Name: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: Egg Noodles: 12 ounces; Butter: 2 tablespoons; Yellow Onion: 1 small, diced; Garlic: 2 cloves, minced; Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or chopped; Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 can (10.5 ounces); Sour Cream: ½ cup; Milk: ½ cup; Peas and Carrots: 1½ cups, frozen, thawed; Cheddar Cheese: 1½ cups, shredded; Salt: ½ teaspoon; Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon; Butter Crackers: ½ cup, crushed (like Ritz); Melted Butter: 1 tablespoon

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If you’re after a dish that wraps you in pure comfort and is beloved by all ages, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe needs to be in your regular rotation. Creamy, cheesy, and bubbling with golden-brown goodness under a buttery cracker crust, it’s the perfect blend of nostalgia and flavor. With familiar ingredients and simple steps, it’s a cozy meal that delivers both crowd-pleasing taste and weeknight convenience—you’ll find yourself coming back to this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe again and again.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses straightforward, fuss-free ingredients that join forces to make a truly heartwarming casserole. Each element pulls its weight by adding creaminess, heartiness, color, or texture—creating pure dinnertime magic.

Egg noodles (12 ounces): Tender and wide, these noodles are the ultimate base, soaking up all that savory sauce.
Butter (2 tablespoons): For sautéing the onion and garlic and building those irresistible comforting flavors.
Yellow onion, diced (1 small): Adds subtle sweetness and depth to each bite.
Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Fragrant and foundational, this is a must for rich, savory flavor.
Cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (2 cups): Choose rotisserie for super speed, or use homemade for a personal touch.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): The backbone of creamy comfort—making the sauce lush and flavorful with minimal effort.
Sour cream (½ cup): Adds a lovely tang and keeps everything rich without being heavy.
Milk (½ cup): Loosens the sauce to the perfect consistency so it soaks the noodles just right.
Frozen peas and carrots, thawed (1½ cups): For pops of color, gentle sweetness, and a nod to the classics.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1½ cups): Melty, gooey goodness with every scoop—don’t skimp here!
Salt (½ teaspoon): Just enough to enhance every flavor in the casserole.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon): A gentle kick to balance out the creaminess.
Crushed butter crackers (½ cup): The buttery, crunchy crowning touch that takes this dish over the top.
Melted butter (1 tablespoon): Mixed with cracker crumbs for an ultra-golden, crave-worthy topping.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and give a 9×13-inch baking dish a good coating of nonstick spray or a swipe of butter. This helps everything slide out perfectly later, and no one wants to lose that crispy edge!

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and cook the egg noodles just until they’re al dente (a minute or two less than the package suggests). Drain them well—they’ll finish cooking right in the casserole, soaking up all that creamy sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion and let it soften for about 3 to 4 minutes. Follow with the garlic, cooking for just a minute longer until fragrant. This step adds nuanced flavor to the whole Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe.

Step 4: Mix It All Together

In your biggest mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, the sautéed onion and garlic, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, peas and carrots, shredded cheddar, salt, and pepper. Give it a thorough stir—no dry spots or cheese clumps left behind!

Step 5: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the creamy mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly to ensure every bite layers the flavors and textures just right. It already smells like home at this stage.

Step 6: Add the Cracker Topping

Mix the crushed butter crackers with 1 tablespoon of melted butter in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole. The crackers will crisp up while baking, making every forkful a pure delight.

Step 7: Bake and Rest

Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for about 5 minutes before scooping—this gives the sauce time to set and lets you serve up perfect squares.

How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

Sometimes it’s those little finishing touches that bring a dish to life. Sprinkle your casserole with fresh chopped parsley or scallions for a lift of color and a subtle herbal note. For a bit of sparkle, a pinch of cracked black pepper or a dusting of paprika works wonders.

Side Dishes

This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe plays beautifully with simple sides. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette contrasts the creamy richness, while roasted green beans or steamed broccoli keep things wholesome. And for those extra-hungry evenings, warm dinner rolls or biscuits to mop up every bit of sauce are never a bad idea.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re entertaining or packing lunches, spoon the casserole into individual ramekins before adding the topping and baking—everyone gets their very own golden crown! Or, serve family-style straight from the oven in the center of the table, and let everyone dig in for that classic, comforting vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers keep beautifully in the fridge. Transfer the cooled Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe to an airtight container and store for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, making for luscious reheats at lunchtime.

Freezing

This casserole is a meal-prepper’s best friend. If you want to freeze, assemble it up until the baking step, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking to make busy nights feel effortless.

Reheating

To revive your casserole, simply pop portions in the microwave, covered, until hot, or reheat the whole dish in a 350°F oven (covered for the first 15 minutes, then uncovered for crispness) until bubbly. Add a splash of milk if needed to keep everything creamy and luscious.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken in this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is fantastic here—it’s a major time-saver and adds extra flavor. Just shred or chop and you’re ready to go.

What vegetables can I add or substitute?

You can get creative by adding cooked mushrooms, sautéed bell peppers, or swapping peas and carrots for mixed veggies you love. Just be sure veggies are cooked or thawed so they blend right in.

Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version, swap sour cream for Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheddar, and try a light cream of chicken soup. It will still taste delicious while saving on calories.

How do I keep the cracker topping from getting soggy?

The key is adding the topping just before baking and serving the casserole promptly. If you’re making it ahead, wait to add the cracker crumb mixture until right before it hits the oven.

Can I double this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for a crowd?

Yes, it scales beautifully! Simply double the ingredients and use two 9×13-inch pans or a supersized baking dish. It’s a hit at potlucks and gatherings because everyone loves a hearty scoop.

Final Thoughts

If cozy, craveable meals are your jam, this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is destined to become a family favorite. It’s the kind of dish that brings people together and promises empty plates with every creamy, cheesy bite. Give it a try soon, and let the comfort of home shine at your table!

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy and savory Chicken Noodle Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, vegetables, and a cheesy topping, this easy dish is perfect for a family dinner any night of the week.

Ingredients

Egg Noodles:

12 ounces;

Butter:

2 tablespoons;

Yellow Onion:

1 small, diced;

Garlic:

2 cloves, minced;

Cooked Chicken:

2 cups, shredded or chopped;

Cream of Chicken Soup:

1 can (10.5 ounces);

Sour Cream:

½ cup;

Milk:

½ cup;

Peas and Carrots:

1½ cups, frozen, thawed;

Cheddar Cheese:

1½ cups, shredded;

Salt:

½ teaspoon;

Black Pepper:

¼ teaspoon;

Butter Crackers:

½ cup, crushed (like Ritz);

Melted Butter:

1 tablespoon

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Cook the noodles: Cook the egg noodles in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain.
Sauté onions and garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic in butter until softened.
Combine ingredients: In a bowl, mix noodles, chicken, onion-garlic mix, soup, sour cream, milk, peas, cheese, salt, and pepper.
Assemble and bake: Transfer mixture to dish, top with cracker-butter mix, bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
Rest and serve: Let casserole sit for 5 minutes before serving.