Easy Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Dinners

Whipping up a delightful chicken noodle casserole can turn any ordinary evening into a comforting culinary adventure.

Layers of tender pasta, succulent chicken, and creamy sauce promise to satisfy hungry souls at the dinner table.

Every bite tells a story of warmth and simplicity, blending classic ingredients with homemade charm.

Weeknight meals demand something quick yet delicious, and this recipe delivers precisely that magic.

Cheese adds a golden, melty dimension that makes everyone lean in with anticipation.

Nutritious and straightforward, this dish combines convenience with flavor that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Make this casserole and watch smiles spread around your dining space.

Best Way to Store and Reheat Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer the casserole to a freezer-safe container, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• For quick reheating, place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk to maintain moisture, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Plate Ideas

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Select a light, unoaked chardonnay or pinot grigio to complement the creamy casserole's rich texture and balance its hearty flavors.
• Fresh Green Salad Partner: Toss a vibrant mixed greens salad with tangy vinaigrette to cut through the casserole's richness and add refreshing contrast.
• Zesty Pickled Side Kick: Serve quick-pickled cucumber or dill pickles on the side to provide a sharp, acidic counterpoint that brightens the entire meal's taste profile.
• Rustic Bread Sidekick: Warm garlic bread or crusty sourdough slices work perfectly for soaking up extra sauce and adding delightful textural variation.

Chicken Noodle Casserole New Recipe Styles

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free bread crumbs. Swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free version or cornstarch-thickened broth.
• Vegetarian Protein Power: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken alternatives. Use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Makeover: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use almond flour or crushed pork rinds instead of bread crumbs to keep the casserole low-carb friendly.
• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Omit butter in the topping or use olive oil.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like wide egg noodles, rotini, or even penne for a similar texture and taste.

• What vegetables work best in this casserole?

Frozen mixed vegetables, peas, carrots, and corn are great options. Diced fresh vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers also work well.

• How can I make this casserole healthier?

Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, whole wheat breadcrumbs, and add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It also reheats well for easy weeknight dinners.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Comforts With Every Spoonful

Quick Family Dinner Solution: Whip up this chicken noodle casserole in less than an hour, perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal fast.

Minimal Cooking Skills Required: No advanced culinary techniques needed – just mix, combine, and bake, making this recipe ideal for beginners or kitchen novices wanting a delicious home-cooked meal.

Customizable Comfort Food: Easily swap vegetables or add different seasonings to match your family’s taste preferences, creating a versatile dish that adapts to everyone’s palate.

Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors and textures that children love, this casserole transforms basic ingredients into a hearty, cheesy meal that will have kids asking for seconds.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Components

• Cooked Chicken: Tender protein that adds substance and flavor to the casserole.
• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta base that provides a comforting texture and heartiness.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Provides rich, creamy sauce and enhances overall flavor.
• Milk: Helps create smooth consistency and lighten the sauce.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds sharp flavor and melty goodness to the casserole.

• Frozen Peas and Carrots: Colorful vegetables that add nutrition and freshness.
• Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping for texture contrast.
• Butter: Helps toast bread crumbs and adds richness.
• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance all flavors.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Simple Steps

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 350°F, getting it ready for a delicious comfort food adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Noodle Base

Boil the egg noodles following the package instructions until they’re perfectly tender.

Drain and set aside, letting them cool down just a bit.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Chicken Mixture

• Cooked chicken pieces
• Cream of chicken soup
• Milk
• Mixed vegetables
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until it’s well blended and looking super appetizing.

Step 4: Combine Noodles with Mixture

Fold the cooked noodles into the creamy chicken mixture, making sure every noodle gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Transfer to Baking Dish

Grease a baking dish and pour in the entire chicken and noodle mixture, spreading it evenly across the surface.

Step 6: Add Cheesy Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheese over the entire casserole, creating a melty, golden blanket.

Step 7: Create Crunchy Bread Crumb Layer

• Bread crumbs
• Melted butter

Sprinkle this buttery crumb mixture over the cheese layer for extra crunch.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Pop the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown top that looks absolutely irresistible.

Chicken Noodle Casserole – Tips For Creamy Texture

• Choose frozen mixed vegetables like peas, carrots, and corn for added nutrition and color.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar, monterey jack, or gruyere for unique flavor profiles.
• Swap regular egg noodles and bread crumbs with gluten-free alternatives to accommodate dietary restrictions.
• Assemble the casserole in advance and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for convenient meal planning.
• Add a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt to enhance the sauce's richness and create a smoother texture.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

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

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Description

Comforting chicken noodle casserole delivers classic American home cooking with creamy, cheesy goodness. Hearty layers of tender noodles, juicy chicken, and rich sauce create a satisfying meal you’ll crave on chilly evenings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken

Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) egg noodles
• 1 cup bread crumbs

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 milliliters) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Heat the oven to a moderate temperature of 350°F (175°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package instructions, then thoroughly drain in a colander, shaking off excess water.
3. Combine shredded cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and milk in a spacious mixing bowl, creating a creamy base.
4. Fold in mixed vegetables, seasoning the mixture with a delicate balance of salt and pepper to enhance the overall flavor profile.
5. Gently incorporate the cooked noodles into the chicken and vegetable mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transfer the combined ingredients to a lightly greased baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. Generously scatter shredded cheese across the top of the casserole, covering the entire surface.
8. Blend bread crumbs with melted butter in a separate bowl, creating a golden, crispy topping mixture.
9. Sprinkle the buttery bread crumb mixture over the cheese layer, ensuring complete coverage.
10. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges become bubbly and appetizing.

Notes

• Make this dish gluten-free by using gluten-free egg noodles and cream of chicken soup, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
• Prep vegetables ahead of time to cut down on cooking day stress, chopping carrots, peas, or celery the night before saves precious minutes.
• Experiment with different cheese types like sharp cheddar or monterey jack for a unique flavor twist that keeps the casserole exciting.
• Swap chicken for rotisserie or leftover turkey to create a versatile one-dish wonder that reduces food waste and maximizes flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 55 mg