🥘 Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole – Classic Comfort Food Made Simple
If you’re looking for a warm, cozy, and family-friendly dinner, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the answer. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and egg noodles, this comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights or Sunday suppers. Best of all? It comes together with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it a reliable favorite for home cooks everywhere.
Whether you’re feeding a crowd, stocking up on leftovers, or just need a satisfying, oven-baked dinner, this chicken noodle casserole recipe checks every box.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- ✅ Quick & easy to prepare
- ✅ Great use for leftover or rotisserie chicken
- ✅ Creamy and cheesy comfort food
- ✅ Kid-approved and picky-eater friendly
- ✅ Freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep
From the soft noodles to the savory chicken and gooey cheese, this dish is as nostalgic as it is delicious.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
This classic chicken noodle casserole uses pantry staples and comes together in minutes.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (use rotisserie for ease)
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup (or use two chicken soups if preferred)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 1 cup frozen peas or mixed vegetables (optional)
- ½ cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)
👩🍳 How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
🔹 Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil the egg noodles in salted water until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package directions). Drain and set aside.
🔹 Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream soups, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken and vegetables if using.
🔹 Step 3: Combine and Transfer
Gently fold in the cooked noodles, making sure everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 baking dish.
🔹 Step 4: Add the Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
🔹 Step 5: Bake
Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
This chicken noodle casserole is a hearty dish on its own, but you can serve it with:
- Side salad (Caesar, garden, or spinach)
- Roasted or steamed vegetables (broccoli, carrots, green beans)
- Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread
- Fruit salad or applesauce for a kid-friendly pairing
🔁 Make Ahead & Storage Tips
🧊 Storing Leftovers
Let the casserole cool, then store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if it seems dry.
❄️ Freezing Instructions
To freeze, assemble the casserole (without baking), wrap tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
💡 Tip: Double the recipe — one for now, one for the freezer!
🔁 Variations and Additions
- Use turkey instead of chicken – perfect after holidays!
- Switch the soup – try cream of celery or cheddar cheese soup.
- Add veggies – peas, carrots, spinach, or mushrooms work great.
- Swap the cheese – mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Swiss are all tasty alternatives.
- Make it spicy – stir in diced green chilies or a dash of hot sauce.
❓ FAQ About Chicken Noodle Casserole
Can I make this without cream soups?
Yes! You can use a homemade béchamel (white sauce) with chicken broth and milk as a base.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles, and gluten-free soups and breadcrumbs.
Can I cook this in advance?
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.
📋 Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe (Printable)
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar
- ½ cup milk
- ½ tsp garlic & onion powder
- Salt & pepper
- 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
- ½ cup crushed crackers
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Boil noodles until al dente; drain.
- Mix soups, sour cream, milk, cheese, seasonings. Add chicken and veggies.
- Fold in noodles and pour into greased 9×13 dish.
- Mix crackers and butter; sprinkle on top.
- Bake 25–30 min until bubbly and golden.
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🥄 Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole brings everything you love about a cozy home-cooked meal: it’s affordable, versatile, and ridiculously easy to make. Whether you’re looking to stretch a rotisserie chicken, clean out the fridge, or just satisfy your family with something hearty and warm, this recipe has you covered