Chicken Noodle Casserole is my go-to comfort food when I want something cozy, creamy, and filling. With tender chunks of chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a rich, creamy sauce all baked under a golden, crunchy topping, it’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to the table. It’s also incredibly easy to make and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it combines pantry staples into something hearty and satisfying. The creamy sauce binds everything together, and the baked topping gives it a satisfying crunch. It’s also super flexible—I can use rotisserie chicken, leftover cooked chicken, or even turkey. Plus, it’s a hit with both kids and adults, making it a perfect family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Egg noodles
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Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
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Cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom)
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Sour cream or mayonnaise
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Milk
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Shredded cheddar cheese
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Frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
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Onion powder
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Garlic powder
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Salt and pepper
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Bread crumbs or crushed crackers for topping
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Butter (melted, for the topping)
Directions
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I start by preheating the oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish.
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I cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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In a large bowl, I mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
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I fold in the cooked noodles, chicken, and vegetables until everything is well coated.
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I pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
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In a small bowl, I mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle it over the top of the casserole.
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I bake it uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
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I let it cool slightly before serving so it sets up nicely.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6–8 servings. It takes around 15 minutes to prepare and 30 minutes to bake, so dinner is ready in under 45 minutes.
Variations
I sometimes switch up the veggies depending on what I have—broccoli, green beans, or corn all work well. For extra flavor, I mix in a little Dijon mustard or use a sharp cheddar. If I’m short on time, I skip the crumb topping and just sprinkle cheese on top instead. Leftover turkey works great in place of chicken too, especially after the holidays.
storage/reheating
I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I cover it with foil and warm it in the oven at 325°F until heated through, or I microwave individual portions. If it’s a bit dry, I stir in a splash of milk or broth before reheating. This casserole also freezes well—just thaw overnight in the fridge before baking or reheating.
FAQs
Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the casserole a day ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to bake, I just add the topping and pop it in the oven.
What kind of chicken should I use?
I like using rotisserie chicken for convenience, but any cooked chicken works—grilled, baked, or even leftover shredded chicken.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely. I assemble it in a foil pan (without baking), wrap it tightly, and freeze it for up to 2 months. When I’m ready to eat it, I thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
How do I keep the casserole from drying out?
I make sure to add enough creamy sauce to coat everything, and I don’t overbake it. Covering with foil while reheating also helps keep it moist.
Is there a gluten-free version?
Yes! I use gluten-free noodles and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free version. For the topping, crushed gluten-free crackers or gluten-free breadcrumbs work perfectly.
Conclusion
Chicken Noodle Casserole is everything I want in a comforting, easy dinner. It’s creamy, flavorful, and endlessly customizable. Whether I’m using up leftovers or planning a make-ahead meal, this casserole always delivers the kind of cozy satisfaction that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
