Name: Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed); 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup milk; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup frozen peas; 1/2 cup diced carrots; 1/2 cup diced celery; 1/4 cup finely chopped onion; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons melted butter

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Tender chicken, comforting noodles, a rich, velvety sauce, and a crispy, buttery topping—this is what makes Creamy Chicken Casserole an absolute family legend at my dinner table! Everything comes together in one bubbly, golden-baked dish that’s guaranteed to bring everyone running to the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or sneaking a cozy midweek supper, this casserole is the delicious, no-fuss answer to comfort cravings. With classic flavors and a creamy texture that just can’t be replicated, you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe over and over again.

Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Chicken Casserole is in its simplicity: each ingredient brings something important, from creamy richness to savory bites of veggies or the irresistibly crisp topping. Don’t skip any of these—they build layers of flavor and texture in every forkful.

Cooked chicken: Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for easy prep and tons of rich flavor.
Egg noodles: These classic noodles soak up the creamy sauce and develop the perfect bite when baked.
Cream of chicken soup: This pantry staple creates a luscious, savory base for the sauce.
Sour cream: Adds a cool, slightly tangy richness that makes the casserole extra creamy.
Milk: Helps thin and stretch the sauce while keeping everything moist.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the casserole, bringing that necessary cheesy pull and color.
Frozen peas: A pop of sweetness and vibrant green in every bite.
Diced carrots: They add color, crunch, and sweet undertones to the mix.
Diced celery: Brings fresh flavor and a bit of crunch for balance.
Finely chopped onion: Adds aromatic depth you don’t want to miss.
Garlic powder: For a cozy, well-rounded flavor without overpowering the casserole.
Salt: Brightens up all the flavors—season to your taste!
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs: Forms that dreamy, crispy topping you’ll want on every forkful.
Melted butter: Pulls the topping together and creates that signature golden crunch.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it—either with butter or a non-stick spray. This step ensures your Creamy Chicken Casserole won’t stick and helps the edges get beautifully golden.

Step 2: Mix Up the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, stir together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mixing these thoroughly ensures the creamy base is velvety smooth and every bite is seriously rich and flavorful.

Step 3: Add Chicken, Veggies, and Noodles

Time to bring in the heartiness! Gently fold in the cooked chicken, uncooked egg noodles, frozen peas, carrots, celery, and chopped onion. It might look like a lot, but it’ll all come together while baking, and the uncooked noodles will soak everything in for extra flavor.

Step 4: Fill the Baking Dish

Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and use a spatula to spread it evenly from corner to corner. Doing this guarantees every serving of Creamy Chicken Casserole gets a little bit of everything.

Step 5: Prepare the Golden Topping

In a small bowl, combine your crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery mixture over the casserole, making sure you’ve got an even layer—this is the magic that gives every bite a crunchy finish.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Cover your casserole with foil and bake for 30 minutes. This allows the noodles to cook and the flavors to meld without drying out. After 30 minutes, remove the foil and return to the oven for another 10-15 minutes until the top is bubbling and beautifully golden. The house will smell amazing!

Step 7: Cool and Serve

Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes after baking. This quick pause means easier scooping and ensures the creamy sauce sets just right—no one wants to lose any of that deliciousness on the serving spoon!

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or a handful of extra shredded cheddar cheese over the top just before serving. Both add a pop of color and a little extra flavor kick, making the Creamy Chicken Casserole look as tempting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with lightly steamed green beans, a simple mixed green salad, or buttery dinner rolls to soak up any leftover sauce. For heartier appetites, roasted potatoes or sweet corn complete the comfort food vibes.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist at parties or potlucks, try baking Creamy Chicken Casserole in individual ramekins. You can also serve it in hollowed-out bread bowls or on a bed of steamed rice for a unique presentation that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Chicken Casserole will keep wonderfully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Simply cover the baking dish tightly with foil or transfer leftovers to an airtight container to maintain maximum creaminess and prevent drying out.

Freezing

To freeze, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it securely with both plastic wrap and foil. It’ll stay fresh in your freezer for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze before baking so the noodles don’t get over-soft upon reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then bake at 350°F (175°C) until hot and bubbly. Add a splash of milk to the casserole before reheating to revive its creamy texture. Reheat individual portions in the microwave for a quick, cozy meal.

FAQs

Can I use cooked pasta instead of uncooked egg noodles?

It’s best to use uncooked egg noodles so they absorb the sauce and bake up perfectly tender. Cooked pasta tends to get mushy in the oven and won’t soak up all that creamy goodness.

Can I substitute another type Main Course

Absolutely! Creamy Chicken Casserole works wonderfully with cooked turkey, ham, or even rotisserie chicken. It’s a fantastic way to use up leftovers after a holiday or big family meal.

Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes, just use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and substitute gluten-free condensed soup and crackers or breadcrumbs. You’ll end up with all the coziness and flavor, minus the gluten.

What vegetables can I add or swap in?

Feel free to mix in sweet corn, chopped spinach, diced bell peppers, or even sautéed mushrooms for more color and nutrients. This recipe is wonderfully adaptable to whatever veggies you have on hand.

How do I make Creamy Chicken Casserole lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the sour cream for plain Greek yogurt, use reduced-fat cheese, and add plenty of extra steamed veggies. The casserole will still be creamy and satisfying, but a bit more waistline-friendly.

Final Thoughts

If you love soul-warming, fuss-free dinners, do yourself a favor and try Creamy Chicken Casserole soon! It’s the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary evening into an occasion, and it’s sure to become a regular star in your kitchen.

Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the creamy comfort of this delicious Creamy Chicken Casserole. Packed with tender chicken, veggies, and noodles, and topped with a buttery crumb crust, this easy-to-make casserole is a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables:

1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup diced carrots
1/2 cup diced celery
1/4 cup finely chopped onion

Seasonings:

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Topping:

1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
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 cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add in the chicken, uncooked noodles, peas, carrots, celery, and onion. Pour into the baking dish.
Add the topping: Mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes. Uncover and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly. Let cool slightly before serving.