Chicken noodle casserole is the ultimate cozy, cold-weather casserole that everyone wants to come home to.
Tender pieces of cooked chicken are cooked with veggies and egg noodles in a creamy sauce baked under a crispy, cheesy topping.
We Love This Casserole Because…
- This chicken noodle casserole is made from scratch, yet it’s easy to make.
- It’s made with ingredients you likely have on hand.
- Use leftover cooked chicken and veggies from the fridge to stretch the budget.
Ingredients in Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken: Rotisserie chicken is a great way to save time, but you can also bake chicken breasts or use leftovers.
Vegetables: I use lots of veggies that add both nutrition and flavor. Celery, onions, carrots, and peas are the basics, but feel free to add what you love or have on hand. Frozen vegetables can be used in place.
Noodles: This recipe uses egg noodles for the perfect texture. Other types of pasta can be used as well, be sure to check the notes because the amount will vary slightly.
Sauce: The creamy sauce is both easy and delicious. Chicken broth adds flavor, and milk and cream cheese add a creamy texture.
Topping: Panko and cheddar cheese are what you need for a perfectly browned topping that stays extra crispy even as leftovers.
Variations
- Broccoli, cauliflower, sliced mushrooms, or a bag of mixed veggies will add color and flavor to the chicken noodle casserole.
- Short on time? Use a couple of cans of cream of chicken, cream of celery, or cream of mushroom soup in place of the milk and cream cheese.
- You can also make a homemade breadcrumb topping or use crushed saltines or Ritz crackers.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken and noodle casserole is the ultimate cozy, cold-weather casserole that everyone wants to come home to.
- Soften veggies: Cook the veggies until tender. Add flour and seasonings.
- Make sauce: Whisk in the milk and broth and cook until thickened. Stir in cheese.
- Combine: Combine cooked noodles, vegetables, and chicken. Spread into a prepared casserole dish.
- Bake: Add the buttery Panko topping and bake (recipe below) until browned and bubbly.
Need A Shortcut?
This is an easy from-scratch favorite but if you need a quick shortcut, try my Cheesy Chicken Casserole
Storing Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Keep leftover chicken noodle casserole in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat portions in the microwave.
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Freeze a fully baked casserole by lining the casserole dish with foil before baking and allowing it to fully cool before freezing. Once frozen, lift the casserole out of the dish and wrap it tightly with foil and then plastic wrap for up to 6 months.
More Comforting Casseroles
Did you enjoy this Chicken Noodle Casserole? Leave a comment and rating below.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1 small onion diced
- 2 ribs celery diced
- 2 medium carrots diced
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon poultry seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper to taste
- 3 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 4 ounces cream cheese block, not spreadable
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese 4 oz
- 15 ounces medium egg noodles 1 package
- 4 cups cooked shredded chicken or chopped chicken
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas thawed
Topping
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese 2 oz
- ⅔ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease a 9×13 baking dish and set aside. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil.
- In a medium saucepan, add 2 tablespoons butter and melt over medium heat. Stir in onion, celery, and carrot, cooking until softened, about 5 minutes.
- Add flour, garlic powder, poultry seasoning, salt, thyme, and pepper, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Gradually add broth and milk, whisking after each addition until smooth. Cook over medium heat until bubbly and thickened.
- Remove from the heat and stir in cream cheese and cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
- Cook the egg noodles 1 minute less than directed on the package. Drain well. Combine chicken, noodles, peas, and sauce. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Combine topping ingredients and sprinkle over noodles.
- Bake for 25 to 30 minutes or until heated through and golden on top.
Notes
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Casserole, Chicken, Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
This casserole is delicious!
So happy to hear that Dana!
Hallelujah, no cream soup!
I hope you enjoy the recipe Carolyn!
How is your friend doing?
As many times as I’ve passed this recipe, I never read who you were helping and why.
Hoping for the best!
Planning to try this, this week!
Leslie, thank you so much for keeping Ashley’s family in your thoughts and for asking. I know it would mean a lot to Ashley to read that.
With a heavy heart I share the news that Ryan has passed away. I am thrilled to share that Miles has successfully received both a kidney and liver transplant and he is thriving. Such a beautiful little man!!
You can follow their story here on Team Ryan on Facebook.
So glad you love this recipe Bella!
Can you use the frozen noodles?
I haven’t tried that Michelle, but I think it would work. Let us know if you try it!
Turned out good but a little bland. Trying to figure what to add more off in the seasoning dept..may use a stonger onion next time.
You could certainly add extra poultry seasoning, onion powder, garlic powder or seasoning salt.
I didn’t have noodles, so I used rotini pasta. Otherwise, I prepared the recipe exactly as it is. It was delicious! Comfort food extraordinaire!
Sounds great Ginger!
Made this as recipe written. It was a good hearty satisfyingeal with leftovers for another meal and lunches for my Son.
It was cremy and cheesy. Will make again.
This recipe is good, but hardly “From scratch” when it uses commercial noodles. A real “from scratch” recipe would have different cooking times and liquid amounts when using freshly made noodles.
There’s always that one person… I’m sure if you have the skills to make your own pasta that you also know how to adjust the time and liquid amounts.
Right? Great answer. Made this, it was AMAZING!
So glad you loved it Alina!
Can you freeze this dish? Any changes to recipe if freezing?
I haven’t tried freezing this recipe.
Definitely your chicken noodle casserole is awesomeness! This is a great recipe Holly, as you know I made it a short while ago and it was lovely, in fact have made it again since. Thanks for sharing!
Thanks so much Jill, I’m glad you loved it!
I have made this and it is great, I have also used steak strips and ground beef all are good, using the base recipe .
This is my third time fixing the Chicken Noodle Casserole very easy to make don’t like the red pepper, everything is delicious.
I am making this for the second time tonight for dinner. My family loved this dish.
We love this dish! I am making it for the second time tonight.
Yummmmm! I added some garlic and seasoned well with salt and pepper – delicious and no leftovers!
I am so glad this recipe was a hit at your house!
This was amazing! I was looking for a recipe for this without cream of xx soup. I made it with rotisserie chicken and added broccoli instead of peas. The next day I went to put some left overs in a container for lunch at work and it was gone! Thank you for a great recipe. This is a great one to prepare in advance for a weeknight dinner.
5 Stars definitely!
I’m so glad you loved it!
Made this yesterday with left over turkey, it was delicious. Thanks
Such a good quick easy recipe. Definitely a hit with my picky family
Can this be made ahead of time and than reheated later
Yes!