The Best Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Comfort finds its way to your dinner table through this mouthwatering easy chicken noodle casserole that promises warmth and satisfaction.

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, this dish becomes an instant favorite for everyone around the table.

Weeknight dinners often demand simple yet delicious solutions, and this casserole delivers exactly what you need.

Layers of egg noodles intermingle with succulent chicken pieces, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

A golden, crispy top adds the perfect crunch to each delectable bite.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation make this recipe a go-to for busy home cooks seeking a quick and hearty meal.

One forkful will transport you to a world of pure, comforting deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Comfort Guide

• Whip Up Comfort: A hearty, soul-warming dish that brings everyone together with its creamy, cheesy goodness and nostalgic flavors.
• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: Minimal prep work and straightforward ingredients make this casserole a lifesaver for busy families seeking a delicious, stress-free meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients like adding different vegetables or using leftover rotisserie chicken to make this recipe uniquely yours while keeping the core deliciousness intact.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar, mild flavors that children love, this casserole transforms mealtime into a happy, satisfying experience for the whole family.

Essential Ingredients For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Chicken: Tender and cooked protein that provides the primary substance of the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: Soft, classic noodles that create the hearty foundation of the dish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Smooth ingredients that blend together to create a rich, creamy sauce for the casserole.

• Shredded Cheddar: Melty cheese that adds a sharp, tangy flavor and creamy texture.

• Peas: Sweet and tender green vegetable that provides a pop of color and nutrition.

• Breadcrumbs, Butter: Crispy mixture that creates a golden, crunchy layer on top of the casserole.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

Preparing Chicken Noodle Casserole With Ease

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a cozy 350°F (175°C) and get ready for some serious comfort food magic.

Step 2: Mix the Flavor Explosion

• Tender cooked chicken
• Perfectly cooked egg noodles
• Creamy cream of chicken soup
• Smooth sour cream
• Splash of milk
• Sweet green peas
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to make the flavors dance.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Pour your mouthwatering mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly for maximum deliciousness.

Step 4: Create the Crispy Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter until they’re perfectly combined and ready to add a crunchy layer of yumminess.

Step 5: Add the Crispy Crunch

Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole, creating a golden, crispy crown.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole is bubbling with excitement.

Step 7: Let It Rest and Serve

Give the casserole a few minutes to cool down and settle.

Then dig in and enjoy the ultimate comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Quick Tips For Chicken Noodle Casserole Success

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to enhance the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Toast the breadcrumbs in a skillet before sprinkling to create an extra crunchy and golden-brown topping.
• Replace chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for varied flavor and convenient meal preparation.
• Mix in additional vegetables like carrots, corn, or diced bell peppers to increase nutritional value and add color.
• Assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate, then bake when ready to serve for a stress-free meal preparation.

Tasty Variations For Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Gluten-Free Comfort: Replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap cream of chicken soup with a homemade gluten-free white sauce.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute chicken with roasted cauliflower or mixed vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken cream soup.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace noodles with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream to reduce carbohydrates and boost protein.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free cream soup, coconut milk instead of regular milk, and nutritional yeast instead of cheddar cheese. Top with crushed gluten-free crackers for crunch.

Serving Chicken Noodle Casserole Family-Style

• Family Comfort Plate: Serve this warm casserole with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy texture and add some freshness to the meal.
• Hearty Side Companion: Pair with roasted vegetables like carrots or broccoli to enhance nutritional value and provide a colorful plate presentation.
• Cozy Dinner Ensemble: Add soft dinner rolls or garlic bread on the side to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the comforting family-style dining experience.
• Quick Protein Boost: Top individual servings with extra shredded cheese or chopped fresh parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.

Saving Leftovers From Chicken Noodle Casserole

• Transfer leftover casserole to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to maintain freshness.
• Wrap the casserole securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen casserole in the refrigerator overnight. Preheat oven to 350°F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp the topping.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or wide egg noodles. Just ensure they’re cooked al dente before mixing into the casserole.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking. You can assemble it a day in advance, cover with foil, and bake when ready to serve.

• How can I make this recipe healthier?

Use reduced-fat cream of chicken soup, low-fat sour cream, and whole wheat breadcrumbs. You can also add more vegetables like carrots or spinach to boost nutritional value.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 25 reviews

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

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Description

Hearty chicken noodle casserole delights dinner tables with comforting layers of creamy pasta and tender chicken. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, this classic dish brings warmth to your evening meal and welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 1 small onion, diced

Dairy and Soup Bases:

• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons butter

Noodles and Toppings:

• 8 ounces egg noodles
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for baking the casserole.
2. Blend shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a creamy base for the dish.
3. Gently fold in green peas and sharp cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
4. Transfer the entire mixture into a thoroughly greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
5. Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined and crumbly.
6. Generously scatter the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the casserole surface, covering completely for a golden, crunchy finish.
7. Slide the prepared casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
8. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, letting the ingredients settle and making the casserole easier to serve.
9. Slice and plate the casserole while warm, ensuring each portion captures the creamy interior and crisp topping.

Notes

• Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients for healthier eating.
• Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch and golden color before sprinkling on top of casserole.
• Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep and deeper flavor profile without additional cooking time.
• Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free noodles and panko for those with wheat sensitivities.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 327 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 470 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 26 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg