What are some comfort food recipes? What’s your favorite chicken noodle casserole recipe? Isn’t this the same as Chicken Noodle Soup? Honestly, this is one of my family’s all-time favorites, and I bet it will be yours too!
What is chicken noodle casserole?
What is chicken noodle casserole? What are the best parts of Chicken Noodle Soup? What’s a layered dish, starting with a base of cooked egg noodles, followed by a generous helping of cooked chicken (rotisserie chicken is my secret weapon for weeknights! ), and then smothered in a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and plenty of cheese. What is a warm hug on a plate?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What I love about this Chicken Noodle Casserole is how easy it is to make. Honestly, it’s a total lifesaver on busy weeknights. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry already. But it’s not just the ease that makes it so great. The flavor is just…wow. The creamy sauce combined with tender chicken and noodles is just so satisfying. Plus, it’s ridiculously kid-friendly. My kids practically inhale this stuff. Forget fighting over dinner; everyone cleans their plates when Chicken Noodle Casserole is on the menu!
What are some of the best ways to use leftover chicken? I like to throw in frozen peas and carrots, or even chopped broccoli. It’s super versatile. You can easily customize it to your liking. What is a blank canvas for comfort food?
How do I make chicken noodle casserole?
Quick Overview
How do you make a chicken noodle casserole? What is the best way to make a quick dinner? What’s the beauty of this recipe? It’s super forgiving. Don’t stress about precise measurements. Just throw everything together and enjoy the process. What is a warm bowl of goodness?
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
• 1 pound egg noodles: I prefer the wide ones, but any shape works! Just make sure they’re cooked al dente.
• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed: Rotisserie chicken is my go-to shortcut, but leftover baked or grilled chicken works great too. You can even use canned chicken in a pinch!
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of Chicken Soup: This is the base of the creamy sauce. Feel free to use a low-sodium version if you prefer.
• 1 cup Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess to the sauce. You can substitute plain Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
What’s better with cheese?
• 1/2 cup milk: Helps to thin out the sauce and make it extra creamy. I’ve even used almond milk before, and it worked perfectly!
• 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds a little bit of flavor and texture. You can use yellow, white, or even red onion.
• 1/4 cup chopped celery: Adds a little crunch and flavor. Feel free to omit if you’re not a fan.
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted: To prevent sticking. I always use unsalted.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Because seasoning is key!
• Optional: 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, or other vegetables of your choice. Adds extra nutrition and flavor.
What is the step-by-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with melted butter. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze. I always let the oven preheat for 15 minutes to ensure even baking.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Cook egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. This means they should be slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole. Drain well and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté Vegetables
If you’re using onion and celery, sauté them in a skillet with a little butter or olive oil until softened. This step adds a nice depth of flavor to the casserole. I usually cook them for about 5-7 minutes, until they’re translucent.
Step 4: Mix the Sauce
In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, Sour Cream, milk, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy. Don’t be afraid to adjust the seasonings to your liking!
Step 5: Combine
Add the cooked noodles, cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables and half of the shredded cheese to the sauce. Mix well to combine. Make sure everything is evenly coated in the sauce.
Step 6: Assemble the Casserole
What is the best noodle recipe? Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.
Step 7: Bake
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to prevent burning. I usually tent it with foil if the cheese starts to brown too quickly.
Step 8: Cool & Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken slightly. Serve warm!
What should I serve it with?
Chicken Noodle Casserole is pretty hearty on its own, so you don’t need a ton of sides. However, a few simple accompaniments can really round out the meal. For a light and refreshing contrast, I love serving it with a simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing. A side of steamed or roasted vegetables, like broccoli, green beans, or asparagus, also works well. If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, a crusty bread or garlic bread is always a hit. My personal favorite is a warm biscuit – perfect for soaking up all that delicious sauce!
What is a great casserole for a weeknight dinner? I’ve brought it to picnics before, and it was a huge success!
How do I make a perfect chicken noodle casserole?
I’ve made this chicken noodle casserole more times than I can count, and I’ve definitely learned a few tricks along the way. First, don’t overcook the noodles! What are the best ways to cook mushy noodles in the oven? I’ve used everything from mozzarella to Gruyere, and they all taste amazing. Also, I always recommend using a high-quality cream of chicken soup. I always make sure to buy a well known name for my casserole.
If you want extra flavor, try adding a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce. And finally, don’t be afraid to customize it to your liking. What’s your favorite vegetable to make a casserole?
I also found that letting the chicken sit in the cream of chicken soup while you prepare all other ingredients helps give the Chicken to a little extra flavor so don’t forget this critical step!
What are some Storing and Reheating Tips?
Can you make chicken noodle casserole ahead of time? In the refrigerator, it will keep for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. When storing it in the fridge, you should let it cool for a few minutes first!
For freezer storage, let the casserole cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. Can you reheat it in the microwave?
If you are going to freeze this casserole, don’t add the cheese topping so it tastes better reheated!
What are the most frequently asked questions on Quora
Final Thoughts
What is chicken noodle casserole? It’s the kind of dish that brings back childhood memories and makes everyone feel a little bit better. What is a great casserole for a weeknight dinner? What can you resist a creamy, cheesy, chicken-filled delight?
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
- 12 oz egg noodles uncooked
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms optional
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup 10.5 oz
- 1 cup milk
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp onion powder
- 0.25 tsp salt
- 0.25 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook egg noodles according to package instructions and drain.
- In a large bowl, mix together chicken, cooked noodles, peas, mushrooms, soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
