CHICKEN NOODLE CASSEROLE RECIPE: How to Make

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The Ultimate Comfort Classic: Chicken Noodle Casserole

A chicken noodle casserole is a classic comfort food with a rich history rooted in American culinary traditions, emerging in the mid-20th century as a convenient and satisfying staple in American homes for generations. This beloved dish combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce to create a filling and flavorful meal. It’s a truly versatile dish, perfect for a cozy dinner or a large gathering, and can be easily customized with additions like peas and carrots, or different cheeses. Beyond its crowd-pleasing appeal, it’s also a nutritious meal, packed with protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

Why We Like Chicken Noodle Casserole

It’s a classic comfort food.

It has a rich history as a staple in American homes.

It’s a convenient and satisfying meal.

The dish combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy sauce.

It’s a versatile dish for a cozy dinner or a large gathering.

You can easily customize it with peas, carrots, and different cheeses.

It’s also a nutritious meal with protein, vegetables, and whole grains.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup¹⁶
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed¹⁷
• ½ cup diced celery (optional)
• ½ cup diced onion (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Making this easy chicken noodle casserole recipe is straightforward. Follow these steps to create a delicious and satisfying meal:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).⁷ Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth. This forms the base of your creamy chicken noodle casserole.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken (shredded or cubed), cooked noodles, shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas and carrots, diced celery (optional), and diced onion (optional) into the bowl with the sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. Add extra shredded cheese on top if desired for a truly cheesy chicken noodle casserole.
7. Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy this homemade chicken noodle casserole with a side of salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread.

Essential Tools

• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Large pot for cooking noodles
• Large mixing bowl
• Whisk (for sauce)
• Spatula or large spoon (for mixing and serving)
• Small bowl (for topping)

Variations and Customizations

The chicken noodle casserole is incredibly versatile, allowing for many adaptations:

• Noodle Alternatives: While egg noodles are classic, you can try different noodles like penne, rotini, or even whole wheat noodles for added fiber.
• Vegetable Additions: Beyond peas and carrots, incorporate broccoli florets, corn, chopped bell peppers, or spinach for more flavor and nutrients, making it a true chicken noodle casserole with vegetables.⁸
• Cheeses: Experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or a blend of your favorites.
• Sauce Enhancements: For a richer, more indulgent creamy chicken noodle casserole, consider adding a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce mixture.
• Protein Variations: While chicken is standard, leftover turkey works beautifully too.⁹

Benefits of Chicken Noodle Casserole

Healthy chicken noodle casserole is both tasty and good for you.

• Protein-Packed Goodness: The chicken in chicken noodle casserole is full of protein. A serving can have up to 30 grams of protein, making it a very filling and muscle-supporting meal.
• Vegetables and Whole Grains: This dish often includes veggies like carrots, celery, and peas.¹⁰ They add fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Some casseroles even incorporate brown rice or whole wheat noodles, making the meal even healthier and boosting its nutritional value.¹¹
• Comforting & Satisfying: Beyond its nutrients, it provides immense comfort, satisfying hunger and warming the soul.
• Convenient Meal Prep: It’s an excellent make-ahead chicken noodle casserole, offering freezer-friendly options for busy schedules.¹²

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the key ingredients in a Chicken Noodle Casserole?

A: Chicken, egg noodles, and creamy sauce are the main parts. The sauce often has cream of chicken soup, milk, and spices.13 Some recipes add carrots, celery, and peas too.14

Q: Is Chicken Noodle Casserole a nutritious meal?

A: Yes, it’s very good for you. It has chicken for protein, which helps muscles. It also has veggies for fiber and vitamins.15 Some recipes use whole grains for more nutrition, making it a nutritious meal.

Q: Can Chicken Noodle Casserole be made ahead of time?

A: Yes, you can make it early and freeze it. It’s great for busy days or when you need a quick meal. Just assemble it, cover it, and refrigerate or freeze until you’re ready to bake. This is a fantastic make-ahead chicken noodle casserole option.

Q: How can Chicken Noodle Casserole leftovers be repurposed?

A: Leftovers are great for many things! You can top baked potatoes, make quesadillas, or even a creamy soup. They’re also good for a quick lunch or as a salad topping. Explore recipes using leftover chicken noodle casserole for creative meal ideas.

Q: What are some good side dishes to serve with Chicken Noodle Casserole?

A: Try a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, garlic bread, or dinner rolls. These add flavor and variety to your meal and make the casserole even better.

Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Card

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25-30 minutes

Total Time: 40-45 minutes

Yield: 6-8 servings

Category: Main Course, Comfort Food

Method: Boiling, Mixing, Baking

Cuisine: American

Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 8 oz egg noodles, uncooked
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup¹⁶
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping)
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed¹⁷
• ½ cup diced celery (optional)
• ½ cup diced onion (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers (for topping)
• 2 tbsp melted butter (for topping)

Equipment:

• 9×13-inch baking dish¹⁸
• Large pot for cooking noodles
• Large mixing bowl
• Small bowl (for topping)
• Spatula or large spoon

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven & Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).¹⁹ Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
3. Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth and well combined to form your creamy sauce.
4. Assemble the Casserole: Add the cooked chicken, drained egg noodles, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, thawed peas and carrots, diced celery (if using), and diced onion (if using) into the bowl with the prepared sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the entire mixture into the prepared 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
6. Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole. For extra cheesiness, you can add more shredded cheddar cheese on top.²⁰
7. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the breadcrumbs topping is golden brown and crispy.
8. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set slightly. Enjoy this delicious comforting dish with your favorite side dishes like a green salad or garlic bread.

Notes:

• Chicken: Use leftover roasted chicken, rotisserie chicken, or cook and shred chicken breasts specifically for this recipe.
• Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like chopped broccoli, corn, or bell peppers.
• Creaminess: For an even richer creamy chicken noodle casserole, stir in ¼ cup of sour cream or cream cheese into the sauce mixture.
• Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the casserole up to step 6, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time.
• Freezer-Friendly: This casserole can be assembled (up to step 6) and frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

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