If you are looking for a comforting, creamy, and absolutely satisfying dish to warm up your dinner table, this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It brings together tender shredded chicken and perfectly cooked egg noodles all enveloped in a luscious, cheesy sauce with hints of garlic and onion powder, plus a delightful crispy topping that adds that special homemade touch. This casserole feels like a big, cozy hug on a plate, making it perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or just when you want a little extra comfort food magic in your life.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a key role in delivering the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and subtly seasoned flavors. Every component is easy to find and comes together quickly, which means less time shopping and more time savoring this delightful dish.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Provides the hearty protein base with tender, juicy bites in every forkful.
- 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups uncooked): The classic pasta choice soaks up all the cheesy sauce wonderfully.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds rich creaminess and an instant flavor boost.
- 1 cup sour cream: Enhances creaminess and adds a subtle tang that balances the cheese.
- 1/2 cup milk: Keeps the casserole moist and smooth without making it runny.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Responsible for that irresistible cheesy goodness and melt.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): Adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness for freshness.
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional): Brings a natural sweetness and a pop of texture.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle depth and warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Provides a mellow savory undertone.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to brighten and balance flavors.
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): Creates a satisfying golden, crunchy crust.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping): Helps the topping crisp up beautifully with a rich finish.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch casserole dish. This step ensures your casserole won’t stick and will bake evenly to perfection.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them well. Properly cooked noodles are crucial—they should be tender but firm enough to hold up in the creamy sauce without getting mushy.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, blend together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. This luscious sauce is the heart of your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe and will bring everything together with rich flavor.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Veggies
Gently fold in the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, and if you’re using them, the frozen peas and corn. Stir everything until the noodles and chicken are fully coated in the creamy mixture—this is what makes every bite so deliciously cheesy and comforting.
Step 5: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the prepared mixture into your greased casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top. If you like a crunchy cover, this is the moment to add your buttered crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs, giving the dish a golden, crispy crust.
Step 6: Bake Until Bubbling
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted, bubbling, and the topping is beautifully browned. This step melds all the flavors together and results in a cozy, inviting meal.
Step 7: Let It Rest
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to settle, making it easier to serve and enjoy without losing any of that glorious cheesy goodness.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives on top gives a lovely pop of color and a hint of brightness that contrasts wonderfully with the rich casserole. A light drizzle of hot sauce on the side can add a fun kick for those who like a bit of heat.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed seasonal vegetables adds freshness and balance to the meal. Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf also make fantastic companions to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in individual ramekins for a personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties. You can even top each serving with a little extra shredded cheese and breadcrumb mix, then broil quickly just before serving for an irresistibly golden crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers a tasty and easy meal the following day.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble it as usual, then cover tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s still chilled.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. Cover with foil to prevent the top from burning, removing it in the last few minutes to crisp up the topping again.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds great flavor and keeps prep time minimal. Just be sure to shred it into bite-sized pieces before mixing.
Can I substitute noodles with another pasta type?
Yes! While egg noodles are traditional and perfect for this recipe, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work beautifully as well.
Is it necessary to use the crunchy topping?
Not at all. The buttery cracker or breadcrumb topping adds a delightful texture, but the casserole is delicious on its own without it, especially if you prefer a softer finish.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
This recipe relies heavily on dairy for the creamy texture and cheese flavor, but you can experiment with dairy-free sour cream, milk alternatives, and vegan cheese to create a similar dish with adjustments.
How can I make this recipe healthier?
Try using whole wheat noodles, lean chicken breast, low-fat sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese. Also, loading up with extra vegetables like broccoli or spinach can boost the nutritional value while keeping the casserole hearty.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that feels like a warm hug at the end of a busy day. With its creamy sauce, tender chicken, and melty cheese, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself making again and again. Give it a try and watch it become your new favorite comfort food classic—your family and friends will thank you for it!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy, and cheesy baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a savory sauce made from cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Enhanced with optional veggies like peas and corn, and topped with a crunchy buttery cracker topping, it’s a perfect family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and bakes to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 8 oz egg noodles (about 4 cups, uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables (Optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
Topping (Optional)
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
- Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles according to package directions until tender, then drain and set aside to incorporate into the casserole.
- Make Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a creamy sauce.
- Add Main Ingredients: Stir the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, and if using, frozen peas and corn into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If desired, scatter the melted butter-mixed crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs evenly over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set slightly, making it easier to serve and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped broccoli or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and substitute the cracker topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- If you prefer a lower fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheddar cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
