If you’re looking for a comforting, nostalgic dish that wraps you in warmth and satisfaction, this Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. It’s the perfect blend of tender shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, and a luscious, cheesy sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re aiming for a cozy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for family gatherings, this casserole hits all the right notes with its creamy texture, subtle seasoning, and delightful crunch on top. I genuinely believe this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your home-cooked meal rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole comes from a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one plays an essential role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and textural elements.
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken: Use tender breast or thigh meat, providing hearty protein and moisture.
- 12 oz wide egg noodles: These noodles hold the sauce wonderfully, offering a lovely bite and comfort-food feel.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots: Adds a pop of color and subtle sweetness, plus a nutrient boost.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: The creamy base that makes every bite rich and luscious.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings tangy creaminess that balances the savory flavors.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adjusts the sauce consistency for just the right thickness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into every nook, adding sharpness and gooey goodness.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Gives depth and a gentle kick without overpowering.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the savory base subtly and naturally.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential to brighten and round out all the flavors.
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers: Topping that crisps up for irresistible texture contrast.
- 3 tbsp melted butter: Binds the topping together while adding richness and a golden finish.
How to Make Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole won’t stick, making serving and clean-up a breeze. This simple step sets the stage for your creamy masterpiece.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the egg noodles just until they’re slightly under al dente. This is key because they’ll continue cooking in the oven, soaking up that luscious sauce without becoming mushy. After draining the noodles, set them aside so they’re ready to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This rich blend is the heart of the casserole, coating every noodle and chunk of chicken with ultimate flavor and creaminess.
Step 4: Combine Noodles, Chicken, and Veggies
Gently fold in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and the frozen peas and carrots into your creamy sauce. Mixing carefully ensures the ingredients are evenly distributed without breaking up the noodles, so each bite is perfectly balanced and full of texture.
Step 5: Transfer and Smooth the Mixture
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish. Take a spatula or spoon and smooth the top evenly. This will help the casserole cook uniformly, while giving a clean surface for the crispy topping to shine.
Step 6: Prepare the Crispy Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter. This buttery topping adds that satisfying crunch that contrasts so beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 7: Add the Topping
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of your casserole. Be generous to ensure every bite has a touch of that golden, crispy goodness that elevates this dish from everyday to exceptional.
Step 8: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the topping has turned a gorgeous golden brown. The enticing aroma that fills your kitchen is a sure sign that dinner is ready!
Step 9: Let it Rest
Allow the casserole to rest for about 5 minutes before digging in. This resting time helps everything settle and makes serving easier, allowing you to enjoy neat, delicious portions.
How to Serve Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes can brighten up this rich casserole beautifully. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top for a pop of green and a mild herbal note that complements the creamy flavors. You can also add a light dusting of paprika for color and a hint of warmth.
Side Dishes
The hearty nature of this casserole calls for lighter, refreshing sides. A crisp, simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette will add contrast and brighten your plate. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus are also excellent choices that bring a vegetable crunch without overpowering the delicious main course.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make this Classic Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe extra special, try dividing it into individual ramekins or mini cast iron skillets. This not only makes for a beautiful presentation but also ensures everyone gets a personalized serving with that signature crispy topping intact.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover casserole should be cooled completely, then transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated. It will stay delicious for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or second dinners during busy weeks.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Assemble the dish but don’t bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it straight from frozen, adding extra cooking time until it’s bubbly and golden.
Reheating
Reheat your Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe in the oven at 350°F until heated through and the topping regains some crispness, about 20 to 25 minutes. For a faster option, microwave individual portions covered, stirring halfway to heat evenly, though the topping won’t stay as crispy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut and adds even more flavor. Just shred it up and use it as you would the cooked chicken in this recipe.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade or need a substitute, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth seasoned with garlic and onion powders for a from-scratch creamy sauce.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the wide egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for the topping. This way, everyone can enjoy it safely.
Is this casserole freezer friendly after baking?
It’s best to freeze it before baking for optimal texture and flavor. The crispy topping may become soggy if frozen after baking and reheated.
How spicy is the casserole?
This recipe is mild and family-friendly in flavor. If you want a little kick, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or toss in some diced jalapeños when mixing the creamy base.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so satisfying about the Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to make but full of flavor, perfect for sharing and enjoying any day of the week. Give it a go—you might just find it becoming one of your most beloved go-to meals!
Print
Creamy Chicken and Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This creamy chicken casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a luscious blend of sour cream and cheese. Enhanced with savory seasonings and a crispy breadcrumb topping, it’s baked to golden perfection—perfect for family dinners or cozy nights in.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thighs)
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook noodles: Boil the wide egg noodles until just under al dente, then drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Mix base: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.
- Combine ingredients: Fold the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and frozen peas and carrots into the creamy mixture until all components are evenly combined.
- Transfer mixture: Pour the combined casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly and smoothing the top.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with the melted butter to create a buttery topping.
- Add topping: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the surface of the casserole to add a crispy crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and serve: Remove from oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- Use cooked chicken breast or thighs according to preference; shredded chicken can be pre-cooked or leftover roast chicken.
- For a gluten-free option, substitute regular egg noodles and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions.
- If preferred, cream of mushroom soup can be used as an alternative to cream of chicken soup.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the soup used.
- Adding extra vegetables such as mushrooms or corn can increase nutrition and flavor.
