Warm, bubbly, and utterly satisfying, a classic chicken noodle casserole is the quintessential comfort food. This recipe makes preparing it a breeze, perfect for busy parents and beginners alike. You’ll create a creamy mixture with tender chicken and soft noodles, all topped with a golden, crispy crust. Get ready to enjoy a hearty, homemade meal that tastes like a hug in a dish!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Casserole
This delightful chicken noodle casserole quickly became a family favorite in our home, and it will in yours too.
- Quick and easy: It requires minimal prep time, getting dinner on the table faster.
- Simple ingredients: You likely have most of the pantry staples already on hand.
- Weeknight savior: Perfect for those busy evenings when you need a comforting meal.
- Hearty and satisfying: Each spoonful offers a delicious blend of flavors and textures.
- Crowd-pleaser: Everyone from picky eaters to adults will ask for seconds of this dish.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your scrumptious chicken noodle casserole:
- 2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained (or about 3 cups cooked, diced chicken)
- 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
You have flexibility with many of these ingredients.
- Chicken: Use cooked chicken breast, thighs, or a convenient rotisserie chicken.
- Soup: Substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you prefer.
- Mayonnaise: Swap for sour cream or plain Greek yogurt for a slightly different tang.
- Onion: Dried minced onion (about 1 tablespoon) works well if you skip fresh.
- Cheese: Any melty cheese blend, like a Colby Jack or a Mexican blend, is great here.
- Vegetables: Feel free to use a mixed frozen vegetable medley.
- Breadcrumbs: Crushed Ritz crackers or saltine crackers make a fantastic alternative topping.
- Butter: For the crispiest topping, real butter is always best.
Equipment
You won’t need many specialized tools for this easy chicken noodle casserole.
- A 9×13-inch baking dish is essential for a family-sized portion.
- Grab a large mixing bowl for combining your creamy base.
- Use a large pot to cook your egg noodles to perfection.
- Keep non-stick cooking spray handy for easy cleanup.
Instructions
Follow these clear, step-by-step instructions for an amazing chicken noodle casserole:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray your 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Cook the 12 ounce package of egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them thoroughly once cooked.
In a large mixing 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, and 1 cup of milk. Add the 1/2 finely diced onion (if using), 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and 1 1/2 cups of frozen peas and carrots.
Stir all these ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and evenly distributed.
Gently fold the cooked and drained egg noodles into the creamy chicken mixture. Be careful not to break up the noodles too much.
Pour the entire mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Evenly sprinkle 1 cup of panko bread crumbs over the top of the casserole. This will create a wonderful crispy crust.
Drizzle the 1 stick of melted salted butter (1/2 cup) evenly over the panko bread crumbs. Ensure good coverage for a golden top.
Bake the chicken noodle casserole uncovered for about 30-35 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the top is golden brown and crispy.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and the casserole to set slightly. Dig in and enjoy your delicious homemade meal!
Pro Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole
Achieve perfect results with these simple pro tips.
- Noodle texture: Cook egg noodles until just al dente. For a detailed guide on achieving the perfect texture, learn about the right way to cook pasta al dente. This prevents them from becoming mushy in the casserole.
- Prevent dryness: Avoid overbaking your casserole. It should remain creamy and moist, not dried out.
- Flavor depth: Sauté fresh onions before adding them for a richer, more developed flavor.
- Seasoning: Boost the taste with a pinch of garlic powder, black pepper, or a dash of dried herbs like thyme or sage.
- Extra crispy top: For an extra golden and crunchy topping, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the very end. Watch it carefully!
- Even baking: Distribute all ingredients evenly in the dish to ensure consistent cooking and flavor in every bite.
- Make ahead: Assemble the casserole completely without baking. Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours, then bake as directed, adding extra time if needed.
Serving, Storage, and Variations
Make this a complete meal or store it for later with these helpful tips.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your creamy casserole alongside a crisp, fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette.
- Pair it with warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up all the delicious sauce.
- Offer a side of steamed green beans or roasted broccoli for added vegetables.
Storage Instructions
- Allow the chicken noodle casserole to cool completely to room temperature before storing.
- Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Reheat individual portions gently in the microwave or a larger portion in the oven until warmed through.
Freezing Instructions
- Unbaked: Assemble the casserole as directed, but do not bake. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap, then foil. For comprehensive information on safely freezing food, consult the USDA’s guidelines on safe freezing and food handling practices. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Thawing: Partially thaw the unbaked casserole in the refrigerator overnight before baking.
- Baking from frozen: If baking from mostly frozen, you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the bake time.
- Baked: Freeze individual portions of baked casserole for convenient, quick meals later.
Recipe Variations
- Cheese options: Experiment with Swiss, Monterey Jack, or even mozzarella for a different cheesy pull.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a subtle kick.
- Extra veggies: Stir in other favorites like cooked broccoli florets, corn, or diced bell peppers.
- Herbaceous: Mix in fresh chopped parsley or thyme with the creamy base for bright flavor.
- Gluten-free: Use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and ensure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free.
Nutrition Information
This creamy chicken noodle casserole offers a hearty and satisfying meal.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~745 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~29g |
| Protein | ~40g |
| Fat | ~51g |
| Saturated Fat | ~15g |
| Cholesterol | ~123mg |
| Sodium | ~1050mg |
| Fiber | ~2g |
| Sugar | ~4g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Here are answers to common questions about this delicious chicken noodle casserole.
- Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, absolutely! Use about 3 cups of cooked, diced chicken breast or thigh, or even a store-bought rotisserie chicken. - What other cream soups can I use?
Cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes if you don’t have cream of chicken soup. - Can I use regular breadcrumbs or crackers?
Yes, regular plain breadcrumbs work fine. Crushed Ritz crackers or saltine crackers also make a delicious, buttery topping. - Can I make this in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
This specific recipe is designed for oven baking to achieve that golden, crispy topping and bubbly creamy consistency. - Can I freeze chicken noodle casserole?
Yes, you can freeze it unbaked for up to 3 months, or individual portions of the baked casserole. Thaw partially before baking. - How long do leftovers last?
Store any leftover chicken noodle casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Conclusion
This ultimate creamy chicken noodle casserole truly delivers on comfort, ease, and delicious flavor. It brings together simple ingredients to create a rich, hearty meal that everyone will adore. We encourage you to whip up this family-friendly dish tonight and savor every warm, bubbly bite. We’d love to hear your thoughts or see your creations in the comments below!