This Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe is sure to bring back memories of family dinners and cozy evenings. It’s a simple, hearty meal, that is pretty much the ultimate comfort food and definitely a family favorite around here. Each bite of this easy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a delightful mix of flavors and textures, from the juicy chicken, perfectly tender noodles and veggies, to the cheesy topping. For more effortless chicken casserole recipes, check out my Chicken and Stuffing Casserole, Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole, Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole, and Creamy White Chicken Lasagna!
Why We Love This Recipe
This hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole is an easy way to whip up a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. With simple ingredients like sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheddar cheese, this creamy casserole is guaranteed to be a hit with the whole family and even the pickiest of eaters. It can be prepared ahead of time, making this comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole the best way to enjoy a hearty and delicious meal without the last-minute rush.
What You’ll Need
Scroll down to the recipe card below this post for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
Onion – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth of savory flavor to the dish. Chicken – The star of the dish, providing protein and a hearty texture. Mixed Vegetables – I used store-bought frozen mixed vegetables including sweetcorn, green beans, peas, and diced carrots to bring color, nutrition, and a variety of flavors here. You can use your favorite combination of frozen or fresh veg. Cream of Chicken Soup – The classic canned soup forms the base of the creamy sauce, enveloping the other ingredients in rich flavor. Sour Cream – Adds a tangy richness to the sauce. Milk – Thins the sauce to the right consistency. Cheese – I used shredded cheddar cheese to bring a gooey, cheesy element that’s irresistible. Seasonings – Use a combination of salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, onion powder, garlic powder, and dried thyme to enhance the overall flavor profile of the casserole. Egg Noodles – The foundation of the casserole, provides a satisfying chew and absorbs the creamy sauce. Ritz Crackers and Butter – Ritz Crackers have a deliciously buttery flavor and a great crunchy texture. Combined with melted salted butter they form a crunchy, buttery topping that compliments the creaminess of the casserole.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
Tips for Success
If your mixed veggies aren’t thawed, you can run them under warm water for a minute or defrost them in the microwave. Add the frozen vegetables to a microwave-safe container and thaw for 4 minutes. The time can vary depending on your microwave. Use good-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Rotisserie chicken adds a nice depth of flavor and saves time. Fresh vegetables can add more texture and flavor, although they would require more time to prepare. Cook the egg noodles al dente (to where they are just tender) since they will continue to cook in the oven. Noodles can become mushy when overcooked so take care to avoid overcooking them. Spread the mixture evenly in the baking dish to ensure consistent cooking, and bake until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly for the perfect texture and flavor. Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking to allow it to set a little bit. This will make it easier to serve. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or thyme before serving for added color and freshness.
Substitutions and Variations
Cream of celery or cream of mushroom soup would be a good alternative to cream of chicken soup. Instead of sour cream, you can use unflavored natural or Greek yogurt as a substitute, or even mayonnaise. I used precooked chicken breasts but you can use another kind of chicken, such as rotisserie chicken, precooked chicken thighs with the bones removed, or even canned chicken (drained). It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken breasts or slices. Make this into an easy tuna casserole by substituting the chicken with tuna. I used salted butter for this recipe, so if you use unsalted butter, I recommend adding some salt to the cracker mixture. You can also substitute the butter for margarine. If you don’t like the heat of red pepper flakes, you can keep that out. I use block cheddar for cooking but pre-shredded cheese will work great. You can also switch up the cheese you use. I do like cheddar, as it complements the flavors really well. Instead of crushed Ritz Crackers, you could use regular bread crumbs or panko breadcrumbs. Cheezits would also work as an extra-cheesy substitute. Feel free to switch up the mixed vegetables to include any that you desire. Chopped green beans, red and green peppers, broccoli, and cauliflower all work well with chicken casseroles. Experiment with different types of cheese for varied flavors. A mix of cheddar and mozzarella, for instance, can add creaminess and a soft, stringy texture.
More Easy Dinner Casserole Recipes
Cheesy Baked Spaghetti Casserole Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells Ground Beef Enchiladas Chicken Spaghetti Bake Easy Chili Relleno Casserole
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and drizzle the melted butter over top. Stir to combine until the butter is well incorporated throughout the cracker crumbs for a deliciously crunchy finish!
Cheesy Chicken Broccoli and Rice Casserole
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole
Tuna Noodle Casserole
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