This chicken noodle casserole is the definition of comfort food. It brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken and noodles in every bite. Beyond just taste, there are numerous health benefits associated with preparing meals at home, as supported by research from the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. Best of all, it’s quick and easy to prepare, making it a perfect solution for busy weeknight dinners. You’ll love how simple it is to get this satisfying meal on your table.
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Casserole
This chicken noodle casserole will quickly become a family favorite for several reasons:
- Simple Ingredients: You likely have most items in your pantry already.
- Quick Prep: Spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meal.
- Versatile: Easily customize it with your favorite add-ins or substitutions.
- Family-Friendly: A dish everyone at the table will enjoy, even picky eaters.
- Satisfying Meal: It’s a truly fulfilling dish that warms you from the inside out.
Ingredients
Gather these pantry staples to create a wonderful chicken noodle casserole for your family. Each component plays a key role in the final comforting texture and taste.
- 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)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots
- 12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted
Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken: Feel free to use leftover turkey, boiled chicken, or a store-bought rotisserie chicken.
- Cream Soup: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent alternatives.
- Mayonnaise: Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can replace mayonnaise for a tangier flavor.
- Onion: If you don’t have fresh, use 1 tablespoon of dried minced onion flakes.
- Cheese: Any shredded cheese like Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend works well.
- Vegetables: Swap for any frozen mixed vegetables you have on hand.
- Bread Crumbs: Regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers make a fine topping if panko is unavailable.
- Butter: Salted butter is best for flavor and ensures a truly crispy topping.
Equipment
Having the right tools makes preparing this chicken noodle casserole even easier. You’ll need just a few common kitchen items.
- 9×13 inch baking dish
- Large mixing bowl
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Saucepan for noodles
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Whisk or spoon for mixing
Instructions
Making this chicken noodle casserole is straightforward. Follow these steps for a warm and comforting meal.
- Prepare Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the 12 ounce package of egg noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the 2 (12.5 ounce) cans of drained chunk chicken breast, 2 (10.5 ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of mayonnaise, 1 cup of milk, the 1/2 finely diced onion (if using), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots.
- Mix Well: Stir all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
- Add Noodles: Gently fold the cooked and drained egg noodles into the chicken mixture. Be careful not to break up the noodles too much. Ensure the noodles are well coated.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle 1 cup of panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Drizzle Butter: Pour 1 stick (1/2 cup) of melted salted butter over the bread crumbs. This creates a crispy, golden crust.
- Bake: Bake the uncovered chicken noodle casserole for about 30-35 minutes. It’s ready when the mixture is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your warm, comforting meal immediately.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
- Prevent Soggy Noodles: Always cook noodles to al dente before adding them. Overcooked noodles absorb too much liquid during baking.
- Ensure Creaminess: Mix all the creamy ingredients and vegetables thoroughly before folding in the noodles. This guarantees a consistent texture.
- Golden Topping: Don’t skip the melted butter over the panko bread crumbs. It’s essential for achieving that perfect crispy, golden brown crust.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
- Reheating: When reheating leftovers, add a splash of milk or chicken broth if it seems a bit dry. This helps restore its creamy consistency.
- Seasoning: Taste your mixture before baking and adjust with salt, black pepper, or a pinch of garlic powder to enhance the flavors.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
This chicken noodle casserole is a versatile dish. You can easily adapt it to your preferences and store it for later enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve this hearty casserole alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli make excellent vegetable companions.
Storage
- Refrigerate: To ensure the safety and quality of leftovers, consider general food safety guidelines for cooked dishes. Store any leftover chicken noodle casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm individual servings in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until heated through.
Freezing
- Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake it. Wrap the dish tightly with plastic wrap, then with aluminum foil.
- Duration: Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Baking from Frozen: Partially defrost in the refrigerator overnight before baking. Add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time, or bake from frozen (covered for the first 30 minutes) for 60-75 minutes.
Variations
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or a can of drained corn for extra flavor and texture.
- Spice It Up: A dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick.
- Herbaceous Touch: Mix in dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley for a different aromatic profile.
Nutrition
Here is an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving for this classic chicken noodle casserole. Please note these values are approximate and can vary based on specific brands and ingredient choices.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 |
| Carbohydrates | 45g |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 30g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g |
| Cholesterol | 90mg |
| Sodium | 1100mg |
| Fiber | 3g |
| Sugar | 5g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate based on ingredient values and is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
FAQ
- Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the chicken noodle casserole completely and refrigerate it unbaked for up to a day.
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned? Absolutely, use about 3 cups of cooked and diced chicken breast or thigh meat.
- What kind of noodles work best? Egg noodles are traditional for their texture and ability to absorb sauce. However, other short pasta shapes like penne or elbow macaroni also work well.
- Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free? Yes, simply use gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your cream of chicken soup is also gluten-free.
- How do I prevent the casserole from drying out? Ensure you use enough liquid as specified. Covering the casserole with foil for the first part of baking can also help retain moisture if it seems to be drying out too quickly.
Conclusion
This easy and classic chicken noodle casserole truly delivers on comfort and simplicity. It’s a wonderful meal that brings smiles to faces around the table, proving that delicious home cooking doesn’t need to be complicated. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a regular in your meal rotation. We’d love to hear your thoughts, so please share your comments and ratings below!