Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken and soft egg noodles, all baked to golden perfection with a buttery, crunchy topping. This classic dish brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s pure nostalgia but also incredibly satisfying and easy to whip up any night of the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe truly shine, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients, each playing an essential role. From the savory cream soups that create the luscious sauce to the sharp cheddar cheese that adds that perfect melt and flavor, every item contributes to the dish’s irresistibly creamy texture, balanced taste, and homey appearance.
- 3 cups Cooked chicken: shredded or diced for tender, protein-packed bites throughout the casserole.
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles: cooked and drained, they provide a lovely chewy and hearty base.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup: adds rich and comforting flavor to the sauce.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup: brings earthy depth and creaminess that complements the chicken.
- 1 cup Sour cream: contributes tang and creaminess, elevating the saucy texture.
- 1/2 cup Milk: lightens the sauce just enough for perfect consistency.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: infuses warmth and savory notes.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder: enhances the overall flavor profile subtly but importantly.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: essential seasonings to make all flavors pop.
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese: divided for mixing in and topping – bringing gooey, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional): adds vibrant color and a hint of sweetness plus nutrition.
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs: combined with butter to create a crispy, golden crust.
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter: bonds the topping ingredients while adding rich flavor.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): freshens up the finished dish with a pop of green.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or nonstick spray so your casserole won’t stick and will brown beautifully.
Step 2: Combine the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, mix the cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles with the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything until it’s all fully combined and forms a creamy, hearty mixture.
Step 3: Add Vegetables and Seasoning
Gently fold in the frozen peas and carrots if you like a touch of color and some veggie goodness. Then season the mixture generously with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to ensure balance.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Pour the creamy chicken and noodle mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish, smoothing it out for an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top for that irresistible cheesy crust that melts and browns in the oven.
Step 5: Create the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter. Spread this buttery crust evenly over the cheese to add a crispy golden finish when baked.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until it’s bubbly and the topping is lightly browned. The aroma will be downright irresistible, filling your kitchen with cozy vibes.
Step 7: Let It Rest and Garnish
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool for a few minutes. This resting time helps it set up nicely for serving. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you want a fresh, colorful accent.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley adds an instant burst of color and a mild herbal freshness that balances the rich, creamy flavors of this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe. For extra flair, a little cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can make the seasoning stand out beautifully.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli adds a refreshing crunch and some bright greens. Garlic bread or soft dinner rolls are also wonderful companions, perfect for soaking up any leftover saucy goodness on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get a little fancy, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for personal portions at the table. You can also layer colorful veggies like roasted red peppers or sautéed mushrooms on top before baking to add visual interest and extra flavor variations. This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe is versatile enough to let your creativity shine!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen, making the next-day meal just as comforting and delicious as the fresh bake.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep! Freeze it unbaked in a freezer-safe dish for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before baking according to the recipe instructions.
Reheating
Reheat your leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through to maintain the creamy texture and crunchy topping. Alternatively, warm individual portions in the microwave, though the topping may lose some crispness using this method.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic, time-saving option and adds amazing flavor to this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe.
Can I substitute different vegetables?
Yes, feel free to swap peas and carrots with other veggies like green beans, corn, or mushrooms depending on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.
Is there a way to make this casserole dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use dairy-free sour cream, cheese alternatives, and soups that don’t contain milk. Just keep in mind the texture and flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.
What type of noodles work best?
Wide egg noodles are ideal because they soak up the creamy sauce perfectly without getting mushy, but you can experiment with other pasta shapes if needed.
Can I add fresh herbs to the casserole?
Definitely! Fresh thyme, rosemary, or tarragon work beautifully when mixed in, giving your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe an herbaceous twist.
Final Thoughts
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe is pure comfort food magic—easy to make, packed with familiar, delicious flavors, and perfect for sharing around the dinner table. If you haven’t made this nostalgic dish at home yet, I can’t recommend it enough. Trust me, once you try it, this will become one of your go-to family favorites that everyone asks for again and again.
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Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting, creamy dish that combines tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a cheesy, savory sauce topped with a crispy breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a family dinner, it comes together quickly and bakes to golden perfection.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodle Mixture
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz wide egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set it aside to ensure the casserole won’t stick during baking.
- Mix main ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Add vegetables and season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using, adding extra color and nutrition. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to your taste preference.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for a cheesy finish.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter until well combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole to create a crunchy and golden topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly and the topping has turned a light golden brown.
- Cool and garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving.
Notes
- Using freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken works best for flavor and texture.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheese.
- Feel free to customize with other vegetables like mushrooms or bell peppers.
- Make sure noodles are cooked al dente, as they will continue to soften during baking.
- Allow casserole to rest briefly after baking to set for easier serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
