If you are searching for a comforting dinner that feels like a warm hug, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is just what you need. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and colorful vegetables, it combines simple ingredients in a way that delivers a satisfying, wholesome meal for the whole family. The beauty of this dish lies in its ease—each component plays a role in building layers of flavor and texture while coming together faster than many homestyle casseroles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that work beautifully to create a rich and creamy casserole. Each item is chosen not only for its flavor but also for adding essential texture, moisture, and color to every delicious bite.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless, skinless breasts for tender, shreddable meat that soaks up the flavors perfectly.
- Wide egg noodles: These hearty noodles hold sauce well and add a satisfying chew to the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup: The base that brings silky creaminess and depth effortlessly.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds moisture and richness without overwhelming saltiness.
- Sour cream: Gives tang and luscious texture that brightens the overall taste.
- Shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella): Combines sharpness and gooey stretchiness for irresistible topping and mix-in.
- Frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots): Adds pops of sweetness, color, and nutrition without extra prep.
- Onion powder: Infuses subtle savory warmth enhancing the chicken flavor.
- Garlic powder: Gives that cozy, aromatic lift that everyone loves.
- Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings to bring all the ingredients into harmony.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Cook the Noodles
Start by boiling the wide egg noodles until they are perfectly al dente, usually about 8 minutes. You want them tender but still holding some bite to avoid turning mushy after baking. Once cooked, drain and set aside to cool slightly while preparing other components.
Step 2: Cook and Shred the Chicken
Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Using a skillet over medium heat, cook the chicken until it’s golden brown on each side, roughly 6 to 7 minutes per side. Allow the meat to cool enough to handle, then shred it into bite-sized pieces. This step ensures juicy, flavorful chicken throughout your casserole.
Step 3: Mix the Casserole Ingredients
In a large 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 everything together gently until evenly mixed—this creamy mixture is the heart of your casserole.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly, then pour the noodle and chicken mixture inside. Spread it evenly and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for a golden, bubbly finish. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 30 to 35 minutes until the casserole is hot and the cheese has melted into a gorgeous, appetizing crust. Let it cool for about 5 to 10 minutes before serving for the best texture.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives adds a burst of color and a fresh note that complements the rich casserole beautifully. You can also toss a few crushed crispy fried onions on top for a delightful crunch contrast.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the main event, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables brightens the plate and adds fresh textures. Simple garlic bread or warm dinner rolls also make welcoming companions for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, serve the casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch. You can also layer it in a clear glass casserole dish to show off the noodle, vegetable, and cheese layers for a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled completely, transfer leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The casserole stays flavorful and creamy, making for delicious next-day meals.
Freezing
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. Place it in a freezer-safe container before baking, or freeze baked portions. It will keep well for up to 3 months, so you can enjoy this comforting dish anytime.
Reheating
Reheat refrigerated or thawed portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, about 20 minutes. Microwave reheating works too—just cover to prevent drying and stir halfway for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking fresh chicken?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that saves time and adds extra flavor. Just shred the chicken and fold it directly into the casserole mixture.
Can I substitute other vegetables for peas and carrots?
Definitely. Broccoli florets, green beans, or corn make excellent alternatives, allowing you to customize the dish to your family’s preferences or what’s available.
Is it possible to make this casserole dairy-free?
Yes, by swapping sour cream for a dairy-free yogurt and using dairy-free cheese alternatives, you can enjoy a similar creamy texture with less lactose.
What can I do to make this casserole higher in protein?
Adding extra chicken, mixing in cottage cheese, or stirring in cooked lentils can boost the protein content while keeping it hearty and satisfying.
Can I prepare this recipe in an Instant Pot or slow cooker?
While this recipe is designed for oven baking, you can adapt it by cooking the noodles and chicken separately, then combining everything in a slow cooker to heat through. Just ensure the cheese melts well before serving.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly comforting about gathering around a baking dish filled with cheesy noodles, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables. This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe hits all the right notes for a crowd-pleasing, cozy meal that’s surprisingly simple to pull together. I encourage you to try it soon—once you do, it might just become your go-to favorite for weeknights or casual family dinners!
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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, creamy soup and sour cream, mixed vegetables, and a melty cheese topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Noodles
- 8 oz wide egg noodles
Mix-Ins
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas and carrots)
- Onion powder, to taste
- Garlic powder, to taste
Cheese
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and mozzarella, mixed)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles until al dente, approximately 8 minutes, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- Cook Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Cook in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side or until golden brown and fully cooked. Allow to cool before shredding into bite-sized pieces.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheese. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all ingredients.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture evenly into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Remove from oven and let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Using low-sodium chicken broth helps control the salt level in the dish.
- You can substitute mixed cheese for your preference, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella provides great flavor and melt.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add an extra 5-10 minutes to the bake time if baking cold.
- For a crispy topping, add breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
