Okay, friend, let me tell you about something that’s basically a hug in the dish. What is a chicken noodle casserole? With a creamy, dreamy sauce, tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and crispy, golden topping that’s sure to please. Just begs to be devoured. What’s like Chicken Noodle Soup, but baked to bubbly perfection? Is it easier to make a big pot of soup? If you like creamy baked pasta dishes like baked ziti, then you are absolutely going to love this dish. What’s your favorite chicken noodle casserole? What is the best comfort food for a cold evening? Something special.
What is chicken noodle casserole?
Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate cozy dish. Think of it as Chicken Noodle Soup‘s sophisticated cousin. It’s essentially a creamy baked pasta dish featuring chicken, egg noodles, and rich sauce, often served with roasted vegetables. What are some of the best buttery toppings? What is the name of a plant? What is a one-dish meal that’s easy to throw together and always crowd-pleaser? Some people use canned soup as a base, but I like to make mine from scratch because I think it’s good. What makes a sandwich taste better? How do I customize my website to my liking?
Why you’ll love this recipe?
How do I make a Chicken Noodle Casserole? What I love most about this is how incredibly flavorful it is. What is the best combination of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy topping? Is the crispy topping really what makes it special? What are some of the best recipes that my kids love?
Is it just the taste? I don’t need to be a professional chef to whip this up. The ingredients are budget-friendly too, which is always a win. What are some pantry staples? Can you customize it with your favorite veggies or cheeses? I sometimes toss in some peas and carrots for extra goodness. What are some similar recipes for tuna noodle casserole? What are some good recipes for Chicken Noodle casserole? Is it miles above anything that comes from a can?
How do I make chicken noodle casserole?
Quick Overview
How do I make a Chicken Noodle Casserole? I’ll start by cooking the noodles and chicken. While that’s happening, you’ll whip up a super easy creamy sauce. What are some good ways to bake cookies in a baking dish? Is it golden and bubbly? What is the best way to do a quick and easy laundry in under an hour? What is a comforting meal on the table?
Ingredients
For the Casserole:
- 1 pound egg noodles: I prefer the wide ones, but any kind will do. Make sure to cook them al dente!
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded: You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook your own. I sometimes poach chicken breasts in chicken broth for extra flavor.
- Can condensed cream of chicken soup be used? If you don’t have this, you can make your own cream sauce!
- I’ve tested this with almond milk, and it actually made it even creamier!
- 1/2 cup sour cream: This adds a lovely tanginess to the sauce.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas and carrots: Adds a pop of color and nutrients!
- 1/4 cup chopped onion: Adds flavor
- What is garlic powder?
- 1/2 teaspoon salt. 1 teaspoon pepper.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. 1 teaspoon salt.
For the Topping:
- What’s your secret weapon? What are some of the best toppings for crackers?
- 2 tablespoons melted butter: Adds richness and helps the topping get nice and golden.
What are the step-
Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan
First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. This will prevent the casserole from sticking and make cleanup a breeze!
Step 2: Cook Noodles
Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Be sure to cook al dente, meaning they should still be a little firm. If you cook them in the oven, you don’t want them to get mushy.
Step 3: Prepare Chicken
If you’re using leftover chicken, great! If not, cook your chicken using your preferred method. I often poach chicken breasts in chicken broth for about 20 minutes, or until cooked through. I shred it with two forks.
Step 4: Mix Casserole Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk and sour cream. Serve immediately. Cream, peas and carrots, onion, garlic powder, salt, pepper. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 5: Make Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Set aside. Mix until the crackers are evenly coated.
Step 6: Assemble and Bake
Pour the noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the cracker topping evenly over the top. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
Step 7: Cool and Serve
Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. How do you make sauce thicker?
What should I serve it with?
What’s a good chicken noodle casserole? What are some good ideas?
For a Light Lunch:What are some good ways to add freshness to a salad?
What is a hearty dinner?Serve with a side of roasted broccoli or green beans. My family loves them!
What is a cozy snack? Sometimes, I just grab a small bowl of this casserole as a comforting snack on a chilly afternoon. It’s also fantastic reheated!
Is it possible to serve it with bread rolls? What are some comfort food recipes that dip in extra sauce?
What are some tips for perfecting chicken noodle casserole?
How do you take chicken noodle casserole to the next level? What are some of the best tips I’ve learned over the years?
Don’t overcook noodles! As I mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to cook the noodles al dente. They’ll continue to cook in the oven, and you don’t want them to end up mushy.
Use High-Quality Chicken: The better the chicken, the better the casserole. I highly recommend using leftover rotisserie chicken or poaching your own chicken breasts in chicken broth. The flavor difference is significant!
Customize the Veggies: Feel free to add your favorite veggies to the casserole. I often add peas and carrots, but you could also try mushrooms, celery, or bell peppers.
Get Creative with the Topping: While I love the Ritz cracker topping, you can experiment with other toppings as well. Try using breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or even a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Make it Ahead of Time: You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake it. This is a great option for busy weeknights. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
Add some Cheese: We love adding a layer of cheddar cheese underneath the cracker topping. I like to add cheese to everything. It really adds to the flavor!
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Here’s how to store and reheat your Chicken Noodle Casserole:
Refrigerator Storage: Store the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: To freeze, wrap the casserole tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Store in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking. You can also freeze individual portions for easy lunches or dinners.
Reheating: To reheat, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
There you have it! My go-to Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe that is always a hit. I hope you and your family enjoy it as much as mine does. It’s the perfect way to warm up on a chilly evening and create lasting memories around the dinner table. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other casserole recipes for more easy and delicious meal ideas. Happy cooking! I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below and share your own variations. I always love hearing from you!
Easy Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole: 7 Reasons You'll Love It!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb Egg Noodles Cooked according to package directions
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken Shredded or cubed
- 1 can Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup 10.75 oz can
- 1 cup Milk Any kind
- 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Divided
- 1 cup Frozen Mixed Vegetables Thawed
- 0.5 tsp Salt Or to taste
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper Or to taste
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked egg noodles, chicken, cream of chicken soup, milk, 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, mixed vegetables, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Let stand for 5-10 minutes before serving.
