If you’re craving something that wraps all the warmth and comfort of homemade cooking into a single dish, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is your new best friend. It’s the perfect blend of tender chicken, silky noodles, savory cheese, and a creamy sauce that holds everything together just so. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or want an easy but impressive dish for guests, this casserole brings cozy vibes and vibrant flavors to the table effortlessly. Let’s dive in and make a dish you’ll find yourself making over and over again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients, each carefully chosen to build layers of flavor and texture. From the tender shredded chicken to the medley of colorful vegetables, every component adds something special to the casserole’s character.
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles: Cooking them al dente gives a perfect chewy base that won’t turn mushy in the casserole.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover rotisserie or poached chicken for moist, flavorful protein.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: This blend of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans adds a pop of color and nutritious sweetness.
- 1 large onion, diced: Adds depth and a gentle sweetness once sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant base that elevates the whole dish.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates richness in your roux and sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances out the butter and helps sauté the aromatics evenly.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the creamy sauce to just the right consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses flavor and moisture into the sauce.
- 1 cup milk: Adds silkiness and helps create that luscious creamy texture.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Gives a subtle brightness that cuts through the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings in an herby, savory note that ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for balancing flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Offers just the right amount of gentle heat.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully on top for a gooey, golden finish.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a fresh, green pop on the plate.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to get it ready for baking. Then, in a large skillet, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan, cooking until they soften and become fragrant, about 4 minutes. This step releases savory flavors that form the backbone of your sauce, making the casserole irresistibly aromatic from the start.
Step 2: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened onions and garlic while stirring continuously for 1 to 2 minutes. This cooks out the raw flour taste and creates a thickening base known as a roux, which is crucial for giving your sauce the perfect creamy texture without clumps.
Step 3: Whisk in Liquids
Slowly add the chicken broth and milk to the roux while whisking constantly. This ensures a smooth sauce that thickens as it heats over about 5 minutes. You’ll notice your sauce turning velvety and rich, building the creamy goodness that binds the casserole.
Step 4: Season the Sauce
Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to your sauce. These seasonings bring a bright, herby, and balanced flavor profile that prevents the creaminess from feeling too heavy and keeps your casserole lively and fresh.
Step 5: Combine All Ingredients
Mix in the cooked chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles right into the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly to make sure every bite gets coated in the luscious sauce, with a mix of textures from tender chicken to crisp vegetables and chewy noodles.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Transfer this hearty mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly, then sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese across the top for that golden, bubbly finish. Pop it into the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the cheese melts into a bubbly, inviting layer that tells you the casserole is ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley over the hot casserole adds a burst of color and a subtle herby brightness that perfectly complements the creamy, cheesy base. The pop of green also makes the dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to add contrast. Soft bread rolls or garlic bread on the side also work beautifully to help sop up every bit of that creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins topped with a parmesan crust. You can also layer the casserole with extra cheese and breadcrumbs on top for a crunchy topping that adds a delightful texture contrast. A drizzle of flavored olive oil or a few red pepper flakes on top before serving can add some extra flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting dish anytime without extra effort.
Freezing
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes well too. Just assemble it in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating and baking.
Reheating
Warm your casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 20 minutes, to keep the texture just right. You can cover it with foil to prevent the cheese from burning. Alternatively, use the microwave for a quicker option, but keep the power moderate to avoid drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles instead of wide egg noodles?
Absolutely! While wide egg noodles give a classic texture, you can use penne, rotini, or even fusilli. Just be sure to cook them al dente as they will continue to soften in the casserole.
Is it possible to make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, you can skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or broccoli. Substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth to maintain depth of flavor.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time before baking?
Definitely. Assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or entertaining.
What cheese alternatives work well if I don’t have Colby Jack?
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella make excellent substitutes. Each brings its own flavor and melting quality that complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
How can I add a crunchy topping to this casserole?
Try sprinkling breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and a little Parmesan cheese on top before baking. This adds a delicious golden crunch that contrasts nicely with the creamy filling.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day. It’s packed with flavor, comfort, and just enough flair to feel special yet easy to put together. I can’t wait for you to try it and see for yourself how this lovely, hearty casserole wins hearts and fills bellies with every bite.
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This homemade chicken noodle casserole is a comforting, hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and mixed vegetables in a creamy Italian-seasoned sauce, all baked to bubbly perfection with melted Colby Jack cheese on top. Perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a satisfying, flavorful meal.
Ingredients
Primary Ingredients
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour with the sautéed onions and garlic, and cook for 1-2 minutes to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk to the roux, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes until it thickens into a creamy sauce.
- Season Sauce: Stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to flavor the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Mix thoroughly to evenly coat everything with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden, and the casserole is hot throughout.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- For best results, cook the egg noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with any favorite or seasonal vegetables.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Use low-fat milk or chicken broth for a lighter version of the sauce.
- Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can be added for extra flavor if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
