Quick & Cheesy Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Families

Whipping up a comforting chicken noodle casserole always sparks memories of cozy family dinners.

Creamy textures and hearty ingredients combine in this simple yet satisfying meal.

Busy home cooks appreciate how quickly this dish comes together without complicated steps.

Layers of tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich sauce create a delightful experience for everyone at the table.

Seasonings add depth and warmth to each magical bite.

Cheesy, golden-topped goodness promises a crowd-pleasing dinner that fills hungry bellies with joy.

You’ll want to savor every single forkful of this classic comfort food.

Chicken Noodle Casserole That Feels Like Home

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty, one-dish meal that brings warmth to any dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like vegetables or proteins to match family preferences and what's in your pantry.
• Kid-Approved Delight: Creamy, cheesy texture and mild flavors make this casserole a hit with children who can be picky eaters.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Minimal prep work and simple ingredients mean you can have a satisfying meal ready in under an hour.

Ingredients For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Chicken: A tender and flavorful protein that serves as the primary ingredient in this comforting casserole.

• Egg Noodles: A classic pasta that provides a soft and satisfying base for the casserole.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: These ingredients create a rich and creamy sauce that holds the casserole together and adds depth of flavor.

• Shredded Cheese: Adds a melty and savory element to the dish.
• Peas, Carrots: Provide color, nutrition, and a subtle sweetness to the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Breadcrumbs, Melted Butter: Creates a crispy and golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.

Step-By-Step Chicken Noodle Casserole Preparation

Step 1: Warm Up The Oven

Fire up your oven to 350F (175C).

Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare The Noodle Base

Boil your egg noodles according to the package directions.

Once perfectly cooked, drain them completely and set aside.

Step 3: Create The Creamy Mixture

• Shredded cooked chicken
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Frozen peas
• Diced carrots
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything together until the ingredients are well blended and look super inviting.

Step 4: Combine Noodles And Mixture

Gently fold the cooked noodles into the creamy chicken mixture.

Make sure each noodle is coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Transfer To Baking Dish

Pour the entire mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Topping

If you want extra crunch, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.

Step 7: Bake To Perfection

Slide the casserole into the preheated oven.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling with deliciousness.

Step 8: Serve And Enjoy

Pull out your masterpiece, let it cool for a few minutes, then serve hot.

Watch everyone’s faces light up with the first delicious bite!

Tips To Nail Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Select high-quality chicken and frozen vegetables for maximum flavor and nutrition.
• Add a splash of extra milk or chicken broth to maintain moisture and creamy texture.
• Toast breadcrumbs before sprinkling to enhance crunchiness and develop richer golden-brown color.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, canned, or leftover turkey for variety and convenience.
• Prepare casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for easy meal planning.

Flavorful Variations For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Chicken Noodle Casserole: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
• Low-Sodium Version: Substitute low-sodium cream of chicken soup, omit added salt, and use fresh herbs for flavor enhancement.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with plant-based chicken substitute or extra firm tofu, and use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken cream soup.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap noodles with zucchini noodles, use full-fat cream cheese instead of sour cream, and add extra protein-rich ingredients like chopped almonds on top.

Serving Suggestions For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Comfort Food Companions: Pair this creamy chicken noodle casserole with a crisp green salad for a refreshing contrast.
• Veggie Boost: Roast some broccoli or asparagus on the side to add extra nutrition and color to your meal.
• Bread Lovers' Delight: Serve with warm garlic bread or soft dinner rolls to soak up the delicious sauce and complete the comfort food experience.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Complement the rich casserole with a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or a crisp Chardonnay for a touch of elegance.

Storage Advice For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Cool the casserole completely, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Wrap the cooled casserole in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. Place a label with the date to track freshness.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, remove wrapping, cover with foil, and reheat at 350F for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warm.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in preparing this casserole.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months before baking.

• Can I make this dish without peas and carrots?

Of course! The vegetables are optional, and you can omit them or substitute with other vegetables you prefer.

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is most recommended, but you can also use monterey jack or a blend of cheeses for added flavor.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 11 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken noodle casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinner tables across America. Creamy pasta layers combine with tender chicken, creating a satisfying meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) egg noodles
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Dairy and Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk

Supplementary Ingredients:

• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter (melted)

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350F (175C) and lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking vessel with cooking spray or butter.
2. Prepare egg noodles according to package guidance, ensuring they are perfectly al dente, then thoroughly drain in a colander.
3. Create a robust filling by whisking together shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, tangy sour cream, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing bowl.
4. Incorporate shredded cheese, tender peas and carrots, plus a delicate blend of salt and pepper into the creamy mixture.
5. Gently fold the cooked noodles into the mixture, ensuring each strand is generously coated with the rich sauce.
6. Carefully transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
7. For added crunch, combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle this golden topping across the casserole surface.
8. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the top transforms into a crispy, golden-brown crust and the interior bubbles with savory promise.
9. Remove from oven, let rest for 5 minutes, then serve piping hot for a comforting meal.

Notes

• Swap chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery to create different flavor profiles and accommodate dietary preferences.
• Use gluten-free egg noodles or pasta alternatives like zucchini noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Consider adding Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce fat content and boost protein while maintaining creamy texture.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the casserole.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg