Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
If you’re craving the ultimate comfort food, Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is about to become a new favorite at your table. Creamy, hearty, and packed with tender chicken, golden noodles, bubbly cheeses, and a crisp buttery topping, this dish captures everything we love about homestyle casseroles. It’s the classic crowd-pleaser you can count on for weeknights, potlucks, or whenever you need a helping of warm nostalgia — with a cheesy twist that’s impossible to resist.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of familiar, pantry-friendly ingredients to whip up a Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole that tastes like it simmered all day. Each item brings something special, from creaminess and crunch to pops of color and savory depth.
- Wide egg noodles: Their sturdy texture holds up perfectly to a creamy sauce and hearty bake.
- Cooked chicken breast, shredded: Adds satisfying protein and soaks up all the casserole’s flavor.
- Condensed cream of chicken soup: The key to a luscious, velvety sauce base.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: Lends earthy flavor and extra creaminess, making the dish cozy and rich.
- Sour cream: Brings a gentle tang that lightens and balances the casserole.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Offers sharp, bold flavor that melts right into the sauce.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: For that irresistible stretchy, gooey cheese factor.
- Frozen peas and carrots, thawed: A colorful way to sneak in veggies and extra sweetness.
- Milk: Helps blend the sauces into a perfectly pourable consistency.
- Garlic powder: Adds gentle warmth and savory depth throughout the casserole.
- Onion powder: Rounds out the flavors with subtle sweetness and umami.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for waking up all the other flavors — season to taste!
- Crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: Give every bite a satisfyingly crisp, buttery crunch on top.
- Unsalted butter, melted: Binds the topping and helps it turn golden and flavorful.
How to Make Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Step 1: Get Ready to Bake
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. This ensures nothing sticks and the casserole bakes up evenly golden. It’s also a great moment to cook and drain your egg noodles if you haven’t already!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Sauce
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk until smooth and well blended. This flavorful sauce is what gives Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole its trademark comfort and creamy texture.
Step 3: Bring It All Together
Add your cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella right into the bowl with the sauce. Stir everything together until the noodles and chicken are thoroughly coated and the cheeses are nicely distributed — this is where all the goodness comes together.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer your mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly, making sure the noodles and veggies are tucked into every corner. This creates that signature even, bubbly bake every Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole needs.
Step 5: Top and Bake
In a small bowl, toss the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until every crumb is glossed. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to form that unforgettable golden, crunchy topping. Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is beautifully golden-brown and the edges are bubbling away.
Step 6: Let It Rest
Once out of the oven, let your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole rest for about five minutes. This makes it easier to slice and serve, and also lets all the creamy flavors settle into every noodle.
How to Serve Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley, chives, or even a pinch of paprika takes your Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole from homey classic to dinnertime showstopper. The fresh herbs brighten up each portion and add a lovely pop of color against that cheesy golden top!
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs well with simple sides: think a crisp green salad tossed in vinaigrette or some roasted green beans for freshness and balance. For a little extra indulgence, try serving with soft dinner rolls to mop up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For potlucks or parties, spoon your casserole into individual ramekins before baking for personal servings. Or bake in a decorative oven-to-table dish for easy, elegant presentation—Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole always dazzles, no matter how you plate it!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making second-day servings even more satisfying—just be sure to let the casserole cool completely before storing.
Freezing
If you want to stash a batch for later, assemble the casserole (but hold off on baking), cover tightly with foil, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the buttery crumb topping, and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, you can pop individual portions in the microwave or warm the whole dish, covered, in a 350°F oven until hot and bubbly. A splash of milk before reheating can help restore the creamy texture if needed.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooked chicken breast?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful shortcut for Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole—it adds a savory depth and saves tons of prep time.
Can I swap in different vegetables?
Definitely. This casserole welcomes swaps like broccoli, corn, or green beans—feel free to use whatever veggies you have on hand or prefer.
What’s the best way to make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free egg noodles and make sure your condensed soups and cracker topping are certified gluten free. The Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole will still turn out dreamy and delicious.
Can I assemble Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole (minus the topping) up to a day in advance. Cover and refrigerate, then add the crumb topping just before baking for best results.
How do I get the topping perfectly golden?
Make sure the cracker or breadcrumb topping is well mixed with melted butter, and spread it evenly. If you want an extra-crisp top, pop the dish under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes at the end—but keep a close eye so it doesn’t burn!
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring a little more joy and comfort to your table, give Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole a try. There’s nothing quite like the smell of fresh-baked cheese and golden noodles to make everyone feel at home. I can’t wait for you to enjoy this classic, feel-good dish—and maybe make it your own family tradition!
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Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this comforting Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole that combines tender chicken, creamy cheeses, and flavorful seasonings for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 12 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Prepare the Casserole Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix in the noodles, chicken, peas and carrots, cheddar cheese, and mozzarella cheese.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the mixture in a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add Topping: Combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- You can swap peas and carrots for broccoli or green beans.
- Enhance the topping with paprika or dried parsley for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 460
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 890 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
