This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, hearty, and loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a crispy topping. It’s a crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or when you just need a warm, satisfying meal.

ingredients

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Comfort Food Lovers

Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

egg noodlescooked chicken (shredded or cubed)cream of chicken soupmayonnaise or sour creammilkfrozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)shredded cheddar cheeseonion powdergarlic powdersalt and pepperbuttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for topping

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.

Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise or sour cream, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.

Fold in the cooked chicken, frozen vegetables, and shredded cheese.

Add the cooked noodles and gently stir until everything is well combined.

Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

Top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for a crunchy finish.

Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 6-8 people.Preparation time: 15 minutesCooking time: 25-30 minutesTotal time: 40-45 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of hot sauce or paprika for a subtle kick.

Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery.

Mix in sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth.

Top with French-fried onions instead of breadcrumbs for added crunch.

Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until warmed through.To reheat the whole casserole, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until hot throughout.You can also freeze the casserole (before or after baking) for up to 2 months—thaw overnight before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken works in a pinch but fresh or rotisserie chicken offers better texture and flavor.

What type of noodles should I use?

Wide egg noodles are traditional, but any short pasta like rotini or penne will work.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate until ready to bake.

Is it possible to make this casserole healthier?

Use low-fat soup and sour cream, reduce the cheese, and add more veggies to lighten it up.

Can I make it without cheese?

Yes, but cheese adds richness and binding—consider substituting with a non-dairy cheese if needed.

How do I keep the topping crispy?

Don’t cover with foil while baking and add the topping just before placing in the oven.

Can I use fresh vegetables?

Yes, just steam or sauté them briefly before adding to the mix.

Can I use gluten-free noodles?

Absolutely, just be sure not to overcook them before baking.

What can I serve with this casserole?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli pairs perfectly.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish or two separate pans and adjust baking time as needed.

Conclusion

This Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic comfort food dish that brings warmth and flavor to the table with minimal effort. Whether you’re feeding a family or prepping meals ahead, it’s a reliable go-to that delivers every time. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with goodness, it’s bound to become a household favorite.