Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

If you're looking for a quick, comforting meal that the whole family will enjoy, an Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect solution. Packed with flavor and loaded with hearty ingredients like tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce, this recipe is a guaranteed hit at the dinner table. Whether you're a busy parent needing a quick dinner idea or a beginner cook looking for an easy recipe, this dish is simple to make yet full of delicious, home-cooked goodness. Read on to discover how to whip up this tasty casserole, learn about substitutions and variations, and get tips on how to serve it to make it truly shine.

What Is an Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole?

An Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, baked dish that combines tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb or cheese layer. It's a one-dish meal that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. The beauty of this casserole lies in its simplicity and versatility, allowing you to mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or whatever you have on hand in the kitchen.

This dish is also fantastic for meal prepping, as it can be made ahead of time and reheated for a quick and satisfying dinner. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover chicken or vegetables. Now, let's dive into the key ingredients you’ll need to create this flavorful casserole.

Ingredients List for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Before you begin, gather all of your ingredients to streamline the cooking process. Here’s what you’ll need for the classic version of this dish:

• 2-3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie or leftover chicken works great)
• 8 oz egg noodles (you can also use pasta like penne or fusilli if preferred)
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz, condensed)
• 1 cup sour cream
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or any mixed vegetables of choice)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers (for the topping)
• 2 tablespoon melted butter (for the topping)

This combination of ingredients creates a creamy, savory casserole that’s packed with flavor. But don’t worry if you’re missing an item or two—you can easily make substitutions, which we’ll cover next.

Substitutions and Variations

One of the great things about an Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is how adaptable it is to different tastes and dietary needs. Here are some common substitutions and variations you can try:

• Chicken: Instead of shredded chicken, you can use cooked turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even canned chicken. For a vegetarian version, swap out the chicken for canned chickpeas or cooked tofu.
• Noodles: Egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta will work just as well. You can even use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free noodles for a healthier alternative.
• Cream of Chicken Soup: If you don’t have cream of chicken soup, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup. For a homemade version, make a quick roux with butter, flour, and chicken broth for a fresh, preservative-free option.
• Sour Cream and Mayonnaise: Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute for sour cream, and you can reduce or omit the mayonnaise for a lower-fat casserole.
• Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots are common, but you can use any veggies you like, such as broccoli, green beans, or even spinach.
• Cheese: While cheddar cheese adds a nice flavor, you can substitute it with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or even Parmesan for a different taste.

Now that we’ve covered some ways to customize the recipe, let’s walk through the cooking process.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make the Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole from scratch. It’s a simple process that will take less than an hour from start to finish.

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready for baking once you’ve assembled the casserole.
2. Cook the noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the chicken: If you haven't already, shred or chop your cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken is ideal here, but leftover baked or boiled chicken works perfectly, too.
4. Sauté the onion: In a small skillet, sauté the diced onion over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent.
5. Mix the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
6. Combine ingredients: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed onion, and frozen vegetables to the sauce. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
7. Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish and spread it out evenly.
8. Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs (or crushed Ritz crackers) with melted butter. Sprinkle this over the casserole, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese.
9. Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and the top is golden brown.
10. Cool and serve: Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.

How to Cook Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a more streamlined guide to cooking this casserole:

1. Boil the noodles until al dente.
2. Prepare the shredded chicken.
3. Sauté the diced onion.
4. Mix the creamy sauce ingredients in a large bowl.
5. Combine the cooked noodles, chicken, onion, and vegetables with the sauce.
6. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish.
7. Top with buttered breadcrumbs and cheese.
8. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes.
9. Let it cool slightly before serving.

It’s that simple!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole turns out perfectly every time, avoid these common mistakes:

• Overcooking the noodles: Be sure to cook the noodles just until al dente. Overcooked noodles will become mushy after baking.
• Forgetting to drain excess liquid: If using frozen vegetables, be sure to drain any excess liquid after thawing them. Too much liquid can make the casserole watery.
• Skipping the butter in the topping: The butter helps the breadcrumbs or crackers crisp up, so don’t skip this step unless you want a less crunchy topping.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation can elevate your dish and make it look as good as it tastes. Here are some ideas for serving and presenting your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole:

• Garnish with fresh herbs: Sprinkle chopped parsley, dill, or chives over the casserole for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
• Serve in individual ramekins: For a more elegant presentation, bake and serve the casserole in individual oven-safe ramekins.
• Add a side salad: A light green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the casserole.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

This casserole is a hearty meal on its own, but you can round it out with a few simple sides:

• Crispy garlic bread: A slice of warm, buttery garlic bread is a great complement to the creamy casserole.
• Steamed vegetables: Serve the casserole with a side of steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for a balanced meal.
• Pickles or a light salad: A crunchy, tangy pickle or a fresh salad adds a nice contrast to the rich, creamy casserole.

Presentation Ideas for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Make your casserole look extra special with these presentation ideas:

• Serve in a cast iron skillet: For a rustic, homey feel, bake the casserole in a cast iron skillet and bring it straight from the oven to the table.
• Use colorful bakeware: Opt for bright or patterned casserole dishes to add visual interest to your meal.
• Top with extra cheese: Add a little more shredded cheese on top right before serving for an extra gooey, cheesy finish.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Tips

Here are some additional tips to help you perfect your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole:

• Make ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it, and store it in the refrigerator. When you're ready to bake, just add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezing: This casserole freezes well. Simply prepare it but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as usual.
• Leftovers: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I use canned chicken for this recipe?
A: Yes, canned chicken can be used if you're in a pinch, though fresh or rotisserie chicken will provide better flavor and texture.

Q: How can I make this casserole healthier?
A: Use whole wheat pasta, low-fat sour cream, and Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise for a lighter version.

Q: Can I freeze the casserole?
A: Absolutely! Just assemble it, freeze before baking, and reheat when needed.

Q: What’s a good substitute for cream of chicken soup?
A: Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup can be used as a substitute. You can also make your own sauce with a roux, chicken broth, and milk.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe is the perfect solution for a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles, it's sure to become a family favorite. Customize it with your preferred ingredients, follow the simple steps, and enjoy a delicious casserole that’s ready in under an hour. Whether you're serving it for a weeknight dinner or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Don’t forget to experiment with different variations to make it your own!

Print