The Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is pure comfort food in a single dish, delivering creamy, cheesy goodness with every forkful. It’s the kind of meal that brings both kids and grown-ups running to the table, thanks to its savory blend of tender chicken, hearty egg noodles, and a luscious sauce, all topped with a buttery, golden cracker crust. Whether you need a reliable weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing option for a potluck, this baked casserole is an irresistible classic that always earns big smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of easy-to-find ingredients, Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole comes together quickly and delivers satisfying flavor and texture. Each element is chosen for the cozy taste and comforting feel it brings, making every bite a new layer of deliciousness.
- Egg noodles (12 ounces, cooked and drained): Soft and springy, these noodles soak up the creamy sauce and form the foundation of the casserole.
- Cooked chicken (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie or leftovers for quick flavor and tender protein in every mouthful.
- Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This is the creamy backbone of the sauce, offering instant richness and convenience.
- Sour cream (1/2 cup): Adds tang and silkiness, balancing the richness of the soup.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Thins out the sauce slightly for even coverage and better texture.
- Frozen peas and carrots (1 cup, thawed): Bright pops of color and a sweet, earthy flavor enhance every forkful.
- Garlic powder (1/2 teaspoon): Delivers subtle depth and a savory note to the creamy sauce.
- Onion powder (1/2 teaspoon): Offers gentle sweetness and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and pulling all the flavors together.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1 cup): Melts into gooey, cheesy heaven on top of the casserole.
- Crushed Ritz crackers (1/2 cup): Add a perfectly crunchy and buttery crust for contrast.
- Melted butter (2 tablespoons): Ensures the cracker topping turns irresistibly golden and crisp.
How to Make Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sauce Base
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This creates the ultra-creamy, flavorful base that will hold your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole together and keep it deliciously moist during baking.
Step 2: Add Chicken, Veggies, and Noodles
Now, stir in your shredded or diced cooked chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and cooked egg noodles. This step is where all the key players meet and mingle! Make sure everything is well coated with the creamy sauce—this ensures every bite is full of flavor and comfort.
Step 3: Assemble in the Baking Dish
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make clean-up a snap. Gently pour and spread your casserole mixture into the dish, leveling it out so every corner gets its fair share of goodness. This will help the casserole bake evenly.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Crunchy Topping
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the surface, creating a cheesy blanket that will turn bubbly and golden. In a small bowl, mix together the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, then scatter this mixture over the cheese. The cracker topping adds that signature buttery crunch you’ll crave in every bite.
Step 5: Bake and Rest
Slide the dish into the oven and bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes. You’ll know it’s perfect when the top is golden, the cheese is melted, and you see a little bubbling around the edges. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving so it can set slightly and slice beautifully.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
For a pop of color and a fresh finish, try adding a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a dash of paprika before serving. Parsley brightens the look and adds a subtle herby note, while paprika brings a gentle warmth to the topping—highly recommended if you want to elevate your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Side Dishes
Pair your casserole with a crisp green salad, garlicky steamed broccoli, or oven-roasted vegetables for a full and satisfying family meal. Warm rolls or buttermilk biscuits are also wonderful for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Change things up by spooning the hot casserole into individual ramekins for dinner party flair, or tuck leftovers into a thermos for a cozy workday lunch. You can even bake your Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole in a cast iron skillet for rustic charm and direct table-to-oven serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole to room temperature before sliding it into an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days—it reheats beautifully and makes a delicious next-day lunch.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole fully but hold off on baking. Cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake as instructed, adding an extra 10 minutes if needed for thorough heating.
Reheating
For best results, reheat portions in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or zap leftovers in the microwave for a quicker fix. If the casserole seems a tad dry, stir in a splash of milk or broth before reheating to bring back the signature creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut for Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s juicy, flavorful, and ready to go—just shred it and add as directed.
What other veggies can I add?
Feel free to mix in corn, green beans, or chopped spinach if you want more color and variety. Just make sure any added vegetables are cooked or thawed to keep the texture on point.
Is there a way to make this casserole lighter?
To lighten things up, swap in low-fat sour cream and cheese, and use a reduced-sodium soup. You can also add extra veggies to boost nutrition without losing the creamy comfort.
Can I prep this casserole ahead of time?
Definitely! Assemble the Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole up to a day in advance, refrigerate it covered, and just bake it fresh when dinner time rolls around. It’s a lifesaver for busy schedules or when feeding a crowd.
How do I keep the cracker topping crispy?
For the best crunch, add the cracker and butter topping right before baking. If reheating, consider sprinkling on a few more fresh crumbs to revive that golden crunch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a homestyle classic that’s as easy as it is delicious, you simply can’t go wrong with Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole. There’s a reason it’s been a family favorite for generations! Give it a try, and I promise you’ll want to add it to your regular dinner rotation.
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Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and delicious one-dish meal that the whole family will love. Creamy and flavorful, with a crunchy topping, it’s the perfect way to enjoy classic flavors in a convenient casserole.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 (10.5 oz) 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix the ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, peas and carrots, and cooked egg noodles until well combined.
- Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Rest and serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken for quick prep.
- Add a pinch of paprika to the topping for extra flavor and color.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
