If you’ve ever yearned for a comforting dish that wraps you in warm, nostalgic flavors, you’ve got to try this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe. It’s the perfect marriage of tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery, golden noodles topped with a crispy crust. This casserole is the kind of dish that instantly makes your kitchen feel cozy and fills your heart with happiness, whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special family gathering. Easy to prepare yet deeply satisfying, it’s a timeless classic that proves simple ingredients can come together to create magic in a baking dish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For this hearty casserole, you only need a handful of straightforward ingredients that each play a vital role in delivering the comfort we crave. From creamy soups to sharp cheddar and tender veggies, each element brings its own charm to the mix.
- 3 cups Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced, this is the star protein that keeps the dish hearty and flavorful.
- 8 oz Wide egg noodles: Cooked and drained, these provide a soft, satisfying base with just the right bite.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of chicken soup: Adds creamy richness and that classic casserole texture.
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of mushroom soup: Deepens the flavor with subtle earthiness and extra creaminess.
- 1 cup Sour cream: Brings tangy silkiness to the sauce, balancing the richness beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Milk: Lightens the sauce just enough to keep it smooth without being heavy.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder: Infuses gentle warmth and aromatic depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder: Adds subtle savoriness that rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every bite.
- 1 1/2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Sharp, melty, and gooey—this cheese is pure comfort in every forkful.
- 1 cup Frozen peas and carrots (optional): Adds a pop of color and a hint of natural sweetness plus some wholesome veggies.
- 1/2 cup Crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs: For that unbeatable crunchy and golden topping.
- 2 tablespoons Melted butter: Helps crisp up the topping and adds richness.
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional): A fresh, vibrant finish to brighten the casserole visually and flavor-wise.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) so it’s ready to work its magic when your casserole is assembled. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish generously—this helps ensure your casserole won’t stick and makes for easy serving later.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken and cooked egg noodles with both cans of cream soup. Add the sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and half of your shredded cheddar cheese. Stir everything together until you get a luscious, creamy mixture that evenly coats every noodle and piece of chicken.
Step 3: Add Veggies and Season Well
If you’re including frozen peas and carrots, fold them in now to provide a splash of color and a fresh, subtle sweetness. Then, season the whole mix with salt and pepper to your liking—this step is where the casserole’s flavor comes alive.
Step 4: Assemble and Add Cheese
Pour your creamy chicken and noodle mixture into the buttered baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Next, sprinkle the rest of your cheddar cheese on top, promising gooey, golden pockets of cheese as it bakes.
Step 5: Prepare the Crunchy Topping
In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with melted butter until the crumbs are nicely coated. Scatter this buttery crumb topping evenly over the casserole for the crunch everyone loves.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide your dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll want to watch for bubbling edges and a lightly browned, crispy topping—that’s your signal that it’s ready to come out and be enjoyed.
Step 7: Rest and Garnish
Allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes once out of the oven; this helps it settle so you can serve clean portions. If you like, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top for a fresh pop of green and a hint of brightness in every bite.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A simple garnish of chopped fresh parsley or a few sprigs of thyme can elevate this humble dish with a touch of garden-fresh aroma and vibrant color. Don’t be afraid to get creative and add freshly ground black pepper right before serving for a little extra kick.
Side Dishes
This casserole is wonderfully fulfilling on its own, but pairing it with a crisp garden salad, roasted green beans, or buttery steamed broccoli adds crunch and freshness to the plate. A crusty slice of bread or warm rolls also make for a perfect accompaniment to soak up the creamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming, personalized touch, perfect for dinner parties or cozy family meals. You can also sprinkle extra cheese or different herbs on top before baking for a flavor twist. For holiday tables, add colorful roasted vegetables throughout the mixture for festive flair.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftover Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate. It will stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before baking or after it’s been baked and fully cooled. Just cover it tightly with foil and wrap in plastic to prevent freezer burn. When frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months—perfect for meal prepping or saving for a time when you want a fuss-free comfort meal.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 20 minutes if thawed and slightly longer if frozen. Microwaving works too—cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 1-minute intervals to keep the noodles moist and creamy.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds juicy, seasoned chicken without any extra effort. Just shred it up and toss it right into the mix.
Is it possible to make this casserole gluten-free?
Yes, you can swap the wide egg noodles for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free cream soups or homemade alternatives. Just be sure to check that your breadcrumbs or cracker topping are gluten-free as well.
Can I add other vegetables to the casserole?
Definitely! Feel free to experiment with vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to customize the casserole and add extra nutrition. Just keep in mind that some veggies may release more moisture and might slightly alter the texture.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken and mushroom soups?
If you prefer homemade, you can create your own creamy base with a simple roux made from butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk, flavored with garlic and onion powder. This way you control the ingredients and avoid canned soup preservatives.
How can I make the topping extra crispy?
For an ultra-crispy topping, use panko breadcrumbs instead of crushed crackers and toss them with melted butter and a little grated Parmesan cheese before sprinkling on top. You can even broil the casserole for a minute at the end of baking to achieve that golden crust.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to whip up, endlessly comforting, and perfect for sharing with family and friends. So go ahead, gather these simple ingredients and treat yourself to a dish that reminds you of home, love, and timeless goodness. I promise you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe again and again.
Print
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting and creamy home-cooked meal featuring tender chicken, wide egg noodles, and a rich blend of creamy soups and cheese, topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Perfect for a family dinner, this casserole combines classic flavors with simple ingredients, baked to a bubbly golden perfection in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Noodles 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
- Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish thoroughly and set it aside, ensuring the casserole will not stick during baking.
- Mix the Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded or diced cooked chicken, cooked and drained 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 all ingredients together until the mixture is fully combined and creamy.
- Add Vegetables and Season: Fold in the frozen peas and carrots if using, adding a pop of color and nutrition. Season the entire mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences and mix gently to evenly distribute.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the well-mixed chicken and noodles mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top to create a melted cheese layer.
- Prepare and Add Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or buttered breadcrumbs with the melted butter until the crumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this mixture over the casserole’s cheese layer to add a crunchy, golden crust when baked.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the topping is lightly browned and crisp.
- Cool and Garnish: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes to set. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired before serving to add a fresh touch and visual appeal.
Notes
- Ensure the egg noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Using equal parts cream of chicken and cream of mushroom soup balances the flavor, but you can adjust according to preference.
- Frozen peas and carrots are optional but add color and nutrients.
- For a richer flavor, substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt can be considered.
- To make the casserole gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles, soups, and breadcrumbs.
- Letting the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking allows it to firm up for easier serving.
- For extra crispiness, broil the casserole for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, but watch closely to avoid burning.
