If you are looking for a cozy, comforting dish that brings everyone to the table with smiles, this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is an absolute winner. Picture tender chicken and perfectly cooked egg noodles enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce that’s bursting with flavor thanks to a blend of cheddar and mozzarella. Topped with a delightful crunch—either buttery crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs—this casserole has that perfect balance of creamy and crispy that makes it the ultimate weeknight dinner or potluck star. It’s simple to make, uses straightforward ingredients, and always delivers a hearty hug in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
All the ingredients for this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe are wonderfully accessible, but each plays a vital role in creating its luscious flavor and texture. From the savory cream soup base to the melty cheeses and the crunchy topping, every component comes together to make this dish irresistibly tasty.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups): Shredded or diced, this is the hearty protein that makes the casserole filling and satisfying.
- Egg noodles (1 package, 12 oz): Their soft yet firm texture perfectly holds the creamy sauce and chicken.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This adds richness and depth to the sauce, making it creamy and flavorful.
- Sour cream (1 cup): It adds a slight tang and silkiness, enhancing the overall creaminess.
- Cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups shredded): Sharp and melty, cheddar brings a bold, cheesy punch.
- Mozzarella cheese (1 cup shredded): Adds gooey stretch and mild flavor to balance the sharper cheddar.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Lightens the sauce just enough and keeps it from becoming too thick.
- Garlic powder (1 teaspoon): Gives a subtle savory kick without overpowering the dish.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a mild sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon) and black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Season perfectly to bring all the ingredients together.
- Crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional): A crunchy, buttery topping that adds texture and visual appeal.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons, if using chips): Helps the topping crisp up beautifully in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), which gives it the right environment to bake everything evenly. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so your cheesy creation won’t stick and can slide out easily once baked.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil the egg noodles following the package instructions until perfectly al dente—soft but with a bit of bite. Drain them well, then set aside so they’re ready to soak up that creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Sauce
In a big bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir it all up until you have a smooth, flavorful sauce that’s the heart of your casserole.
Step 4: Add Chicken and Noodles
Gently fold the cooked chicken and noodles into your cheesy sauce mixture. Be careful to mix just enough to coat everything evenly without breaking up the noodles or chicken too much—that way each bite is perfectly balanced.
Step 5: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Transfer the whole combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking. You want every scoop to deliver equal amounts of cheesy goodness and tender chicken.
Step 6: Add the Cheese Topping
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese over the top for an extra layer of melty, golden cheese crust once baked. This sets the stage for an alluringly cheesy finish.
Step 7: Add Crunchy Topping (Optional)
If you want that extra texture, mix the crushed potato chips with melted butter or use breadcrumbs instead, then sprinkle this over the cheese. The toppings create a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy interior.
Step 8: Bake Until Bubbly and Golden
Pop the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top is golden brown, bubbly, and the entire dish is piping hot—perfection on every level.
Step 9: Let it Cool Before Serving
Once out of the oven, allow the casserole to sit for a few minutes. This rest time lets it firm up slightly and makes it easier to serve delicious, maintainable portions without it falling apart.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives add a burst of bright color and a light fresh flavor that contrasts wonderfully with the rich, cheesy casserole. A sprinkle of paprika can also add a subtle smoky touch and enhance the appearance.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad or steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans perfectly offset the richness of this casserole. The fresh crunch and lightness of these sides provide balance and round out your meal beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch. Alternatively, layer it in clear serving dishes to showcase the cheesy layers, or garnish with colorful sliced cherry tomatoes for a fresh pop of color that invites second helpings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat gently to retain its creamy texture without drying out.
Freezing
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes beautifully. Prepare the casserole as directed but do not bake it. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. To bake from frozen, add extra baking time and bake covered first, then uncover for browning.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, typically 20–25 minutes. Cover the dish with foil to prevent over-browning, uncover for the last few minutes for a crispy top. Alternatively, microwave individual servings but keep in mind the texture will be best when reheated in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?
Absolutely! While egg noodles soak up the sauce wonderfully, you can swap in your favorite pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Just keep an eye on cooking times so noodles stay perfectly tender and not mushy.
Is it okay to use leftover chicken?
Using leftover chicken is actually a smart and tasty way to make this casserole. Just shred or dice it well and add it straight into the sauce mixture—no changes needed!
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or peas. You might want to use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for more flavor.
What’s the best cheese combination for this recipe?
The blend of sharp cheddar and mild mozzarella provides a perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for your own twist.
How crunchy should the topping be?
The topping should be golden and crispy but not burnt. The potato chip and butter mixture browns quickly, so keep an eye on it in the last few minutes of baking to achieve that perfect crunch.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm, satisfying hug after a long day. It’s easy to prepare, uses simple ingredients, and comes together into something so flavorful and crowd-pleasing that it quickly becomes a household favorite. Give it a try for your next family dinner, and you might just find yourself making it again (and again) because it’s that good!
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Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Combining tender cooked chicken, soft egg noodles, creamy sour cream, and two types of melted cheese, it’s topped with a crunchy potato chip or breadcrumb crust for added texture and flavor. Baked to golden perfection, this casserole is both easy to prepare and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 (12 oz) package egg noodles (or your favorite pasta)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed potato chips or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (if using potato chips)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter to prevent sticking during baking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles following the package instructions until al dente. Drain them thoroughly and set aside to cool slightly.
- Mix Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and uniformly blended.
- Add Chicken and Noodles: Gently fold the cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles into the creamy mixture, ensuring everything is evenly coated without breaking the noodles too much.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly across the top of the casserole for that cheesy crust.
- Prepare Topping: If using the optional topping, mix the crushed potato chips with the melted butter and sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer. Alternatively, use breadcrumbs as a crunchy topping instead.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving to let it set. Enjoy a warm and cheesy meal!
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for convenience.
- If preferred, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter option.
- For a gluten-free variation, use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs or omit the topping.
- Crushed potato chips add a delicious crunch but can be omitted for a softer topping.
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, especially if your soup or cheese is already salty.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
