If you’re craving a comforting, creamy dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’re going to adore this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe. It’s packed with tender shredded chicken, perfectly cooked egg noodles, and a rich, cheesy sauce that brings everything together in one irresistible bake. Whether it’s a family dinner or a catch-up night with friends, this casserole hits all the right notes of flavor and coziness without any fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple yet essential ingredients is key to making this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe shine. Each component plays a special role—from the creamy base to the melty cheese and the subtle pops of sweetness from the veggies, everything combines to create a dish bursting with texture and taste.
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for convenience or leftover roasted chicken for extra flavor.
- 8 oz egg noodles: These soft noodles create the perfect base that soaks up all the creamy goodness.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup: Adds richness and depth, making the sauce ultra-creamy.
- 1 cup sour cream: Adds tanginess and helps keep the casserole moist.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce to the perfect consistency without diluting flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp cheddar brings that irresistible cheesy punch, divided so some melts into the sauce and the rest goes on top.
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional): A sweet and colorful veggie that adds freshness.
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional): Provides subtle sweetness and texture contrast.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: A warm, savory touch that enhances the overall flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a mild oniony note without overpowering.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring all ingredients together.
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping): Creates a buttery, crunchy topping that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy casserole.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter (optional topping): Helps those topping crumbs crisp up nicely in the oven.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Get the Oven and Dish Ready
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish generously to prevent sticking and to help the edges bake up beautifully crunchy and cheesy. This foundation ensures your casserole is both easy to serve and presents nicely.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Boil the egg noodles following the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain well to avoid excess water, which can make the casserole watery. Set the noodles aside so they’re ready to soak up all the delicious sauce later on.
Step 3: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth—this luscious mixture is the heart of your casserole, providing its rich, comforting texture.
Step 4: Combine Chicken, Noodles, and Veggies
Add the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, and if you like, frozen peas and corn right into the sauce. Gently fold everything together until the noodles and chicken are fully coated in that velvety sauce. This step ensures every bite is packed with flavor and creaminess.
Step 5: Assemble and Top
Pour your mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top so it melts into a golden, bubbly crust. If you want a crispy topping, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle it over the cheese layer. This adds a fabulous crunchy contrast to the soft noodles underneath.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. You’ll know it’s ready when your kitchen smells like cheesy heaven and you see those beautiful golden edges starting to form.
Step 7: Rest and Serve
Let your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe rest for about 5 minutes after pulling it from the oven. This helps it set slightly, making it easier to serve and even more enjoyable to eat. Now, you’re ready to dig into that comforting, cheesy goodness!
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
For a fresh pop, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or green onions on top just before serving. A light dusting of paprika can also add a lovely color and mild smoky flavor that elevates the dish aesthetically and taste-wise. These simple garnishes give your casserole an inviting, homemade touch.
Side Dishes
Pair this hearty casserole with crisp green salads, steamed broccoli, or garlic roasted carrots for a well-rounded meal. A tangy coleslaw or a light cucumber salad also complements the rich cheesiness by adding a refreshing crunch and brightness to the plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For dinner parties, consider serving the casserole in individual mini dishes or ramekins. This way, everyone gets a special portion that looks charming and keeps the cheesy top layer beautifully intact. Alternatively, scoop generous portions onto plates and drizzle a touch of hot sauce or a dollop of extra sour cream for added flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more after resting overnight, making it a delicious next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it to room temperature before refrigerating to keep the texture just right.
Freezing
This casserole freezes wonderfully! Prepare the dish up through Step 5, then cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, bake straight from frozen, adding extra time to ensure it’s thoroughly heated through and bubbly.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out, then remove the foil for the last 5 minutes to crisp up the topping. You can also reheat individual servings in the microwave, though the oven method preserves that fresh-from-the-oven texture best.
FAQs
Can I use other types of cheese instead of cheddar?
Absolutely! While cheddar offers a classic flavor and excellent melting qualities, feel free to use mozzarella for gooey stretchiness, Monterey Jack for a mild taste, or a mix of your favorites to customize your casserole’s cheesy profile.
Is it okay to use fresh vegetables instead of frozen peas and corn?
Yes, fresh peas and corn will work wonderfully too! Just blanch them briefly before adding so they’re tender and don’t release too much moisture during baking.
Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup for a homemade version?
Definitely! If you prefer a homemade creamy base, you can make a simple roux with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk to replace the canned soup. This gives you more control over ingredients and can be tailored to your taste.
How can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles and swap in gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers for the topping. Also, check the labels on your cream of chicken soup or make a gluten-free homemade sauce to ensure the entire dish meets your dietary needs.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Yes! Assemble the casserole completely and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it perfect for busy days when you want dinner prepped in advance but still freshly baked to enjoy.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so comforting and satisfying about a warm, cheesy casserole bubbling fresh from the oven, and this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe truly hits that spot. It’s simple enough for weeknight dinners but special enough to serve guests with pride. Give it a try, and you might just find yourself reaching for this recipe time and again—because some flavors just never get old!
Print
Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting and cheesy chicken noodle casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to perfection with a crispy breadcrumb topping.
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
Optional Ingredients
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup frozen corn
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook Noodles: Prepare the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Mix Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add Ingredients: Fold in the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen peas, and frozen corn into the sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly to ensure everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and cool slightly.
Notes
- You can swap the cream of chicken soup for a homemade white sauce to reduce processed ingredients.
- For a healthier version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- Frozen peas and corn can be omitted or substituted with other vegetables like broccoli or carrots.
- The breadcrumb topping adds crunch but can be omitted for a softer texture.
- Make sure to drain the noodles well to avoid a watery casserole.
