Nothing feels cozier or more satisfying on a busy weeknight than this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s a creamy, cheesy hug in a dish that brings together tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a medley of colorful peas and carrots all baked to bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or a crowd, this casserole balances comfort and convenience effortlessly, making it one of those go-to meals that everyone raves about long after the last bite. Let me walk you through why this recipe is a must-try if you want a hearty, delicious dish that feels like home in every forkful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step in creating magic. Each one plays a vital role to bring texture, flavor, and color to this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe, proving you don’t need complicated items to make something extraordinary.
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles: The perfect base for soaking up all the creamy goodness and giving you that classic noodle bite.
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken: Adds hearty protein and keeps the casserole wholesome and satisfying.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Acts as the rich, creamy binder that brings the casserole together.
- 1 cup sour cream: Introduces tanginess that balances the richness and keeps the texture silky.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Provides a burst of color and subtle sweetness for visual appeal and flavor contrast.
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully adding sharpness and gooey texture.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Gives an umami kick that complements the cheddar perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Delivers a warm, aromatic depth without overwhelming the dish.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory character subtly in the background.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Necessary for seasoning and bringing all the flavors into harmony.
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (optional topping): Adds a crunchy, golden finish for texture contrast if you want that extra flair.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping): Combines with crackers to ensure a perfectly crisp, buttery crust on top.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Greasing your 9×13-inch baking dish ensures that the casserole won’t stick and comes out in one beautiful, intact piece. This step might seem small, but it makes serving so much easier and mess-free.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, peas and carrots, shredded cheddar, grated Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Take your time here to mix everything until it’s evenly coated and creamy because that’s what makes each bite consistent and delightful.
Step 3: Spread the Mixture
Pour the creamy, cheesy mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out with a spatula to create an even layer. This helps the casserole bake uniformly, so the noodles don’t dry out and the top crisps nicely when baked.
Step 4: Add the Topping (Optional)
If you want to add that lovely crunchy finish, now is the moment to sprinkle over the crushed buttery crackers mixed with the melted butter. This topping bakes into a golden crust that provides a delightful texture contrast to the creamy noodles underneath. If you’re all about simplicity, feel free to skip this step.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling casserole with a beautifully golden crust on top if you used the crackers. The heat fully melds all the flavors, and you’ll know it’s ready when it’s hot and inviting all throughout.
Step 6: Let It Rest Before Serving
After baking, give your casserole 5 minutes to rest. This little pause allows the ingredients to set slightly, making it easier to cut into neat portions and helps avoid any messy spills. Plus, it’s the perfect moment to prepare your serving dishes or fix any sides you want to serve alongside.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives adds a pop of green that brightens the plate visually and adds a fresh flavor lift. For a bit of extra zing, a light dusting of paprika or extra grated Parmesan right before serving gives an inviting finish that catches the eye and complements those savory notes inside.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp garden salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce on the plate, while steamed green beans or roasted asparagus add that perfect fresh bite to round out the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a cozy family dinner, serve it straight from the baking dish with rustic wooden spoons for easy sharing. If you’re hosting guests, plate individual portions in shallow bowls with a garnish of herbs and a wedge of lemon on the side to brighten flavors. You could even scoop leftovers into small ramekins to bake as personal casseroles for a charming touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Cover it tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container to keep all those creamy flavors fresh and prevent the noodles from drying out.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, making it a great candidate for meal prep or busy-weeknight dinners. Freeze in portions or as a whole casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, microwave individual servings covered loosely to retain moisture, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through and bubbly again. Adding a tiny splash of broth or cream before reheating can help revive the creamy texture if it has thickened too much.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor, saves time, and works perfectly shredded in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, just swap the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free cream of chicken soup and crushed crackers to keep it safe for gluten-free diets.
Can I add other vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to add mushrooms, bell peppers, or broccoli to add more nutrition, texture, and color to your casserole.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you want a homemade touch, mix chicken broth with some flour and cream or use a béchamel sauce to replicate that creamy binding effect.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute the sour cream and cheese with plant-based alternatives and use a dairy-free creamy soup to make this casserole suitable for dairy-free diets.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dish that’s easy, comforting, and downright delicious, I can’t recommend this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe enough. It’s reliable, flexible, and loved by every crowd I’ve served it to. So grab those simple ingredients and get ready to enjoy a wholesome meal that tastes like a warm hug on a plate — you’ll want to make it again and again.
Print
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, creamy soup, and cheese, combined with vegetables and topped with a buttery cracker crust for a golden finish. Perfect for a family dinner, it’s simple to prepare and delivers cozy flavors in just 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional)
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer Mixture to Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even layer for consistent baking.
- Add Topping (Optional): If using, mix the crushed buttery crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole to create a flavorful, crispy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the dish is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest Before Serving: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes to set and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles and crackers with gluten-free alternatives.
- You can swap out peas and carrots with other vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
- The cracker topping adds crunch but can be omitted for a softer casserole.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.
