Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

A comforting classic that combines tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce to create the ultimate family-friendly comfort food. This casserole brings together simple ingredients in a dish that’s greater than the sum of its parts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, satisfying, and nostalgic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because it comes together quickly and can easily be prepped ahead. The combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and that irresistible cheesy sauce creates a meal that both kids and adults will eagerly devour. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can customize it with different vegetables or toppings to suit your family’s preferences. Plus, it makes great leftovers, tasting even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld together.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Shredded chicken provides the protein foundation for this casserole. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, or cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs ahead of time. It adds hearty texture and savory flavor throughout the dish.

Egg noodles are the perfect pasta choice for this casserole. Their tender, soft texture absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully, and their slight curl holds onto the sauce. Medium or wide egg noodles both work well depending on your preference.

Cream of chicken soup creates the base for the creamy sauce. It adds richness and a concentrated chicken flavor that ties the whole dish together. It also helps bind all the ingredients into a cohesive casserole.

Sour cream brings tangy richness and creaminess to the sauce. It balances the flavors and adds a subtle complexity that makes this casserole special. Greek yogurt can be substituted if you’re looking for a lighter option.

Milk helps thin the sauce to the perfect consistency. It creates a silky texture while adding a touch of additional richness.

Cheddar cheese delivers that irresistible melty, gooey quality everyone loves in a casserole. The sharpness cuts through the richness of the sauce, adding flavor complexity. Feel free to experiment with other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a combination of cheeses.

Peas and corn add color, texture, sweetness, and nutrition to the casserole. Their bright flavors complement the rich, creamy elements. If you’re not a fan, feel free to substitute with other vegetables like sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers.

Garlic powder and onion powder infuse the sauce with aromatic flavor without the texture of fresh garlic or onions. They add depth and complexity to the overall dish.

Salt and black pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors together and enhancing every component of the casserole.

Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs create a delicious crunchy topping that contrasts beautifully with the creamy casserole beneath. When mixed with butter and baked until golden, they add a wonderful textural element to each bite.

Butter helps the cracker or breadcrumb topping become golden and crispy as it bakes. It adds richness and helps the topping adhere to the casserole.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add shredded chicken, noodles, peas, and corn. Stir until well-coated in the sauce.
5. Pour the mixture into the greased casserole dish and top with remaining cheddar cheese. If using, top with buttered Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and Timing

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole yields 6 generous servings, making it perfect for family dinners with potential leftovers. The entire process takes about 40 minutes from start to finish—10 minutes of preparation time and 30 minutes of baking time. Each serving contains approximately 450 calories, providing a satisfying and fulfilling meal. If you’re serving a larger crowd, the recipe can easily be doubled and baked in two separate casserole dishes.

Variations

Broccoli Chicken Casserole: Substitute 2 cups of steamed broccoli florets for the peas and corn for a different vegetable twist.

Buffalo Chicken Version: Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the mixture and top with blue cheese instead of some of the cheddar for a spicy variation.

Tex-Mex Style: Include a can of diced green chilies, substitute pepper jack cheese, and add 1 teaspoon of cumin to the sauce for a southwestern flavor.

Mushroom Lover’s Casserole: Add 8 ounces of sautéed mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken.

Healthier Version: Use whole wheat egg noodles, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and add extra vegetables.

Herbed Chicken Casserole: Add 1 tablespoon each of fresh thyme and rosemary to the sauce mixture for an aromatic herb-infused version.

Storage/Reheating

This casserole stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Once cooled, cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days.

For reheating single portions, the microwave works well—heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. For best results, cover with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture.

To reheat the entire casserole, cover with foil and warm in a 325°F oven for about 20 minutes or until heated through. Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes if you want to re-crisp the top.

This casserole also freezes exceptionally well. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil, or store in airtight freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. When reheating from frozen, you may need to add 15-20 minutes to the reheating time.

For make-ahead preparation, you can assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake when ready to serve. You may need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time if cooking directly from the refrigerator.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this casserole?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe. Simply remove the meat from the bones and shred it. One medium rotisserie chicken typically yields about 3-4 cups of shredded meat, so you’ll have enough for this recipe with some possibly leftover for another meal.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple white sauce by melting 2 tablespoons of butter, whisking in 2 tablespoons of flour until smooth, then gradually adding 1 cup of chicken broth and 1/2 cup of milk. Season with chicken bouillon or extra herbs and simmer until thickened.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, this casserole is perfect for make-ahead meals. You can assemble it completely, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking directly from the refrigerator, add about 5-10 minutes to the cooking time.

How do I know when the casserole is done baking?

The casserole is done when the edges are bubbling, the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden, and the center is hot throughout. If you’re unsure, you can insert a knife into the center—it should come out hot to the touch.

Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?

Absolutely! Try using whole grain noodles, low-fat sour cream or Greek yogurt, reduced-fat cheese, and increasing the vegetables. You can also use a homemade cream sauce instead of canned soup to control the sodium and additives.

Can I freeze this chicken noodle casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. You can freeze it either before or after baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use an airtight container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What sides go well with this casserole?

This creamy casserole pairs beautifully with lighter sides like a crisp green salad, steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a light fruit salad. Garlic bread or dinner rolls are also excellent for sopping up the delicious sauce.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, while egg noodles have the perfect texture for this casserole, you can substitute with other pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or farfalle. Just be sure to cook them al dente since they’ll continue cooking slightly in the oven.

What if I don’t have Ritz crackers for the topping?

Any buttery cracker will work, or you can use panko breadcrumbs, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes mixed with the melted butter. For a low-carb option, try  almond flour mixed with herbs and butter.

Can I add more vegetables to this casserole?

Definitely! This recipe is very adaptable to additional vegetables. Consider adding diced bell peppers, broccoli florets, asparagus pieces, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms. Just make sure any vegetables with high water content are pre-cooked to avoid making the casserole watery.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole embodies comfort food at its finest—creamy, satisfying, and wonderfully nostalgic. Its beauty lies in both its simplicity and flexibility, allowing you to adapt it to your family’s preferences or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight, preparing it for someone who needs a little comfort, or bringing it to a potluck dinner, this casserole never disappoints. The combination of tender chicken, soft noodles, and that irresistible cheesy sauce creates a meal that satisfies both the stomach and the soul. With its make-ahead potential and excellent leftover quality, this recipe deserves a regular spot in your dinner rotation. Sometimes the simplest dishes are the ones that become family favorites for generations—and this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole has all the qualities of a recipe that will be requested again and again.

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