Name: Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade); 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed); 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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If you’re looking for the ultimate in comforting, family-style dinners, Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is about to become your new go-to favorite. This hearty bake is packed with tender chicken, chewy egg noodles, creamy sauce, and a golden, buttery crunch on top. Every forkful delivers nostalgia in the best way, making it a beloved classic for both busy weeknights and lazy Sundays. With simple pantry staples and a little bit of oven magic, you can serve up a meal that feels every bit as cozy as Grandma’s kitchen.

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering these ingredients is not only simple, but each one has a special job in building the wonderful taste and texture of your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole. From the chewy noodles to the creamy, flavorful sauce and that crisp, cheesy topping, every component brings something deliciously necessary to the table.

Cooked egg noodles (3 cups): The heart of the casserole—provides a tender, slightly chewy base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
Cooked shredded chicken (2 cups): Use rotisserie or homemade for convenience and juicy flavor.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The magical ingredient that brings everything together with its rich, savory creaminess.
Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and extra smooth texture to the sauce, preventing it from tasting flat.
Milk (1/2 cup): Helps loosen the sauce for that just-right consistency.
Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): Pops of color and subtle sweetness that brighten every bite.
Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Infuses gentle savory warmth in the background.
Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall flavor without overpowering the dish.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for making all the other flavors pop.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Offers just enough gentle kick and depth.
Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into a gooey, savory blanket over the casserole.
Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs (1/2 cup): Brings the irresistible crunchy topping everyone loves.
Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the topping bakes up golden and delicious.

How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Give your 9×13-inch baking dish a light spray or coating of oil or butter—this little step ensures a fuss-free casserole experience and keeps every cheesy, creamy spoonful intact.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth and well-blended. This is the flavor foundation for your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole, so take a second to taste and adjust the seasoning if you like.

Step 3: Fold in the Good Stuff

Add the cooked shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and your cooked egg noodles into the bowl with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until all the chicken and noodles are evenly coated and the veggies are distributed throughout.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Transfer the creamy chicken noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese all over the top. This layer is going to turn gloriously gooey and golden in the oven!

Step 5: Make the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, mix together the crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until every crumb is glistening. Evenly sprinkle this buttery mixture over the cheesy casserole—this is your ticket to that signature crispy finish.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Pop your casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is deeply golden and crisp. Let your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole cool for a few minutes before serving so everything sets just right and each scoop is perfect.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives for a burst of color and a little fresh zip. A quick crank of black pepper over the top right before serving is always welcome, and a little extra shredded cheddar never hurts for cheese lovers!

Side Dishes

This casserole is plenty hearty, but a crisp, green salad or steamed green beans make a simple, refreshing side. Fluffy dinner rolls or a slice of warm sourdough will help scoop up every drop of that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

To make individual servings extra-special, spoon the casserole into small ramekins before baking. For a potluck or family gathering, serve it straight from the dish with a big old wooden spoon for that “help yourself” vibe—just like Sunday dinner at Grandma’s!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, cover any leftover casserole tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, often tasting even more delicious the next day. Enjoy within 3 to 4 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a fantastic freezer meal! Assemble the casserole through the topping step, cover well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Bake straight from frozen (adding about 15 extra minutes) or thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm larger amounts in a 350°F oven, covered with foil to prevent drying out. Sprinkle on a little extra cheese or fresh cracker crumbs before reheating if you’d like to revive the crunchy topping.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole, you can substitute corkscrews, penne, or even small shells. Just be sure to use similar amounts and cook your pasta until just tender.

What’s the best chicken to use?

Leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken works best for both flavor and convenience, but you can also quickly poach or bake a couple of chicken breasts if starting from scratch. Dark meat or a blend of white and dark works wonderfully too.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! You can fully assemble the casserole (up to the baking step), cover it, and refrigerate up to 24 hours ahead. Just let it sit out for 10 to 15 minutes to take the chill off before baking.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Definitely. Choose gluten-free noodles, gluten-free cream soup, and gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping to keep everyone at the table happy and safe.

How do I add more veggies?

It’s easy! Toss in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, or baby spinach with the mixed veggies. Just avoid adding too much moisture to keep that perfect creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly magical about gathering around the table for Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole—every bite brings warmth, comfort, and a genuine sense of home. Give this recipe a try, share it with your family, and let it become one of those dishes everyone requests again and again!

Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that the whole family will love. With tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a cheesy topping, it’s the perfect easy dinner for any night of the week.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole:

3 cups cooked egg noodles
2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie or homemade)
1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

For the Topping:

1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the Casserole: In a large bowl, mix together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, thawed vegetables, and egg noodles until well combined.
Assemble: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden topping. Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

You can substitute cream of mushroom or celery soup for a different flavor.
Add sautéed mushrooms or diced onions for extra depth.
This is a great make-ahead dish—assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American