Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect comfort food, combining tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a creamy sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This casserole is an easy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or when you need to feed a crowd. With its combination of textures and flavors, it’s a wholesome meal that the whole family will enjoy.
This recipe is not only simple but also versatile, allowing you to customize it with your favorite vegetables and cheeses. Let’s dive into how to make this delicious casserole from scratch, with tips for easy variations.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Noodle Casserole
Family-Friendly: The combination of noodles, chicken, and a creamy sauce is a hit with both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Option: You can easily prepare this casserole ahead of time, refrigerate it, and bake it when you’re ready for dinner.
Customizable: Add vegetables, different cheeses, or herbs to make it your own.
One-Dish Meal: With protein, carbs, and vegetables all in one dish, this casserole is a complete meal.
Key Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
12 oz egg noodles (or any short pasta)
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works well)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or homemade cream sauce)
1 cup sour cream (or plain Greek yogurt)
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or other vegetables of your choice)
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or your favorite cheese)
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup breadcrumbs (optional for a crispy topping)
2 tablespoons melted butter (optional for the breadcrumb topping)
Directions:
Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (firm to the bite). Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the sautéed onion and garlic.
Add the Chicken and Vegetables: Stir in the cooked chicken and frozen peas and carrots (or other vegetables). Mix everything together until well combined.
Combine with Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the creamy chicken mixture and gently toss to coat the noodles evenly.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top.
Optional Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the cheese for a crispy topping.
Bake the Casserole: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling. If the topping is browning too quickly, cover the casserole loosely with foil for the last 10 minutes of baking.
Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives if desired.
Variations and Add-Ins
Vegetable Add-Ins: You can customize the vegetables based on your preference. Try adding broccoli, green beans, mushrooms, or spinach for added nutrition.
Different Cheeses: While cheddar is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or Parmesan for a different flavor profile.
Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Healthier Option: For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream and a low-fat cream of chicken soup.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free noodles and a gluten-free cream of chicken soup to make this casserole gluten-free.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Casserole
Use Leftover or Rotisserie Chicken: To save time, use pre-cooked chicken like rotisserie chicken or leftovers from a previous meal.
Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Since the noodles will continue to cook in the oven, make sure they’re cooked al dente to avoid mushy pasta.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Calories: Approximately 380-450 kcal
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fiber: 3g
Sugars: 3g
Conclusion
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. It’s a versatile recipe that you can customize to suit your tastes, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual get-togethers. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a warm, satisfying meal!