The Coziest Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Soul-Warming Comfort
Whipping up a delightful chicken noodle casserole can turn an ordinary weeknight into a comforting culinary adventure.
Creamy textures and hearty ingredients make this dish a go-to meal for hungry families.
Layers of tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich sauce create a satisfying experience that warms you from the inside out.
Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this recipe comes together with minimal prep work.
Simple pantry staples combine to deliver maximum flavor without complicated techniques.
Cheese melts perfectly across the top, adding a golden crispy element that makes every bite irresistible.
You’ll find yourself craving this classic comfort food again and again.
Chicken Noodle Casserole Cozy Classic
Ingredients For Chicken Noodle Casserole
Main Ingredients:Dairy Components:Seasoning and Topping:How To Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Warm Up The Oven
Set your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) to get ready for a delicious baking adventure.
Step 2: Create The Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a spacious mixing bowl, combine these delightful ingredients:Stir everything together until wonderfully blended and smooth.
Step 3: Add Flavor Boosters
Sprinkle in salt and pepper to give your casserole a tasty kick. Taste and adjust seasonings as you like.
Step 4: Prepare The Baking Dish
Transfer your creamy mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for perfect coverage.
Step 5: Create A Crunchy Topping
In a small skillet, melt butter and mix with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crispy topping.
Sprinkle this over the casserole for extra texture.
Step 6: Bake To Perfection
Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.
Watch for a bubbly, golden-brown surface that signals it’s ready.
Step 7: Rest And Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes.
This helps the dish set and makes serving easier. Enjoy your comforting meal!
Hacks For Creamy Chicken Noodle Bake
Remix Variations For Chicken Noodle Casserole
Serving Chicken Noodle Casserole
Storing Chicken Noodle Casserole
FAQs
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with wide pasta noodles, rotini, or even elbow macaroni for a similar texture and taste.
Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. Just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the cooking time when baking from cold.
Use low-fat cream of chicken soup, reduced-fat cheese, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to cut down on calories and fat.
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
Print
Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Hearty chicken noodle casserole blends comforting pasta with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Simple ingredients create a classic midwest dinner that satisfies hunger and warms souls completely.
Ingredients
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Noodles and Cheese:
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, creamy chicken soup, tangy sour cream, smooth milk, and rich cheese until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Enhance flavor profile by carefully seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently transfer the combined mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
- For an optional crispy topping, melt butter in a small skillet and thoroughly combine with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy layer.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the casserole surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and attractive golden-brown coloration.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Swap traditional egg noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat noodles for dietary alternatives without compromising the casserole’s creamy texture.
- Boost protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or rotisserie meat for a more substantial meal.
- Create a lighter version by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
- Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the breadcrumb topping for an elevated taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
John Conley
Founder & Culinary Storyteller
Expertise
Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization
Education
Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.
Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.
John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.