Name: Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained; 2 cups cooked shredded chicken; 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/2 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz); 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Whether you’re craving some cozy comforts or need a foolproof crowd-pleaser, this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole delivers every time. Creamy sauce, tender noodles, juicy chicken, and a crunchy golden topping—all in one bubbly bake! This dish brings together everything you love about classic chicken noodle soup and turns it into a hearty, family-style meal that’s both simple and spectacular. The best part? It’s as easy as mix, top, and bake. You’ll love having this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole on hand for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or whenever you need a taste of home.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the beauty of an Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole: each ingredient is simple, yet perfectly chosen to create that comforting, savory flavor and texture people adore. Don’t skip a thing—these humble ingredients work together for a casserole that’s hearty, creamy, and impossible to resist.

Egg Noodles (12 ounces, cooked and drained): These wide noodles soak up the creamy sauce and give the casserole its signature texture.
Cooked Shredded Chicken (2 cups): Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic timesaver, giving you tender bites without any fuss.
Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): The backbone of your creamy sauce—rich and savory with every spoonful.
Sour Cream (1/2 cup): Adds irresistible tanginess and depth to the casserole’s sauce.
Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the sauce just right, keeping everything silky rather than stodgy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese (1 cup): For a gooey, cheesy bite in every forkful.
Frozen Peas and Carrots (1 cup, thawed): Sweetness and a pop of color, with zero prep work required.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Subtle garlicky flavor to wake up every bite.
Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavors for a comforting, homey profile.
Salt and Pepper (to taste): Season generously to bring all the flavors together.
Crushed Buttery Crackers (1/2 cup): Ritz crackers create that classic, buttery crunch on top.
Melted Butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the cracker topping gets perfectly golden and crisp.

How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Start by setting your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This helps guarantee your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole will release easily with every scoop, and gives room for everything to bubble up beautifully while baking.

Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients

In a large mixing bowl, bring together the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt and pepper. Mix thoroughly so every noodle and veggie is coated in that rich, creamy sauce—it’s what makes this dish so cozy!

Step 3: Assemble in Baking Dish

Pour the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly with a spatula. This step is all about making sure each corner gets the perfect amount of filling, so every bite is consistent and satisfying.

Step 4: Add the Crunchy Topping

In a small bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter until everything is coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. The topping will bake up crispy and golden, adding the ideal contrast to the creamy base.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide your casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the top looks beautifully golden and the filling is bubbly at the edges. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—this helps the flavors settle and makes scooping a breeze.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Garnishes

Sometimes a simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives is all you need to elevate the look and taste of your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. A pinch of paprika or a dash of cracked black pepper also adds a pop of color and a hint of extra flavor, making each plate just a little more special.

Side Dishes

This casserole is the star, but it pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette. For something heartier, try buttery dinner rolls or roasted vegetables—their texture and simplicity complement the creamy, cheesy casserole perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual ramekins make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole feel gourmet enough for company, while serving straight from the baking dish feels homey and communal. For a twist, try scooping the casserole into buttered bread bowls for an ultra-comforting, hand-held meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after a night in the fridge, so leftovers are equally delicious for quick lunches or next-day dinners.

Freezing

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole holds up well to freezing! Assemble the casserole, cover tightly (before baking), and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as instructed, or bake straight from the freezer, adding a bit more time to ensure it heats through.

Reheating

To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through, about 20 minutes. For small single servings, a quick stint in the microwave works just as beautifully—just add a splash of milk to keep things creamy.

FAQs

Can I use other vegetables in Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in frozen mixed veggies or cooked fresh vegetables like broccoli, corn, or green beans. The casserole is incredibly versatile, so use whatever your family loves or what’s waiting in your fridge.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer a homemade option or need to work around dietary needs, you can replace canned soup with a quick homemade white sauce made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and a splash of milk. The creaminess will be just as comforting.

How do I make this casserole ahead of time?

Prepare everything as directed right up until the baking step, then cover and refrigerate the casserole for up to 24 hours. Add the cracker topping just before baking for best results, and increase the baking time by about 10–15 minutes if baking straight from the fridge.

What protein alternatives work in this casserole?

Shredded turkey, ham, or even cooked ground beef are tasty alternatives to chicken. This makes Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole great for using up leftovers or customizing for different preferences.

Can I make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole lighter?

Definitely! Use light sour cream, reduced-fat cheese, and a low-fat or homemade version of the soup. You can also bulk up the veggies for extra nutrition, and opt for whole wheat noodles if you like.

Final Thoughts

I can’t tell you how many times this Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole has saved dinner and brought big smiles to the table. It’s delicious, reliable, and made for sharing. Give it a try the next time you want comfort food you can count on—you’ll be so glad you did!

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

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

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Description

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and creamy dish that the whole family will love. Loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a buttery cracker topping, it’s a satisfying and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

Egg Noodle Mixture:

12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
2 cups cooked shredded chicken
1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Cracker Topping:

1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz)
2 tablespoons melted butter

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Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Mix the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, peas and carrots, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
Layer in baking dish: Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot and bubbly, and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.