If you are craving something hearty, comforting, and downright delicious, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is about to become your new go-to meal. It’s a perfect blend of tender chicken, creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and tender egg noodles all baked to a golden, bubbly perfection. Whether you’re feeding a family or just want an easy, satisfying dinner, this casserole brings warmth and flavor that feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate. Trust me, once you make this dish, you’ll be adding it to your favorites for good!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its simple but thoughtful ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so irresistible.
- Chunk chicken breast (2 cans or 3 cups rotisserie): Using pre-cooked chicken saves time while providing tender, protein-packed meat.
- Cream of chicken soup (2 cans): Adds creamy richness and depth to the casserole without extra fuss.
- Mayonnaise (1 cup): Brings moisture and a subtle tang that balances the creamy flavors perfectly.
- Milk (1 cup): Lightens the sauce, ensuring the casserole is luxuriously creamy but not heavy.
- Onion, finely diced (1/2, optional): Adds a mild sweetness and aromatic complexity; dried onion flakes work well, too.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): Melts beautifully, creating that classic cheesy texture everyone loves.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 1/2 cups): Adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness with a tender bite.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces, cooked and drained): The comforting base that soaks up all the delicious creamy sauce.
- Panko bread crumbs (1 cup): Provide the perfect crunchy topping contrast for the creamy casserole beneath.
- Salted butter (1 stick, melted): Drizzled on top to brown the bread crumbs to golden perfection.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Start by preheating your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and giving a 9×13-inch baking dish a good spray with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures the casserole doesn’t stick and comes out easily after baking, making clean-up a breeze.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the chunk chicken breast (drained), cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, and finely diced onion if you’re using it. Then stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and frozen peas and carrots. This mixture is the creamy, cheesy core of the casserole that brings every bite to life.
Step 3: Add the Cooked Noodles
Gently fold the cooked and drained egg noodles into the creamy mixture. The key here is to mix just enough so that the noodles are well coated without breaking or mashing them. They will soak up the flavors and give the casserole its classic comforting texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then sprinkle the panko bread crumbs over the top. These crispy crumbs create that amazing golden crust everyone looks forward to in a great casserole.
Step 5: Add the Butter and Bake
Drizzle the melted salted butter evenly over the panko topping. This step is what gives the topping a rich, buttery crunch. Bake the casserole uncovered for about 30 to 35 minutes until it becomes bubbly and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once baked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole settle and makes it easier to scoop out perfect portions without it falling apart. Then, dig in and enjoy the warm, cheesy comfort of this classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe!
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top adds a pop of fresh color and a mild flavor contrast that brightens the dish. If you love a little extra zing, a dash of cracked black pepper or paprika on the finished casserole can enhance its appeal too.
Side Dishes
Because this casserole is so hearty, lighter side dishes work best. A crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or steamed green beans tossed with garlic make excellent, refreshing complements. Alternatively, a simple fruit salad adds a sweet and juicy contrast to the creamy casserole.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, spoon the chicken noodle casserole into individual ramekins for personal servings that look extra special. You can also top each serving with a sprinkle of extra cheese and breadcrumbs, then broil briefly for an ultra-crispy finish. It’s a great way to impress guests or make a weeknight meal feel a little fancier!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain moisture and freshness. When ready to eat, leftovers warm up wonderfully without losing flavor or texture.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it has cooled. Wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit, covered with foil, until heated through. Removing the foil in the last few minutes helps re-crisp the topping for that fresh-from-the-oven experience.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken?
Absolutely! Using cooked, diced rotisserie chicken is a fantastic alternative and adds a fresh, homemade element. Just make sure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in this recipe?
You can use sour cream or Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise to achieve a similar creamy texture with a slightly tangier flavor. Both work well and add a nice richness to the casserole.
Can I make this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the egg noodles for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Most other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be sure.
What can I add to make it more vegetable-heavy?
Feel free to add extra vegetables like chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach. Just sauté any harder vegetables first to soften them before mixing them into the casserole for even cooking.
Can this casserole be prepared ahead and baked later?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole the day before, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it. When you’re ready, bake it as directed, adding a few extra minutes if baking straight from cold.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that feels like a warm hug at the end of a long day. Easy to make, full of flavor, and satisfying in every bite, it’s destined to become a staple in your recipe collection. Don’t just take my word for it—try it yourself and watch it quickly become one of your all-time favorites!
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Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45-50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender chunks of chicken, creamy soup, cheddar cheese, and classic egg noodles, all topped with a buttery panko crust. Perfect for a hearty family dinner, this casserole bakes to a golden bubbly perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained (or about 3 cups of store-bought rotisserie chicken, diced)
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 onion, finely diced (optional) (or 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
Pasta
- 12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the drained chunk chicken breast, cream of chicken soups, mayonnaise, milk, finely diced onion (or dried onion flakes), shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots until well combined.
- Add Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked and drained egg noodles to the chicken mixture, ensuring even distribution without breaking the noodles.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to fill the dish.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Butter Topping: Drizzle the melted salted butter evenly over the panko crumbs to help achieve a golden, crispy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from oven, let cool slightly, then dig in and enjoy your creamy, cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole!
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut instead of canned chicken for fresher flavor.
- If you don’t have fresh onion, dried onion flakes work well as a substitute.
- Ensure noodles are fully cooked and drained to avoid a soggy casserole.
- For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
