Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Warm & Cozy Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Creamy and hearty chicken noodle casserole brings warmth to every dinner table.

Packed with tender chicken and soft noodles, this comfort food classic delivers pure satisfaction.

Cheese melts perfectly throughout the dish, creating a rich and inviting texture.

Weeknight meals never tasted so good with this simple yet delicious recipe.

Home cooks love how quickly this casserole comes together with minimal ingredients.

The combination of savory chicken, noodles, and creamy sauce makes everyone at the table smile.

Serve this mouthwatering casserole and watch it disappear in minutes.

FAQs

  • Can I use other types of noodles instead of egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta like rotini, penne, or wide pasta. Just ensure they are cooked al dente before mixing with the sauce.

  • Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, cover it with foil, and refrigerate. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking and add a few extra minutes to the baking time.

  • Can I freeze this chicken noodle casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole before or after baking. If freezing before baking, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil. If freezing after baking, let it cool completely, then wrap securely. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

  • How can I make this recipe healthier?

To make it healthier, use low-fat cream soups, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and whole wheat noodles. You can also add more vegetables like peas, carrots, or spinach to increase nutritional value.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Calories: 490 kcal

Servings: 6

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole Comfort

For Noodle Base:
  • Egg Noodles: Soft, wavy pasta that provides delightful texture and comfort food foundation.
  • Chicken Broth: Adds rich, savory flavor depth and helps create silky sauce consistency.
For Protein and Creamy Elements:
  • Shredded Chicken: Tender protein that makes the dish hearty and satisfying.
  • Cream of Chicken Soup, Cream of Mushroom Soup: Creates luxurious, velvety sauce base with complex flavor layers.
  • Sour Cream: Introduces tangy richness and helps bind ingredients smoothly.
For Topping and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese that adds golden, crispy surface and bold taste.
  • Breadcrumbs: Creates irresistible crunchy texture and golden brown finish.
  • Melted Butter: Helps breadcrumbs achieve perfect golden crispness.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides nutty, sharp accent to breadcrumb topping.
For Seasoning:
  • Garlic Powder, Onion Powder: Adds robust, aromatic background flavor without fresh ingredient prep.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for balancing and elevating overall taste profile.

Prep Tools to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Easy

  • Large mixing bowl: Essential for combining sauces and mixing ingredients thoroughly.
  • Whisk: Perfect for blending soups and creating smooth sauce consistency.
  • 9×13-inch baking dish: Ideal size for preparing and baking the entire casserole.
  • Colander: Needed to drain cooked egg noodles quickly and efficiently.
  • Small bowl: Great for preparing breadcrumb topping mixture.
  • Cheese grater: Useful for shredding cheese if not pre-shredded.
  • Measuring cups and spoons: Crucial for accurate ingredient measurements.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Helps in stirring and mixing ingredients evenly.

Instructions for a Cozy Chicken Noodle Casserole

  • Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 375°F. Grease a big baking dish with a quick spray or butter swipe.

  • Tame the Noodles

Boil those egg noodles until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set them aside, ready for action.

  • Craft the Creamy Mixture

Whip together aal sauce in a large bowl. Blend cream soups, sour cream, and chicken broth with a sprinkle of garlic and onion. Fold in shredded chicken and cooked noodles until everything’s coated in deliciousness.

  • Build Your Flavor Mountain

Dump the creamy mixture into the baking dish. Rain down a blanket of shredded cheddar cheese across the top.

  • Create the Crunchy Crown

Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and a shake of Parmesan. Scatter this golden topping evenly over the cheese layer.

  • Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the edges bubble with excitement.

  • Serve and Celebrate

Let the casserole rest for a few minutes. Plate up with a crisp salad or steamed veggies for a meal that’ll make everyone cheer.

