Name: Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole | chicken casserole recipes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked egg noodles; 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded; 1 can cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup frozen peas and carrots; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup breadcrumbs; 2 tbsp butter, melted; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

Chicken casserole recipes have a way of making a kitchen feel like home. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve turned to this dish after a long day, because it’s simple, hearty, and it doesn’t ask much from me. The best part is that it reminds me of the casseroles I grew up eating, warm and bubbling from the oven, with just the right amount of cheese pulling across the top. I think the beauty of easy chicken casserole recipes lies in their comfort. There’s no fuss, just honest ingredients coming together to make a meal that feels both filling and familiar. Some might call it plain, but to me, it’s a reliable favorite. It works on busy weeknights, it works when I want to feed a crowd, and it even works when I’m just craving something cozy. This one falls into that happy category where healthy chicken casserole recipes meet cheesy chicken casserole indulgence. You’ve got noodles that stay tender, chicken that’s flavorful, and a sauce that holds everything together. Whether you lean toward chicken and rice casserole recipes easy enough for weeknights, or you’re tempted by chicken and broccoli casserole recipes with a creamy twist, this version gives you all of that home-cooked goodness.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
3) Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
4) How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
5) Tips for Making Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
6) Making Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
8) Try these Main Course next!
9) Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole brings together noodles, chicken, and cheese into a warm dish that feels like comfort. It’s one of those chicken casserole recipes that never disappoints.

You get simple prep, reliable results, and flavors that remind you of family dinners. From creamy sauce to golden topping, every bite delivers cozy satisfaction.

If you’re looking for easy chicken casserole recipes that fit busy nights yet taste like you spent hours, this one is the answer.

2) Easy Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This dish feels like the kind of recipe you turn to when time is short but you still want something that feels complete. I like to call it my “weeknight rescue” meal. The noodles soak up the creamy sauce, the chicken brings protein, and the cheese makes it feel like comfort without much effort.

What sets it apart from other easy casserole recipes is the balance. Nothing feels too heavy, but nothing feels skimpy either. It’s hearty without leaving you sluggish. That’s why I keep it close for both family nights and casual get-togethers.

So if you’ve ever stood in the kitchen asking what to cook that will make everyone happy, here’s your answer. This classic will not let you down.

3) Ingredients for Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

Cooked Egg Noodles: These bring the base texture that holds everything together. Their softness lets the sauce cling to every bite, which makes the casserole feel rich.

Cooked Chicken: Shredded chicken adds heartiness. You can use leftovers or rotisserie chicken to make the prep quick. The meat blends with the sauce and noodles in a way that feels comforting.

Cream of Chicken Soup: This adds depth. It’s the backbone of the sauce and gives that creamy consistency we all expect in chicken casserole recipes.

Sour Cream: The tang from sour cream balances the richness of the soup. It makes the sauce smoother and gives a subtle flavor lift.

Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheese gives a melty top layer. It’s the part you wait for, that stringy bite that feels indulgent. Cheesy chicken casserole wouldn’t be the same without it.

Frozen Peas and Carrots: These add color and a touch of sweetness. They cut through the richness and keep the dish balanced.

Milk: A splash of milk loosens the sauce so it coats evenly without turning heavy. It helps everything blend well.

Breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs mixed with butter give that golden crunch on top. They finish the dish with texture.

Butter: Melted butter binds the breadcrumbs and makes them crisp in the oven. That final crunch is what people remember.

Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that bring out every other flavor. Without them, the dish would feel flat.

4) How to Make Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a large baking dish. This step sets up the stage for even cooking.

Step 2. Mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This blend makes the sauce smooth and flavorful.

Step 3. Stir in the noodles, chicken, peas, and carrots. Coat everything well so each bite carries the creamy sauce.

Step 4. Spread the mixture into the baking dish. Smooth it out for even layers.

Step 5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese across the top. That cheesy layer will melt into a golden blanket.

Step 6. Mix melted butter with breadcrumbs and scatter them over the cheese. This topping will crisp up in the oven.

Step 7. Bake uncovered for about 35 minutes. Watch for the edges to bubble and the top to turn golden brown.

Step 8. Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. This pause makes slicing cleaner and flavors settle.

5) Tips for Making Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

Use rotisserie chicken if you’re short on time. It saves prep and still gives tender pieces.

Cook noodles just until tender. Overcooked noodles turn mushy when baked, so pull them off the heat early.

Don’t skip the breadcrumb topping. It adds texture and makes the casserole memorable. Without it, the dish might taste flat.

6) Making Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Ahead of Time

This recipe works well as a make-ahead dish. You can assemble the casserole in the morning and bake it later in the evening. It holds together in the fridge until you’re ready.

If you plan to refrigerate overnight, cover the dish tightly. When baking from cold, add a few extra minutes in the oven to heat through.

I’ve even frozen portions for later. Wrapped tightly, they taste just as comforting when reheated.

7) Storing Leftover Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container. I usually store mine in the fridge for up to three days. A quick warm-up in the oven or microwave brings it back to life.

If you want to keep it longer, freezing works. Divide into smaller containers so reheating feels simple. This makes lunch or dinner later in the week a breeze.

Sometimes the sauce thickens after chilling. Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back that creamy texture.

8) Try these Main Course next!

9) Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole