before you get started:
- Egg noodles (12 oz): The classic wide noodle offers the perfect, tender bite and makes the base irresistibly satisfying.
- Cooked chicken (3 cups, shredded): Using rotisserie chicken speeds things up and brings even more flavor to the dish.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup): These add color, a touch of sweetness, and soft texture that blend beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into the casserole for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): Forms the rich and savory base of the sauce.
- Sour cream (½ cup): Brings a creamy tang that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
- Milk (½ cup): Helps to loosen the sauce and keeps everything moist and luscious.
- Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Infuses the casserole with a subtle aromatic flavor.
- Onion powder (½ teaspoon): Adds savory depth without any chopping needed.
- Salt (½ teaspoon): Enhances all the flavors and ties the dish together.
- Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A hint of spice for gentle warmth.
- Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (½ cup, optional topping): Adds a golden, crispy contrast to the creamy center.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, for topping): Richly coats the topping so it gets beautifully brown and crisp.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Oven
Set yourself up for a no-fuss cleanup by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This ensures the noodles and creamy sauce don’t stick — plus, it’ll help your casserole serve up perfectly every time.
Step 2: Boil the Egg Noodles
Cook the egg noodles just until al dente, following the package directions (usually around 6–8 minutes). You want them tender but not mushy since they’ll cook a bit more in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you whip up the rest.
Step 3: Stir Together the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, blend the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix until you have a smooth, velvety sauce that’s begging to wrap every noodle and veggie in creamy goodness.
Step 4: Combine All the Good Stuff
Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and shredded cheddar cheese into your bowl of sauce. Give everything a good stir so every bite of your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole offers a perfect mix of flavor and texture.
Step 5: Layer and Add Topping
Transfer the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. In a separate small bowl, toss the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until everything looks deliciously coated, then sprinkle this crumbly topping all over the casserole for a fantastic crunch (optional, but so good).
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25–30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, piping hot, and the topping (if used) is golden brown. Let your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole rest for 5 minutes so it sets up a bit, making it easier to scoop and serve.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
No casserole is complete without a little flourish on top. Sprinkle over fresh chopped parsley for color, or a dusting of extra cheddar during the last few minutes of baking for more gooey goodness. If you like a zesty touch, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes goes beautifully here too.
Side Dishes
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole truly shines alongside simple sides. A crisp green salad adds freshness, while a batch of warm dinner rolls is ideal for soaking up every bit of sauce. Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or even garlic sautéed green beans complement the creamy heartiness of the casserole perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Dishing it straight from the casserole is a classic, but you can make it feel extra special by serving individual portions in small bowls, ramekins, or even in hollowed-out bread bowls for a fun twist. For potlucks or gatherings, bake in a disposable pan for easy transport and cleanup, so you focus on enjoying every bite with friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftovers cool to room temperature, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 4 days. The flavors meld together even more and the sauce stays creamy, making for a fantastic next-day lunch or quick dinner.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is freezer-friendly! Assemble the casserole (hold off on adding topping until ready to bake), wrap well in foil or airtight wrap, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the topping and baking.
Reheating
To reheat, place covered leftovers in a 350°F oven until warmed through, about 20 minutes. For single servings, pop them in the microwave, but add a splash of milk if the noodles look dry. Either way, that creamy, comforting flavor comes right back.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole, rotini or penne work well, though you may need to adjust the cook time slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, swap in a dairy-free sour cream, non-dairy milk, and your favorite vegan cheese. Also, look for a dairy-free condensed soup or make a simple homemade version.
Can I add extra veggies?
Certainly! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or even baby spinach before baking for added flavor, color, and nutrients. It’s a flexible recipe, so feel free to get creative.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
A rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver here: just pull off the meat with your fingers or two forks. For fresh chicken breasts, cook and then shred while still warm for the best texture.
How do I know when the casserole is done?
You’ll know your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is ready when it’s bubbling around the edges and the crumb topping has turned a beautiful golden brown. A five-minute rest lets it set before scooping.
Final Thoughts
If you’re in need of a dinner that’s cozy, crowd-pleasing, and delightfully easy to pull together, you can’t beat Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s the kind of comforting classic that brings everyone to the table with a smile — so don’t hesitate to make it yours and add it to your weeknight rotation!
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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This easy chicken noodle casserole is a comforting and delicious dish that the whole family will love. Creamy and flavorful, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Egg Noodle Casserole:
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping:
- ½ cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Cook noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- Mix ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth. Add in the noodles, chicken, peas, carrots, and cheddar cheese.
- Transfer to dish: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Add topping: In a small bowl, combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- You can also add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra flavor.
- The topping is optional but adds a nice crunch.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
