Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food for Busy Weeknights
If you’re craving a warm, comforting, and satisfying dish that brings together tender chicken, creamy sauce, and melty cheese, look no further than this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s the perfect recipe for families, meal preppers, or anyone who needs a hearty dinner that can be made ahead and baked later.
This classic casserole is not only easy to make, but also endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters, using up leftover chicken, or just need a crowd-pleasing dish that’s ready in under an hour, this recipe checks every box.
Why You’ll Love This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Quick & Easy: With a few simple steps, you can have this ready for the oven in 15 minutes.
- Family-Friendly: Kids love the cheesy goodness and creamy noodles.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Great way to use leftover rotisserie or shredded chicken.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make it ahead, freeze it, and bake it later for a stress-free meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 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 cup frozen peas (optional)
- 1/2 cup frozen corn (optional)
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 2 tbsp melted butter (optional topping)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or butter.
2. Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the Creamy Chicken Mixture
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Combine and Assemble
Add the cooked noodles, peas, and corn (if using) into the bowl. Gently fold everything together until the noodles are well coated.
Pour the mixture into your prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
5. Top It Off
Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese evenly on top.
If using, combine crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the cheese for a crispy topping.
6. Bake
Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Let It Rest & Serve
Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken slightly and makes it easier to portion.
Tips for Best Results:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and add flavor.
- Substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream for a healthier twist.
- Add sautéed onions or mushrooms for extra depth.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or Colby Jack for a new flavor combo.
What to Serve With Chicken Noodle Casserole
This dish is hearty enough on its own, but you can serve it with:
- A crisp green salad
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
Storage & Freezing
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil and freeze before baking. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving):
Yields: 6–8 servings
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is more than just a dinner — it’s the kind of dish that brings people together. It’s warm, creamy, cheesy, and everything comfort food should be. Best of all, it’s easy enough for a beginner cook, yet satisfying enough to make again and again.
If you’re looking to make dinner easy tonight (or any night), bookmark this recipe, print it, or save it to your favorite recipe app. Trust us, this one’s a keeper.Homemade Samoas Girl Scout Cookies