If comfort food had a superstar, it would be this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Imagine tender, juicy chicken shredded and combined with perfectly cooked egg noodles, creamy soup, and a medley of veggies all baked until bubbling with melty cheese on top. This dish isn’t just simple to make; it’s a heartwarming, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, or anytime you crave something reliably delicious and soothing. Once you try this recipe, it’s bound to become one of your go-to dishes for family dinners or cozy nights at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings something special—creaminess, flavor, texture, or a touch of color—that together create that irresistible balance we all love in a casserole.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The main protein that’s juicy, tender, and easy to shred for perfect bite-sized pieces.
- Wide egg noodles: These hold sauce beautifully and add a satisfying, chewy texture.
- Cream of chicken soup: The silky base that makes every bite creamy and comforting.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Keeps the casserole moist without overpowering flavors.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy creaminess that lightens the richness just enough.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella): A melty, gooey topping that’s golden brown and oh so inviting.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots): Provide a pop of color plus sweet and fresh veggie flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds depth and a subtle savory note.
- Garlic powder: Brings a warm, aromatic punch that complements the chicken perfectly.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Noodles
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole mixture is complete. While it heats up, boil your wide egg noodles in salted water until they are just al dente, around 8 minutes. This prevents them from becoming mushy when baked, guaranteeing a perfect texture in your casserole.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper for a simple but flavorful base. Cook them in a skillet over medium heat until each side is golden brown and the chicken is fully cooked through – about 6 to 7 minutes per side. Once cool enough to handle, shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces. This shredding step ensures the noodles and chicken blend beautifully in every forkful.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
Now it’s time for the magic—combine your cooked noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen vegetables, and seasonings like garlic and onion powder in a large mixing bowl. Add half of the shredded cheese here to melt throughout the casserole, enriching the creamy, savory layers.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in your mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top for that gorgeous golden crust that makes this dish irresistible. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s bubbly and perfectly browned. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving to allow the casserole to set and flavors to marry.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or chives on top adds a burst of color and a fresh hint that brightens the rich casserole. If you like a little crunch, toasted breadcrumbs or crushed crackers seasoned with a pinch of paprika can add delightful texture right before serving.
Side Dishes
This casserole pairs wonderfully with light sides to balance out its richness. A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess nicely, while steamed green beans or roasted asparagus provide a fresh, nutrient-packed complement.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins or small oven-safe bowls for a personalized touch. You can also top each serving with a little dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hot sauce to jazz it up and make it feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, simply cover the casserole tightly with plastic wrap or transfer portions to airtight containers and refrigerate. It will keep deliciously for up to 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for next-day meals or packed lunches.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully. To freeze, cool completely then wrap the baking dish tightly in aluminum foil or transfer to freezer-safe containers. It’s best enjoyed within 2 to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly, or microwave individual servings until hot, stirring occasionally. If the casserole seems dry, a splash of chicken broth or a little extra sour cream can bring back its creamy goodness.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking breasts?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds extra flavor and saves time without sacrificing any of the cozy appeal of the casserole.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you want to avoid canned soup, try making a homemade white sauce with butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth for a fresh, from-scratch alternative that’s just as creamy.
Can I add different vegetables?
Definitely! Broccoli florets, chopped spinach, or mushrooms all work great and can give the casserole your personal twist while boosting the veggie content.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, the Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent choice for batch cooking and meal prepping ahead of busy days.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Swap the cheese and sour cream for dairy-free alternatives like vegan cheese and a coconut or cashew-based sour cream substitute to keep it creamy but suit your dietary needs.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a total winner for anyone who craves comfort with minimal fuss. It’s full of flavor, easy to whip up, and perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Trust me, once you make this dish, it will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a warm, cozy, and incredibly satisfying dinner that everyone will love!
Print
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for a family dinner. Tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce with sour cream and cream of chicken soup, mixed with cheesy egg noodles and vegetables, baked to golden perfection. Simple to prepare and satisfying for all ages.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Pasta & Vegetables
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
Sauce & Cheese
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (approximately 10.5 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella, divided)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole later.
- Cook the noodles: Boil the wide egg noodles in salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook and shred the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook them in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side. Allow the chicken to cool slightly before shredding it into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix the casserole ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Stir well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Assemble the casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese on top to create a cheesy crust.
- Bake the casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
- Cool and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and to make it easier to portion out.
Notes
- You can substitute the frozen mixed vegetables with fresh vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers if desired.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth and soup to reduce salt content for a healthier option.
- For a richer flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the sauce mixture.
- If you prefer, cooked rotisserie chicken can be used to save time.