Tasty Twists for Chicken Noodle Casserole

  • Add an extra splash of cream cheese to make the sauce even richer and more indulgent.
  • Replace egg noodles with gluten-free pasta or rice noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Mix in chopped bell peppers, peas, or spinach to increase nutritional value and add vibrant colors to the casserole.
  • Substitute shredded chicken with cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even canned tuna for a quick protein alternative.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Hot and Hearty

  • Hearty Family Feast: Serve this comforting casserole as a main dish with crisp garden salad and mixed green vegetables for a balanced meal.
  • Potluck Party Favorite: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings, where its cheesy, creamy texture will have everyone coming back for seconds.
  • Weeknight Wellness Plate: Complement the casserole with roasted broccoli or cauliflower to add extra nutrition and vibrant color to your dinner spread.
  • Leftover: Transform any remaining casserole into a quick lunch by reheating and topping with fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives for added freshness.

Storing Chicken Noodle Casserole for Later Meals

  • Keep leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Wrap tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil to maintain freshness.
  • Prepare the entire casserole, cover completely with freezer-safe wrap, and store for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Divide casserole into individual serving containers for quick grab-and-go lunches or convenient weeknight dinners. Perfect for meal prepping and saving time.
  • Warm refrigerated portions in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. For oven reheating, cover with foil and warm at 350°F for 15-20 minutes to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.
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Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 7 1x

Description

Hearty chicken noodle casserole brings comfort and warmth to family dinners with creamy sauce and tender noodles. Cheesy layers and crisp breadcrumb topping create a satisfying meal you’ll savor with each delicious bite.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz (340 g) egg noodles
  • 2 cups (250 g) cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 cup (115 g) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • 1 cup (240 ml) sour cream
  • 1 cup (240 ml) chicken broth
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup (50 g) breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter, melted
  • ¼ cup (25 g) grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 375°F, grease a rectangular baking dish to prevent adhesion.
  2. Noodle Preparation: Cook egg noodles in rapidly boiling water until al dente, then drain completely.
  3. Sauce Creation: Whisk condensed chicken soup, cream of mushroom, sour cream, chicken broth, and seasonings into a harmonious, smooth mixture.
  4. Protein Integration: Blend tender chicken and cooked noodles thoroughly into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage.
  5. Assembly: Spread the noodle-chicken mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish, creating a uniform layer.
  6. Cheese Layer: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the entire surface to create a melty foundation.
  7. Crispy Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and parmesan cheese to craft a crunchy crown for the casserole.
  8. Finishing Touch: Distribute the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer, creating a textural crust.
  9. Baking Process: Slide the casserole into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 25-30 minutes until the top turns golden-brown and filling becomes bubbly.
  10. Serving: Remove from oven, let rest briefly, and serve alongside a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Notes

  • Prevent Pasta Mushiness: Cook egg noodles just until al dente to maintain texture, as they’ll continue softening during baking.
  • Balance Sauce Consistency: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to prevent lumps and ensure smooth, even coating across noodles and chicken.
  • Optimize Cheese Melting: Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and more vibrant flavor compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Customize Dietary Needs: Swap regular noodles with gluten-free varieties and use low-sodium soup for healthier alternative without compromising taste.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 7
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg
Emily Lawson

Emily Lawson

Content Creator & Culinary Specialist

Expertise

  • Creative Content Writing and Blogging​
  • Plant-Based and Alternative Grilling Recipes​
  • Food Styling and Visual Storytelling​
  • Nutritional Analysis and Healthy Cooking

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on farm-to-table cooking, sustainable practices, and the fusion of global flavors with traditional grilling methods. ​


Emily Lawson is the content creator at Daves Grill, turning tasty ideas into clear, easy recipes. Based in Portland, she trained at the Oregon Culinary Institute and loves cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, especially grilled veggies and global flavors.

Emily mixes food writing with hands-on cooking to bring you recipes that feel fun, not stressful. Her goal is to make every dish simple, flavorful, and worth coming back to. Together, she and Dave serve up real food, one recipe at a time.

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