There are few dishes as comforting as a classic chicken noodle casserole. This recipe takes that beloved soup flavor and transforms it into a rich, creamy, and satisfying bake that the whole family will love. Forget dry, bland casseroles; this version is packed with tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a savory sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you need a simple weeknight dinner, a comforting meal to share, or a reliable potluck dish, this Chicken Noodle Casserole is the answer. It’s easy to assemble and even easier to devour.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
This isn’t just any chicken noodle casserole recipe; it’s designed to be the best. It’s a go-to for busy weeknights because it’s incredibly simple and uses easy-to-find ingredients. The result is a perfectly creamy, hearty dish that brings pure comfort to your dinner table.
- Incredibly Creamy: A combination of condensed soup and sour cream creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every noodle and piece of chicken.
- Perfect for Busy Nights: Using pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken makes this meal come together in a snap.
- Family-Approved Flavor: It’s a classic, comforting taste that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy. For another family favorite, try this Sausage Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole.
- Great for Make-Ahead: Assemble it ahead of time and bake it when you’re ready for a stress-free dinner solution.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this easy chicken noodle casserole lies in its simplicity. You only need a handful of staple ingredients to create this masterpiece.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles are the classic choice, as their texture holds up beautifully in the casserole.
- Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver. You can also use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is the secret to the ultra-creamy, savory sauce base.
- Sour Cream: Adds a slight tang and enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
- Milk: Helps to thin the sauce to the perfect consistency.
- Frozen Peas and Carrots: A classic vegetable mix that adds color, nutrition, and flavor without any extra chopping.
- Seasonings: Dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper create a perfectly balanced, savory flavor profile.
- Ritz Crackers & Butter: A buttery, crunchy cracker topping is the perfect finishing touch for this casserole.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Step-by-Step
Making this creamy chicken noodle casserole from scratch is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.
- Preheat and Prepare: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions, but cook them for 2 minutes less than the recommended time to ensure they don’t get mushy in the oven. Drain them well.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked and drained noodles, shredded chicken, and frozen peas and carrots to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it into an even layer.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Tips for the Best Casserole
A few simple tips can elevate your chicken noodle casserole from good to absolutely unforgettable.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Undercooking the noodles slightly before baking is key. They will finish cooking in the oven and absorb some of the sauce without turning mushy.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: While this recipe uses a cracker topping, adding a cup of shredded cheddar or Colby Jack cheese to the sauce mixture adds an extra layer of flavor. Always shred your own cheese for the best melt.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Using a good quality rotisserie chicken and full-fat sour cream will make a noticeable difference in the final taste and texture.
Customizations and Variations
This recipe is a fantastic base for creativity. Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand.
- Different Veggies: Try adding steamed broccoli florets, corn, or green beans.
- Change the Soup: Swap the cream of chicken for cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile. Looking for another creamy soup-based dish? This white chicken lasagna soup is a must-try.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a little kick. For a dish with a real kick, check out these Cajun chicken stuffed shells.
- Alternative Toppings: If you don’t have Ritz crackers, you can use crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or French’s fried onions for the topping.
How to Store, Freeze, and Reheat
Storing
Store any leftover chicken noodle casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! To freeze, assemble the casserole completely but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap and a layer of aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, you can bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. You can also thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also reheat the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven for about 20 minutes, or until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, this casserole freezes very well. Assemble it completely but do not bake it. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and then foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. You can bake it from frozen at 375°F (190°C) for 50-60 minutes or thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole without the topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just add the buttered cracker topping and bake, adding about 10-15 minutes to the total cooking time.
The key is to undercook the egg noodles by about 2 minutes from the package instructions. They will absorb the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, resulting in the perfect texture without becoming mushy.
If you prefer to avoid condensed soups, you can make a simple homemade cream sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, and then slowly whisk in 1.5 cups of milk or chicken broth until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
A store-bought rotisserie chicken is the quickest and easiest option. However, you can use any leftover cooked chicken, whether it’s baked, poached, or grilled. You’ll need about 3 cups of shredded or cubed chicken.
Ready for More Comfort Food?
We hope you love this creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe! It’s a true comfort classic that’s perfect for any occasion. If you make it, please leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. We’d love to see your creations, so be sure to share a photo on Pinterest!
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Chicken Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Creamy Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions, but for 2 minutes less than the minimum cook time. Drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
- Gently stir in the drained noodles, shredded chicken, and the thawed peas and carrots until everything is well combined.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter until combined. Sprinkle the cracker mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to set.
Notes
Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
