If there’s one meal my family requests on repeat when comfort food cravings strike, it’s this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole. Creamy, bubbling, golden, and packed with familiar flavors, it’s everything you love about cozy home-cooked dinners in a single dish. Not only is it wonderfully adaptable to what you have in your fridge or pantry, but it’s also a cinch to assemble – making even busy weeknights feel a little more special. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers to look forward to, this casserole never disappoints!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is in how a handful of classic, simple ingredients come together for maximum flavor. Every component plays a role: creamy soups for richness, noodles for heartiness, veggies for color and freshness, and, of course, that irresistible cheesy top.
- Egg Noodles (12 ounces): The base that soaks up all those luscious sauces and stays wonderfully tender after baking.
- Cooked Chicken Breast (2 cups, shredded or diced): Use rotisserie, leftover roast, or poach your own for protein-packed bites.
- Frozen Mixed Vegetables (2 cups, thawed): Carrots, peas, and corn add colorful pops and a sweet balance; fresh veggies work too.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Contributes classic creamy depth – opt for low-sodium if watching salt intake.
- Cream of Mushroom Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds subtle earthy flavor and a velvet-smooth base.
- Sour Cream (1 cup): Brings a tangy creaminess that lightens and enriches the casserole.
- Milk (1/2 cup): Loosens the mixture to the perfect consistency; whole milk is best, but any kind will do.
- Cheddar Cheese (2 cups, shredded, divided): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully for that signature cheesy blanket and gooey layers.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Infuses the whole casserole with gentle, savory warmth.
- Onion Powder (1/2 teaspoon): Enhances the overall savoriness without being overpowering.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Balances and brightens all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds a gentle kick to each creamy bite.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers or Breadcrumbs (1 cup): The secret to that crispy, buttery topping everyone fights over.
- Unsalted Butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Binds the cracker crumbs and crisps them up in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a standard 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and you get those delicious crispy edges everyone adores.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions, aiming for al dente so they don’t get mushy during baking. Drain them well and set aside – they’ll soak up plenty of flavor once they’re in the mix.
Step 3: Mix the Filling
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken, thawed vegetables, both cans of soup, sour cream, milk, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Blend everything together until the mixture is creamy, ensuring chicken and veggies are evenly coated.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Fold the drained noodles gently into the filling, making sure every strand is coated. Pour everything into your prepared baking dish, spreading it into an even layer so every bite has a bit of everything.
Step 5: Add the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (or breadcrumbs) with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheddar cheese over the casserole, then follow with the buttery cracker mixture – it bakes up golden and irresistible!
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Pop your casserole into the oven and bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, until the filling is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to help everything set – this wait is the hardest part, but trust me, it’s worth it!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
Finish your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole with a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or chives for a splash of color and a pop of freshness. If you love a little kick, a light dusting of smoked paprika or cracked black pepper adds a hint of warmth and depth.
Side Dishes
This casserole shines as the main event, but sides can help round out your meal. Serve it with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or simple steamed green beans to add brightness and contrast. Warm dinner rolls or garlic bread are also perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try scooping Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole into individual ramekins before baking – they make adorable single servings for dinner parties or potlucks. Alternatively, serve it family-style right from the baking dish for a cozy, relaxed vibe. If you’re feeling adventurous, top each plate with a dollop of Greek yogurt or extra cheese just before serving.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any leftover Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole tightly with foil or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent option for meal prep or quick lunches.
Freezing
To freeze, assemble the casserole up to the point of baking (but don’t add the cracker topping yet). Cover well and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the crunchy topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, warm portions in the microwave or pop the entire casserole (covered with foil) in a 350°F oven until heated through. For best results, add a splash of milk before reheating to keep it creamy, and remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the topping’s crunch.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While egg noodles are classic in Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole, rotini, penne, or even bowtie pasta all work beautifully – just be sure to cook them al dente first.
What’s the best way to use leftover rotisserie chicken?
Leftover rotisserie chicken is perfect for this recipe. Simply shred it and use in place of the cooked chicken breast for extra flavor and convenience.
How can I make this casserole lighter?
Swap the sour cream for Greek yogurt and opt for reduced-fat cheese or soups to lighten things up without sacrificing creaminess and flavor.
Can I add more vegetables?
Definitely! Feel free to mix in sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers, spinach, or any favorite veggies for extra nutrition and color.
Is Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole gluten-free?
As written, the recipe contains gluten from noodles, soups, and crackers. However, you can use gluten-free egg noodles, gluten-free canned soups, and a gluten-free cracker or breadcrumb substitute for a GF-friendly version.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring warmth and comfort to your table, I can’t recommend Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole enough. It’s a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing dish that’s just as delicious on a busy weeknight as it is at a weekend potluck. Give it a try and let it become one of your family’s new go-to favorites!
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Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting and satisfying dish that the whole family will love. Creamy and flavorful, it’s the perfect combination of chicken, vegetables, noodles, and cheese, topped with a crunchy buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
12 ounces,
Cooked Chicken Breast:
2 cups shredded or diced,
Frozen Mixed Vegetables:
2 cups thawed,
Cream of Chicken Soup:
1 can (10.5 ounces),
Cream of Mushroom Soup:
1 can (10.5 ounces),
Sour Cream:
1 cup,
Milk:
1/2 cup,
Shredded Cheddar Cheese:
2 cups divided,
Garlic Powder:
1 teaspoon,
Onion Powder:
1/2 teaspoon,
Salt:
1/2 teaspoon,
Black Pepper:
1/4 teaspoon,
Ritz Crackers or Breadcrumbs:
1 cup crushed,
Unsalted Butter:
2 tablespoons melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
- In a large bowl, combine the chicken, vegetables, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir in the cooked noodles until everything is well coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese over the casserole, then top with the cracker mixture.
- Bake for 30–35 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 34 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
