This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dinner that comes together with simple ingredients and plenty of creamy, cheesy goodness. It’s a perfect way to use up leftover shredded chicken for an easy meal everyone will love.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Chicken Noodle Casserole
Flavor: Creamy, savory, and comforting with tender chicken, noodles, vegetables, and a buttery, cheesy golden topping.
Why Make It: When you need something quick and comforting, using cooked chicken, frozen vegetables, and condensed soup keeps prep short and cleanup easy.
Serving Suggestions: Serve this with a spinach strawberry salad, some fresh fruit kabobs, or a side of Texas toast garlic bread to round out the meal.
Total Time: 40 Mins Servings: 6 Cooking Method: Oven Baked
Ingredient Notes for Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Egg Noodles: Medium egg noodles keep this casserole classic and cook up quickly, just be sure to cook them to al dente so they don’t get too soft as they bake.
- Vegetables: Frozen mixed vegetables are a quick shortcut that adds color and texture. Replace with peas and carrots for an easy swap; broccoli works well if chopped small, too.
- Chicken: On busy nights, rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut. Homemade shredded chicken or leftover turkey works well, too.
- Chicken Soup: Condensed cream of chicken soup is the shortcut that makes the creamy sauce come together. Cream of mushroom or cream of celery can be used for a different flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds bold flavor with simple ingredients, or swap for Monterey Jack or a cheddar blend.
- Breadcrumbs: Seasoned breadcrumbs give the casserole a golden, crisp topping. Panko works for extra crunch, but seasoned crumbs add more flavor.
- Variations: Use peas, peas and carrots, or broccoli if mixed vegetables aren’t a favorite. Add mushrooms or celery for a more classic pot pie flavor. Skip the breadcrumbs and use extra cheese for a softer top, or add cooked bacon or Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
How to Make a Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Cook the egg noodles, add the vegetables, then drain well.
- Mix the noodles and vegetables with the remaining filling ingredients and half the cheese in the baking dish.
- Top with the breadcrumb mixture and remaining cheese mixture and bake (full recipe below).
Tips You’ll Love
- Drain Well: Drain the noodles and vegetables really well so the filling stays thick and creamy instead of watery.
- Cook Noodles Al Dente: Cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue to soften as the casserole bakes.
- Topping: Don’t skip the buttery breadcrumb and cheese topping. It adds the crunchy texture that balances the creamy filling.
- Sharp Cheddar: Use sharp cheddar instead of mild cheddar for the best flavor. It stand out better in the creamy sauce.
Storing Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat covered in the oven or microwave, then uncover briefly in the oven to re-crisp the topping.
Cozy Chicken Comfort Dinners
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Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 cups medium egg noodles about 3 ounces
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese divided
- 2 tablespoons seasoned bread crumbs
- 1 tablespoon butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a medium pot of salted water, cook the noodles according to the package directions. Add the vegetables to the water for the last 1 minute of cooking time. Drain well.
- In a 2 qt baking dish, combine noodles with vegetables, chicken, soup, milk, garlic powder, and ½ cup of cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and remaining ½ cup of cheese. Sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the breadcrumb mixture is golden brown.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
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