Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe: A Homey Family Favorite

Nestled with comfort, this hearty chicken noodle casserole beckons you to savor its warm, creamy embrace.

Memories of grandma’s kitchen dance through every golden, bubbling bite.

Tender shreds of chicken mingle with perfectly cooked noodles, creating a symphony of flavors.

Crispy breadcrumb edges promise a delightful crunch that contrasts beautifully with the silky interior.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this soul-satisfying dish.

Imagine the smiles around the table as you serve this irresistible casserole that feels like a hug on a plate.

Make this recipe and watch magic unfold in your kitchen.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Feels Like An Old Favorite

Whip Up Comfort: Discover the Magic of This Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families needing a delicious meal in under an hour, this casserole comes together effortlessly with minimal prep and cooking time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort Food: Packed with creamy, cheesy goodness and tender chicken, this dish satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its classic, hearty flavors.
• Budget-Friendly Meal Savior: Uses affordable, easy-to-find ingredients like canned soup, egg noodles, and leftover chicken, making it a wallet-friendly option for feeding a hungry crowd.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and veggies in a single pan, reducing cleanup and making dinnertime stress-free for home cooks looking for simplicity.

Ingredients Behind Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Chicken, Egg Noodles: Tender shredded chicken and soft noodles form the hearty base of the casserole. Choose rotisserie or home-cooked chicken for best flavor. Egg noodles should be wide and slightly wavy for better texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Provide rich, smooth consistency and depth of flavor. Select low-sodium cream soup for better control of salt levels. Full-fat sour cream creates a more luxurious texture.

• Cheddar Cheese, Breadcrumbs, Butter: Add crispy golden top and sharp cheesy flavor. Use sharp cheddar for more intense taste. Panko breadcrumbs create an extra crunchy layer. Unsalted butter works best for controlled seasoning.

• Salt, Pepper, Frozen Peas: Enhance overall taste and add subtle vegetable freshness. Sea salt provides cleaner flavor. Freshly ground black pepper adds warmth. Peas bring color and light nutrition.

How To Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F.

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a quick spray or butter rub to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Mixture

• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Shredded chicken
• Frozen peas

Stir until everything is beautifully blended and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Noodles and Seasoning

Toss in the cooked egg noodles and gently fold them into the creamy mixture.

Sprinkle in salt and pepper to give it a flavor boost.

Step 4: Spread the Love

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, making sure it’s evenly spread out for consistent cooking.

Step 5: Add the Cheesy Layer

Generously shower the top with shredded cheese, creating a tempting golden blanket.

Step 6: Prepare the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly combined and slightly damp.

Step 7: Create the Crispy Crown

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the cheese, ensuring an even coverage.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbling and turns a gorgeous golden brown.

Chicken Noodle Casserole – Simple Tips For Big Flavor

• Swap chicken with turkey, tofu, or canned tuna for variety and different flavor profiles.
• Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup and unsalted butter to control salt intake while maintaining delicious taste.
• Add extra vegetables like diced carrots, spinach, or broccoli to increase vegetable content and nutritional value.
• Prepare the casserole up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Replace regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes to accommodate dietary restrictions.

How to Store and Warm Up Chicken Noodle Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3-4 days.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Cover casserole with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.
• Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Friendly Plates

• Crisp White Wine Pairing: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the creamy casserole's richness, offering a bright and refreshing contrast that cleanses the palate with its citrusy notes.
• Fresh Garden Salad Partner: Prepare a light mixed green salad with vinaigrette dressing to balance the hearty casserole, adding a zesty and crisp element that complements the dish's creaminess.
• Roasted Vegetable Side Kick: Create a simple roasted vegetable medley with asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini to introduce a caramelized, slightly charred flavor that enhances the casserole's comfort food profile.
• Chilled Cucumber Slaw Companion: Whip up a tangy cucumber slaw with dill and light mayo to provide a cool, crunchy texture that contrasts with the warm, creamy casserole and adds a refreshing touch to the meal.

Chicken Noodle Casserole with Custom Layers

• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Casserole: Replace traditional egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free white sauce.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt, use dairy-free cheese alternative, and replace milk with unsweetened almond milk. Use olive oil instead of butter for the breadcrumb topping.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup and add extra vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for protein and flavor.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use a low-carb cream sauce and reduce breadcrumb quantity. Add extra protein like diced chicken or turkey to maintain meal satisfaction.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch?

Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving option. Simply shred the meat and use it directly in the recipe for a quick and easy preparation.

• Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to serve, bake it for 30-35 minutes to ensure it’s heated through completely.

• Can I substitute the egg noodles with another type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta like wide egg noodles, penne, or rotini. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with the other ingredients.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat sour cream, and adding more vegetables like carrots or broccoli to increase the nutritional value.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.6 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comforting chicken noodle casserole brings creamy nostalgia to dinner tables with classic American heartiness. Layers of tender chicken, egg noodles, and rich sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 cups (473 ml) shredded cooked chicken

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles, cooked
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) frozen peas (optional)

Sauce and Toppings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (237 ml) sour cream
• 1 cup (237 ml) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (118 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) breadcrumbs
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) butter, melted
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine creamy chicken soup, tangy dairy cream, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing container, creating a rich base for the casserole.
3. Fold tender shredded poultry and vibrant green peas into the liquid mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
4. Gently incorporate cooked egg noodles into the creamy blend, carefully stirring to coat each strand with the savory sauce.
5. Enhance the mixture with a delicate balance of salt and freshly cracked pepper, adjusting seasoning to personal taste preferences.
6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it uniformly to create an even layer of comfort-filled goodness.
7. Generously shower the surface with a blanket of shredded cheese, ensuring complete coverage for maximum melty indulgence.
8. Create a crispy topping by mixing golden breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle the crunchy mixture across the cheesy landscape.
9. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake until the cheese transforms into a bubbling, golden-brown masterpiece and the edges become delightfully crisp.
10. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest briefly, allowing the flavors to meld and the dish to set before serving.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup for homemade white sauce to reduce sodium and control ingredients for health-conscious cooks.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free crackers or almond meal to make the dish celiac-friendly and add extra nutty flavor.
• Add roasted vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to boost nutritional value and create more colorful, textured layers in the casserole.
• For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and incorporate skinless chicken breast to reduce overall fat content while maintaining creamy consistency.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 392
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg