This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—cozy, creamy, and cheesy with just the right mix of nostalgia and modern flavor. Every forkful features tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, crisp veggies, and a perfectly golden, crunchy topping. Whether you’re serving it up for a weeknight family dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this casserole promises hearty satisfaction and smiles all around. Trust me, one bite and you’ll see why it’s been a favorite in my household for years!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Part of what makes Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole such a classic is its simple, familiar ingredients that come together to create something magic. Each component brings flavor, texture, or color that transforms basic pantry staples into a memorable casserole.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces): These noodles provide the perfect base—soft, tender, and able to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): A timesaver if you use rotisserie chicken, this adds hearty protein and texture.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Used for sautéing, it lends richness and a hint of flavor to the veggies.
- Onion, diced (1 small): Offers a sweet and savory foundation for the casserole.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup): Brings a pop of color and balances the richness with subtle sweetness.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The secret to ultra-creamy texture and comforting flavor.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and makes the sauce even silkier.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens up the sauce so it coats every noodle perfectly.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups): Cheesy perfection, both mixed in and melted on top.
- Garlic powder (1/4 teaspoon): Subtle but essential for a gentle garlic note.
- Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): A little spice to balance out the creaminess.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances all the savory flavors without overwhelming.
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Offers a savory, crunchy top layer that’s irresistible.
- Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Helps the topping turn perfectly crisp and golden.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Get the Oven and Pan Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, which prevents sticking and ensures easy cleanup later. Having everything prepped before you start cooking really sets you up for smooth casserole success!
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil the egg noodles according to the package’s directions until just al dente—they’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them well and set aside. You want them tender but not mushy, so don’t overcook; a little bite is perfect since they’ll soak up more sauce during baking.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies
In a large skillet, melt 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, just until it softens and gets fragrant. Next, toss in the frozen peas and carrots, cooking for another 2 minutes to warm them through and enhance their sweetness.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This mixture is the soul of Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole; you want it smooth and well-blended, as it will blanket all the other ingredients in comfort food goodness.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Add the cooked, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetables, drained noodles, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese to your creamy sauce. Gently stir to coat everything evenly. You’ll already want to grab a fork, but resist—things are about to get even better in the oven.
Step 6: Assemble and Top the Casserole
Pour the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top, and then mix the crushed crackers (or breadcrumbs) with 1 tablespoon of melted butter. Sprinkle that buttery, crumbly topping evenly over the casserole for the ultimate golden finish.
Step 7: Bake and Serve
Bake the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in your preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and beautifully golden brown. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving—this allows everything to set just enough, making it easier to scoop and enjoy every cheesy, creamy layer.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
If you want to add a burst of freshness, sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. Not only does this add a pop of color, but the bright herbal note balances out all the rich, cheesy flavors beautifully.
Side Dishes
This dish truly is a meal on its own, but if you want to round out dinner, think about pairing it with a crisp green salad, some roasted vegetables, or even classic garlic bread. These sides complement the casserole’s creamy richness without overpowering it.
Creative Ways to Present
For family dinners, serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole in big, comforting scoops straight from the baking dish. If you’re entertaining, portion it into ramekins or mini baking dishes for adorable, individual servings—an instant crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftovers tightly with foil or transfer to airtight containers. Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and reheats beautifully for an easy next-day lunch.
Freezing
If you want to get ahead on meal prep, assemble the unbaked casserole, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time if needed.
Reheating
For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the whole dish in a 350°F oven, covered with foil, until bubbly. If the topping needs to crisp back up, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of reheating.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Yes! While egg noodles give this casserole its classic texture, you can easily substitute rotini, penne, or another short pasta if needed—just cook it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy.
What kind of chicken works best?
Any cooked, shredded chicken is perfect here—leftover roasted or poached chicken, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken to save time on busy nights.
Can I make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble it up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. When dinnertime comes, bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to heat through if needed.
Are there ways to make this casserole healthier?
You can lighten things up by using low-fat sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a lower-sodium soup. You can also add more veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole freezes very well. Let it cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about settling down to a hearty scoop of Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole, especially when it’s made with love and a dash of homemade flair. If you’ve been craving true comfort food, give this recipe a try—it just might become your new family tradition!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with melted cheddar cheese and buttery breadcrumbs.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
- 12 ounces egg noodles
Shredded Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Vegetable Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles until al dente, then drain.
- Sauté Vegetables: Sauté onion, peas, and carrots in butter.
- Prepare Sauce: Whisk together soup, sour cream, milk, spices, and cheese.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix chicken, vegetables, noodles, and sauce. Transfer to baking dish.
- Add Toppings: Top with cheese and buttery crumbs.
- Bake: Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
- For extra veggies, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
- For a flavor twist, swap cream of mushroom soup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 generous scoop
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
