Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Let me introduce you to a true comfort food classic: Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. This dish is pure homey bliss with its creamy sauce, tender chicken, hearty noodles, colorful veggies, and irresistible cheesy topping. Whether you’re seeking a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal for family and friends, this casserole brings everyone to the table with big smiles. It’s the kind of meal that’s a breeze to make but tastes like you spent hours—trust me, this will become a staple in your recipe rotation!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll love how straightforward, approachable, and pantry-friendly these ingredients are—yet together, they each bring their own personality to the Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Every component adds something special, so don’t skip the details for guaranteed deliciousness.

• Egg noodles (12 oz, cooked and drained): These wide, tender noodles soak up all the creamy goodness and provide just the right bite.
• Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie or any leftover roasted chicken is perfect—it adds protein and heartiness in every forkful.
• Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is where the creamy magic starts—rich, savory, and so fast!
• Sour cream (1/2 cup): Brings tang and silkiness to round out the sauce.
• Milk (1/2 cup): A splash loosens the sauce just right, helping everything come together without being heavy.
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups, divided): Melty, sharp, and inviting—this is the casserole’s cheesy soul!
• Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): Pops of sweetness and color make this dish extra vibrant and nutritious.
• Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds background warmth and depth—an absolute must.
• Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a sweet, subtle savoriness that seasons everything perfectly.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Don’t underestimate these—season generously to bring all the flavors together.
• Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup) for topping: The ultimate crunchy crown for our creamy masterpiece.
• Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Drizzled into the topping for that golden, craveable finish.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Prepare the Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), the sweet spot for a bubbling, golden casserole. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to make serving and cleanup a breeze—plus, it ensures every delicious spoonful lifts out easily.

Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This glorious mixture is the heart of your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole, providing that dreamy, comforting sauce throughout.

Step 3: Add the Good Stuff

Gently stir in your cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Fold everything together until it’s evenly coated with sauce—the noodles and veggies should be nestled in a creamy, cheesy bath.

Step 4: Assemble in the Pan

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading everything out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top, making sure every part gets a bit of that beautiful melt.

Step 5: Make the Buttery Topping

In a small bowl, combine the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the casserole to create a crunchy, golden blanket that absolutely makes the dish sing.

Step 6: Bake and Rest

Bake the casserole for 25 to 30 minutes—the cheese will be perfectly melty, the topping gloriously golden, and the edges irresistible. Let the Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole sit for five minutes before serving so it sets up just right.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

For a delightful finishing touch, scatter some fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of extra black pepper over the top. Even a sprinkle of paprika can give your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole a pop of color that’s extra inviting.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad or roasted green beans pair beautifully alongside this casserole, cutting through the creaminess and brightening the meal. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are excellent for scooping up every last drop of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

Spoon your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole into individual ramekins for a bistro-chic look at a dinner party—or serve “family style” right from the bubbling dish for a cozy, communal vibe. For a weeknight twist, portion leftovers into lunchbox containers (they reheat so well!).

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After everyone’s had their fill, transfer leftover casserole into air-tight containers and refrigerate for up to three days. This dish stays creamy and delicious, making leftovers a treat instead of an afterthought.

Freezing

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a freezer champion! Assemble it fully, but before baking, tightly wrap and freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed.

Reheating

To reheat, simply warm individual portions in the microwave or pop the whole dish in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If the sauce thickens a bit, stir in a splash of milk before reheating to keep things perfectly creamy.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely! While peas and carrots are classic, feel free to swap in corn, broccoli florets, or chopped bell peppers. Just make sure any veggies you add are cooked or thawed before mixing into the casserole.

What’s the best chicken to use in this recipe?

This casserole is wonderfully flexible—use rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted or poached chicken, or even cooked turkey. Just be sure it’s shredded or chopped so it blends smoothly throughout.

Can I make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can fully assemble the casserole (leave off the topping until right before baking), then cover and refrigerate overnight. Add the cracker or breadcrumb topping just before baking for the very best texture.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Definitely! Use gluten-free egg noodles and swap in a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. Double-check that your crackers or breadcrumbs for topping are gluten-free, and you’ll have a cozy casserole for all to enjoy.

How do I keep the casserole creamy and not dry?

Be sure not to overbake, as this can cause the sauce to thicken too much. Also, stick to the recommended measurements for saucy goodness—and if needed, add a splash of milk when mixing to ensure everything stays lusciously creamy.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after something that’s equal parts effortless and crowd-pleasing, you can’t go wrong with Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Make it once, and I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again. Here’s to comfort food that makes every night feel special—give it a try, your dinner table will thank you!

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