This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight. It’s made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce baked to perfection. This classic comfort food is simple to make, delicious, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
| Servings | Total |
| 6 | 45mins |
History of Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken noodle casseroles have been a staple in American kitchens for decades. Originally inspired by chicken noodle soup, this dish takes the same cozy flavors and turns them into a hearty baked meal. With the introduction of canned soups in the mid-20th century, creamy casseroles like this one became a favorite for busy families looking for an easy, affordable dinner option.
Why Chicken Noodle Casserole?
- Comfort Food Classic: Warm, creamy, and filling.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like noodles, chicken, and soup.
- Family Favorite: Loved by kids and adults.
- Customizable: Add vegetables, swap noodles, or mix in your favorite cheeses.
What is Chicken Noodle Casserole Made of?
This casserole typically includes:
- Cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
- Egg noodles (cooked)
- Creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup and sour cream
- Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- Optional vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli
- Optional crunchy topping made with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
What to Have with Chicken Noodle Casserole
Serve this dish with:
- A fresh green salad with vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or carrots
Is Chicken Noodle Casserole Healthy?
Chicken noodle casserole can be made healthier by using whole-grain egg noodles, low-sodium cream of chicken soup, and reduced-fat cheese. You can also boost nutrition by adding vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach.
Kitchen Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- Optional topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy top
Directions:
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook Noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Mix Casserole: Add cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, and half of the cheddar cheese to the sauce. If you’re adding vegetables (like peas, carrots, or broccoli), mix them in as well. Toss until everything is coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Tips
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- If you want a crispy topping, use breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with a drizzle of melted butter.
- To make it more filling, add vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or peas.
- Make it creamy by adding 1/4 cup cream cheese to the sauce.
Conclusion
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food that’s simple, creamy, and delicious. It’s a family favorite that’s easy to customize with your favorite add-ins like vegetables or crunchy toppings. Serve it with a salad, bread, or roasted veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone.
MORE RECIPES
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large baking dish (9×13 recommended)
- Large pot for cooking noodles
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula for mixing
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 12 oz egg noodles (cooked and drained)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional add-ins: 1/2 cup frozen peas, 1/2 cup diced carrots, 1/2 cup chopped broccoli
- Optional topping: 1/2 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crispy top
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil egg noodles in salted water until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, and half of the cheddar cheese to the sauce. If you’re adding vegetables (like peas, carrots, or broccoli), mix them in as well. Toss until everything is coated.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top. If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the top.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.