Cozy Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Comfort

Comfort food reaches new heights with this creamy chicken noodle casserole that promises warmth in every delectable bite.

Layers of tender pasta intertwine with succulent chicken pieces, creating a harmonious melody of flavors.

Rich, velvety sauce embraces each ingredient, turning simple components into a culinary masterpiece.

Cheesy undertones add depth and complexity to this classic dish.

Homemade goodness shines through with each carefully selected ingredient, making mealtime something special.

Grab a fork and savor the magic that unfolds with this irresistible casserole.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with wide egg noodles, pasta, or whole wheat noodles. Just adjust cooking time according to package instructions.

• Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole, cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this dish without sour cream?

Certainly! Replace sour cream with Greek yogurt or additional cream of chicken soup for similar creamy texture.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use low-fat soups, reduced-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Why Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Comforts All

• Comfort Food Champion: A hearty, soul-warming dish that wraps you in delicious nostalgia with every creamy, cheesy bite.
• Incredibly Flexible Recipe: Perfect for using leftover chicken, adapting with seasonal vegetables, and customizing to match family preferences without complicated techniques.
• Quick Family Dinner Hero: Minimal prep work means you can assemble this crowd-pleasing casserole in minutes, making weeknight meals stress-free and satisfying for everyone at the table.
• Crowd-Pleasing Texture Magic: Combines crunchy cracker topping with smooth, rich sauce and tender noodles, creating a delightful contrast that keeps people coming back for seconds.

Ingredients For Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Bliss

• Chicken: A hearty protein that forms the core of this comforting casserole.

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

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Condensed soups that create a rich and creamy base.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and extra creaminess to the sauce.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the sauce ingredients smoothly.

• Mixed Vegetables: Provides color, nutrition, and additional texture to the casserole.
• Onion: Adds depth of flavor and aromatic quality to the dish.

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

• Cheese: Adds a melty, golden layer of flavor on top of the casserole.
• Crackers: Creates a crunchy, buttery topping for texture contrast.
• Butter: Helps bind the cracker topping and adds richness.

Steps For Easy Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350F and give your baking dish a quick spray of non-stick magic to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Dance with the Noodles

Boil water with a pinch of salt and twirl those egg noodles for 6 minutes.

Drain and give them a quick cool-down rinse.

Step 3: Gather the Flavor Crew

• Shredded chicken
• Colorful mixed vegetables
• Diced onions

Step 4: Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Dried thyme

Mix until smooth and dreamy.

Step 5: Marry the Ingredients

Fold the noodles and one cup of cheese into the sauce until everything is happily coated.

Step 6: Create the Crunchy Topping

Blitz crackers with melted butter in a food processor until they become delightful crumbs.

Step 7: Layer and Decorate

Pour the mixture into the baking dish.

Sprinkle remaining cheese and cracker crumbs on top.

Step 8: Bake to Perfection

Slide the casserole into the oven and bake for 35 minutes until golden and bubbling with deliciousness.

Tips For Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Perfection

• Pat chicken dry before mixing to prevent watery casserole and ensure creamy, thick texture.
• Use buttery Ritz crackers for extra golden, crispy topping that adds delightful texture and rich flavor.
• Swap chicken with rotisserie, canned, or leftover turkey for quick, versatile meal preparation.
• Toss in frozen mixed vegetables or fresh chopped broccoli for added nutrition and color contrast.
• Assemble casserole ahead, cover tightly with foil, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient make-ahead meals.

New Chicken Noodle Casserole Flavors To Try

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta, use gluten-free cream soups, and swap crackers for gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken substitute, use vegetable broth instead of cream soups.
• Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice, use low-fat cream cheese and Greek yogurt for sauce.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use dairy-free cream soups, coconut milk instead of regular milk, nutritional yeast instead of cheese, and dairy-free butter for topping.

Serving Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Family-Style

• Crowd-Pleasing Family Feast: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with minimal sides.
• Fresh Veggie Companions: Add crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the creamy richness of the dish.
• Comfort Food Presentation: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor boost.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve for easy entertaining.

Storing Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Properly

• Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date.
• Move frozen casserole to refrigerator overnight. Remove wrapping before reheating to prevent soggy texture.
• Warm individual portions in microwave for 1-2 minutes. For whole casserole, bake at 350F covered with foil for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Add extra cheese on top for extra flavor and moisture.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets culinary magic in this creamy chicken noodle casserole, a hearty dish that hugs your soul with nostalgic flavors. Cheesy, tender, and packed with homestyle goodness, you’ll savor every comforting bite of this classic American favorite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
• 8 ounces (227 grams) egg noodles
• 2 cups (226 grams) freshly grated cheddar cheese

Vegetable and Dairy Components:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables, thawed
• 2 (10.5-ounce/298 grams) cans cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk

Seasonings and Topping:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 sleeve Ritz crackers
• 1/4 cup (57 grams) salted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick spray to ensure easy serving and cleanup.
2. Cook egg noodles in salted boiling water for 6 minutes until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, mixed vegetables, and diced onions to create a hearty base.
4. Create a creamy sauce by whisking together cream soups, sour cream, milk, and selected seasonings until smooth and well-integrated.
5. Fold the prepared noodles and 1 cup of shredded cheese into the sauce mixture, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
6. Transform crackers into a crispy topping by pulsing them with melted butter in a food processor until they form coarse crumbs.
7. Transfer the chicken and noodle mixture to the prepared baking dish, then generously sprinkle remaining cheese and cracker crumbs over the top.
8. Bake at 350°F for 35 minutes, watching for a golden-brown crust and bubbling edges that indicate the casserole is thoroughly heated.

Notes

• Choose wide egg noodles and slightly undercook them to maintain firmness during baking.
• Roast chicken beforehand or use rotisserie chicken for deeper, more complex taste profile.
• Swap regular milk with almond milk and use gluten-free crackers for lactose and gluten-sensitive diners.
• Preparation Assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready for convenient meal planning.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 411 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 670 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg