This Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole is a warm and comforting dish that everyone will love! It’s packed with tender chicken, creamy soup, and yummy egg noodles all baked to perfection.
I like to add a sprinkle of cheese on top before baking for a gooey finish. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up after a long day, making it a go-to favorite in my house!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use cooked chicken that’s shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut here! If you’re looking for a lighter option, turkey works well too.
Egg Noodles: These are perfect for their texture, but you can replace them with any pasta shape you have on hand, like rotini or penne.
Vegetables: The peas and carrots mix is super convenient, but feel free to swap in other vegetables like broccoli or green beans for a different taste.
Cream Soups: If you want a healthier version, you can make homemade cream of mushroom or chicken soup. Alternatively, use a can of condensed cream of celery soup for a fresh twist.
Cheese: Cheddar is a nice addition if you love cheesy casseroles, but you could also use Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
How Do You Ensure Your Casserole is Creamy and Not Dry?
The trick to keeping your casserole creamy is all in the sauce! Start by mixing the cream soups with milk and sour cream to create a rich base. This ensures everything stays moist as it bakes.
- Make sure to combine all your ingredients evenly to coat everything well.
- Don’t skip the topping! The crushed crackers or breadcrumbs add a nice crunch and help seal in moisture.
- If the casserole looks dry before you bake it, don’t hesitate to add a little more milk.
Baking it covered for the first 20 minutes helps trap steam, keeping it moist. Uncover it for the last 10-15 minutes to let the top brown nicely!
Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots mix (thawed)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp butter, melted
Seasonings:
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This hearty casserole takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30-35 minutes to bake in the oven. In total, you’re looking at about 50 minutes to have a delicious meal ready to serve!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C), getting it nice and warm while you prepare the delicious ingredients.
2. Mix the Main Ingredients:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, and thawed peas and carrots. Stir them together until nicely mixed.
3. Create the Creamy Sauce:
In another bowl, whisk together the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, milk, sour cream, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine Everything:
Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and noodle mixture. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated with that delicious sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish:
Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish, then pour your mixture into it. Spread everything out evenly to ensure an even bake.
6. Add Cheese (Optional):
If you love cheese, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole for a gooey, cheesy finish!
7. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter until crumbly. Sprinkle this topping over the casserole for a delightful crunch.
8. Bake It Up:
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown!
9. Cool and Garnish:
Once baked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes. This helps the flavors settle. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a touch of color and freshness!
10. Serve and Enjoy!
Dish it out warm and enjoy your creamy, comforting Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole! Perfect for any family gathering or a cozy night in.
Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Leftover Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Leftover chicken works perfectly in this casserole. Just make sure it’s shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces for even distribution in the dish.
What If I Don’t Have Cream Soups?
No problem! You can make a homemade creamy base by mixing equal parts of sour cream and milk with some flour or cornstarch for thickness. Season it to taste with herbs and spices to enhance the flavor!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it up in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or pop it in the microwave.
Can I Make This Casserole Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, just pop it in the oven, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.
