If you are on the hunt for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that combines creamy flavors with a satisfying crunch, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need in your life. With tender shredded chicken, cheesy egg noodles, and a medley of colorful mixed vegetables all baked to perfection under a buttery breadcrumb topping, this casserole is pure nostalgia in a dish. It’s simple, hearty, and perfect for feeding family and friends any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but play essential roles in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and crispy textures in this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. Each one brings something special to the party, from the chewy egg noodles to the rich soup base and melty cheese.
- 10 ounce egg noodles: Cooked and drained, these provide the comforting pasta base that soaks up all the lovely sauce.
- 10.5 ounce condensed cream of chicken soup: The secret to that rich, creamy sauce—feel free to sub cream of mushroom for a subtle twist.
- 1 cup whole milk: Adds creaminess and helps achieve the perfect casserole consistency.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Gives a gentle kick of flavor without overpowering.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Deepens the savory notes effortlessly.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning and bringing out flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a mild heat and balance.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: Think peas, carrots, and corn—adding color, nutrients, and a fresh crunch.
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here—it’s juicy and saves time.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese: Divided between the mixture and topping for cheesiness in every bite.
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs: Mixed with butter to create the golden, crispy topping everyone loves.
- ¼ cup melted butter: Binds the crumbs and ensures a perfectly browned crust.
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dried parsley (optional): For a fresh, pretty garnish that brightens up the casserole.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it reaches the perfect temperature by the time everything is ready. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish well—this helps your casserole slide out easily and prevents sticking.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Sauce
In a large bowl, mix together the condensed soup and whole milk until smooth and silky. Sprinkle in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, then stir thoroughly to evenly distribute all those wonderful flavors. This sauce will coat the noodles and chicken, binding everything deliciously.
Step 3: Combine Noodles, Vegetables, and Chicken
Add your cooked egg noodles, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded chicken, and one cup of shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce mixture. Give it all a good stir so everything is well coated and the cheese starts melting into the mix. This step sets the stage for the casserole’s cozy, cheesy filling.
Step 4: Transfer Mixture to Baking Dish
Pour your combined noodle and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula. Making sure it’s level ensures even cooking and baking.
Step 5: Prepare the Buttery Topping
In a separate small bowl, stir together the plain bread crumbs with the melted butter until every crumb is luxuriously coated. This mixture is what creates the irresistible crispy golden crust once baked.
Step 6: Top with Cheese and Bread Crumbs
Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole filling, then scatter the buttery bread crumbs on top in an even layer. This combination will give you cheesy pockets under a crunchy, buttery shell.
Step 7: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is a gorgeous golden brown and the casserole bubbles happily at the edges. That bubbling is pure comfort in action.
Step 8: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, give the casserole a few minutes to cool slightly—this helps it set so it slices nicely. If you have fresh or dried parsley on hand, sprinkle some on top for a vibrant, fresh finish that’s as beautiful as it is tasty.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A little parsley or even a sprinkle of extra shredded cheddar can brighten up the presentation and add a fresh note. You can also add a light dusting of paprika for some color and gentle warmth.
Side Dishes
This chicken noodle casserole pairs beautifully with crisp green salads or steamed veggies to balance the richness. For something heartier, roasted potatoes or crusty bread that can scoop up any leftover sauce are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this casserole family-style straight from the dish for a warm, inviting feel, or dish it out into individual ramekins for a lovely personal touch at your dinner table. Adding a small drizzle of hot sauce or a spoonful of sour cream on the side can create fun flavor twists that surprise guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, cover your leftover chicken noodle casserole tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3-4 days, perfect for quick lunches or dinners the next day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Transfer leftovers into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag, label it with the date, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for it, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through and bubbly again. To keep the topping crispy, avoid covering the casserole while reheating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While egg noodles are traditional and perfect for texture, you can substitute with other pasta like rotini, shells, or penne if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is there a way to make this casserole healthier?
Yes! Use low-fat or reduced-sodium cream soup, swap whole milk for a lower-fat version, and add extra veggies like broccoli or spinach. You could also cut back on the cheese or use a lighter variety.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Definitely. Replace the shredded chicken with hearty mushrooms or extra vegetables, and use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken to keep things flavorful and vegetarian.
What’s the best way to shred chicken quickly?
The easiest method is using your hands to pull apart warm cooked chicken, especially rotisserie chicken. Alternatively, two forks work well to shred chicken quickly if you prefer.
Do I need to thaw frozen vegetables before adding them?
Nope! You can add frozen mixed vegetables directly to the casserole. They’ll cook perfectly while the casserole bakes, saving you a prep step.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels like a warm hug from the inside out. Its amazing combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy elements makes it a true weeknight favorite. I hope you’ll give it a try soon—it’s easy to make, packed with comforting flavors, and guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table.
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Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and a creamy sauce topped with cheesy breadcrumbs, baked to golden perfection. Ideal for a hearty family dinner, it’s an easy-to-make, one-dish meal full of classic flavors.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 10 ounce egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, and corn)
- 10.5 ounce condensed cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom soup)
- 1 cup whole milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup plain bread crumbs
- ¼ cup melted butter
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh or dried parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and ensure even baking.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the condensed cream of chicken soup and whole milk, stirring until smooth. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to evenly distribute the seasoning.
- Combine Noodles and Chicken: Add the cooked egg noodles, frozen mixed vegetables, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out to distribute ingredients uniformly.
- Prepare Topping: In a separate bowl, mix the plain bread crumbs with the melted butter until crumbs are well coated, creating a flavorful and crispy topping.
- Add Cheese and Bread Crumb Topping: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the noodle mixture in the baking dish. Then, distribute the buttery bread crumbs evenly on top to form a golden crust once baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot throughout.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh or dried parsley if desired before serving warm for maximum flavor and presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile if preferred.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor, but any cooked shredded chicken works well.
- For a crunchier topping, you can add some grated Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture.
- This casserole can be prepared a day in advance and baked just before serving.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
