When you’re hungry and need comfort, chicken noodle casserole hits the spot. It’s warm, filling, and reminds you of home. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or your first time trying it, this dish brings cozy flavors and happy memories to the table. It’s more than just food—it’s care in every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken noodle casserole is more than just a dinner option. It offers comfort in every bite and works beautifully for busy weeknights, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd. Here’s what makes it a staple in so many kitchens:
- Family-friendly: Kids and adults alike enjoy the mild, creamy flavors.
- Quick and easy: Minimal prep and cleanup make it a go-to for weeknights.
- Budget-wise: Uses simple pantry ingredients without sacrificing taste.
- Great for leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day.
- Versatile: You can mix in what you have on hand and still get a delicious result.
Ingredients
To make this dish, you’ll only need everyday ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you need:
Cooked Chicken – Shredded rotisserie chicken works best.
Egg Noodles – Use egg noodles for the perfect texture.
Cream of Chicken Soup – Adds creaminess; substitute with cream of mushroom if desired.
Sour Cream – For extra creaminess; Greek yogurt is a good substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese – Gives a cheesy flavor; try mozzarella if preferred.
Frozen Peas and Carrots – Adds veggies; swap with other frozen veggies if you like.
Milk – Helps make the sauce smooth; any milk or dairy-free alternatives work.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
Follow these straightforward steps to get this dish from your kitchen to the table with ease.
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Boil the noodles in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
Combine the base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Mix in the good stuff: Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen veggies, and half the shredded cheese. Stir until fully combined.
Pour and spread: Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
Top it off: Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center is bubbling.
Rest before serving: Let it sit for 5 to 10 minutes before scooping. This allows everything to set nicely.
Expert Tips for a Perfect Casserole
You don’t need to be a pro chef to nail this dish, but a few tips can make it even better:
Slightly undercook the noodles. They’ll finish cooking in the oven and stay firm.
Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut that adds flavor and saves time.
Go heavy on cheese if you’re a cheese lover—mix in mozzarella or gouda for richness.
Cover with foil if you prefer a soft topping. Leave it uncovered for a crispy crust.
Don’t skip the rest time. Giving it time to cool slightly helps the casserole set and makes the serving neater.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about chicken noodle casserole is how easily you can make it your own. Try one of these tasty twists:
Healthy twist: Use whole wheat noodles, low-sodium soup, and Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Spicy version: Add a teaspoon of chili flakes or a chopped jalapeño for a kick.
Extra veggies: Mix in broccoli florets, spinach, or bell peppers.
Cheesy deluxe: Swap cheddar with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan.
Meat swap: Try leftover turkey, canned tuna, or ground chicken.
Serving Suggestions
You’ve got your main dish ready—now here’s how to round out your meal:
Pair with a simple green salad or a tangy coleslaw.
Serve with steamed broccoli or roasted green beans for a veggie boost.
Add warm garlic bread or fluffy dinner rolls to soak up the creamy sauce.
Offer a cool glass of lemonade or iced tea to complete the cozy meal.
FAQs About Chicken Noodle Casserole
What is chicken noodle casserole made of?
This classic casserole combines cooked chicken, egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, vegetables, shredded cheese, and a buttery cracker topping. Everything is baked together to create a warm, comforting dish.
Can you make chicken noodle casserole ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 2 days before baking. Just add 5 to 10 extra minutes of bake time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
How do you keep chicken noodle casserole from drying out?
Make sure you use enough sauce, and don’t overbake it. You can also cover the casserole with foil for part of the baking time to trap in moisture.
What goes well with chicken noodle casserole?
Fresh salads, roasted veggies, or garlic bread are great sides. For dessert, think about light options like fruit salad or a small scoop of sorbet.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Equipment
- Casserole Dish
- Mixing Bowl
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (rotisserie works great)
- 12 oz egg noodles cooked and drained
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Boil the noodles in salted water until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir until fully combined.
- Transfer everything into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden and the center is bubbling.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow it to set nicely.