If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate cozy dinner, look no further than this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole. Imagine tender shreds of chicken, luscious egg noodles, and colorful peas and carrots all tucked under a golden, buttery cracker crust. Every bite is irresistibly creamy and bubbling with the kind of comfort only home-cooked classics deliver. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or gathering friends for a simple supper, this dish always delivers warmth, nostalgia, and all the delicious flavor you crave from a true comfort classic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of an Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is how it transforms humble, everyday ingredients into something spectacular. Each element plays a vital role in making the dish creamy, savory, and completely crave-worthy—no fancy groceries required!
- Egg noodles: Their soft, pillowy texture makes these noodles the perfect base to soak up every bit of the creamy sauce.
- Cooked shredded chicken: Rotisserie chicken works wonders here for both flavor and convenience; any cooked chicken will do in a pinch.
- Cream of chicken soup: This unsung pantry hero brings that signature creamy richness, binding all the ingredients together.
- Sour cream: Adds tang and body to the sauce, guaranteeing every bite is decadent but not too heavy.
- Milk: Thins the sauce just enough, keeping the casserole delicately creamy after baking.
- Frozen peas and carrots, thawed: Pops of color, bursts of sweetness, and a healthful touch—these classic veggies never disappoint.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts over the top for gooey, melty goodness and extra cheesy flavor.
- Garlic powder: Infuses gentle, savory depth without overpowering the comfort-food vibes.
- Onion powder: Lends a subtle sweetness, balancing the earthiness of the other spices.
- Salt and pepper: No casserole is complete without just the right amount of seasoning—taste and adjust to your preference.
- Crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs: The ultimate casserole topper for that golden, crunchy finish we all love.
- Melted butter: Brings it all together for a topping that’s perfectly golden and deliciously buttery.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Dish
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish so nothing sticks and every scoop comes out clean and beautiful. A quick swipe of butter or a spritz of nonstick spray is all you need—a small detail that makes a big difference in cleanup and presentation!
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Base
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until it’s smooth and all the ingredients are well incorporated. This luscious base is what makes an Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole so irresistible—creamy, garlicky, and full of classic flavors.
Step 3: Add Protein, Veggies, and Noodles
Stir in your cooked shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, and those perfectly cooked egg noodles. Mix until every piece is coated in that dreamy sauce. The key is making sure every bite features a sample of everything—the cozy chicken, the colorful veggies, and the twirling noodles.
Step 4: Fill the Casserole Dish
Gently spoon the mixture into your prepared casserole dish, spreading everything out into an even layer. This ensures your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole bakes up evenly, with all that delicious filling bubbling up beneath its golden topping.
Step 5: Top with Cheese and Buttery Cracker Crumble
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, giving it a blanket of melty, cheesy goodness. In a separate small bowl, stir together the crushed butter crackers and melted butter until every crumb glistens. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese to form a crunchy crown that’s simply irresistible once baked.
Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection
Slide the casserole into your preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. You’re looking for a bubbling, hot center and a topping that’s deeply golden and crisp. Once finished, let your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole rest for about 5 minutes. This gives the filling time to settle and makes serving a breeze.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole
Garnishes
For a little chef’s flair, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top before serving. It brightens the whole dish and adds a pop of color. If you want some zing, a dash of black pepper or just a drizzle of hot sauce perks things up, making every bite even cozier and more flavorful.
Side Dishes
This hearty casserole pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some steamed broccoli for added freshness. A loaf of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every bit of creamy sauce, and don’t forget some tart cranberry sauce if you’re feeling festive—it’s a match made in comfort food heaven.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving individual portions in small ramekins or mini cast iron skillets for a dinner party twist. For family-style, bring the whole bubbling Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole straight to the table and let everyone help themselves—there’s something about a big, golden casserole that makes everyone feel right at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole tastes just as good the next day! Transfer cooled leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors meld as it sits, making every leftover bite full of cozy flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze the unbaked casserole by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freezing for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to account for the chill.
Reheating
To reheat, simply cover and bake in a 350°F oven until heated through (about 20-25 minutes). For single portions, a quick zap in the microwave does the trick. If the casserole seems a bit dry, add a splash of milk before reheating to revive that luscious creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken not only adds wonderful flavor but also means less prep for you. Just shred it and mix right in for a super-convenient shortcut.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer homemade, you can use a quick white sauce (butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth) as a tasty alternative. Cream of mushroom or celery soup also works if you have those on hand!
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?
Definitely! Use your favorite gluten-free egg noodles and swap in gluten-free crackers or breadcrumbs for the topping. Just check your soup to make sure it’s a gluten-free variety.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
Cook the egg noodles until just al dente (still slightly firm) before adding to the casserole. They’ll absorb a little more moisture while baking but will stay perfectly tender without falling apart.
Can I add other vegetables?
Go for it! Sautéed mushrooms, chopped spinach, or even sweet corn are excellent additions to Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole. Just avoid watery vegetables to keep the sauce creamy and thick.
Final Thoughts
If you haven’t given Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole a spot on your dinner table, you’re in for a treat. Next time you want a taste of pure, nostalgic comfort, whip up this cozy classic and watch how quickly it disappears. Everyone always comes back for seconds—and I bet you will, too!
Print
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a cozy family dinner. Creamy and delicious, it combines tender egg noodles with shredded chicken, vegetables, and a flavorful sauce, all topped with a cheesy, buttery cracker crust.
Ingredients
Egg Noodles:
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
Shredded Chicken:
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken
Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Vegetables and Cheese:
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Topping:
- 1/2 cup crushed butter crackers or breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Mix the sauce: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Add ingredients: Stir in chicken, vegetables, and noodles. Pour into the dish.
- Add cheese: Top with cheddar cheese.
- Add topping: Combine crushed crackers with melted butter, sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Rest and serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
- Enhance with sautéed mushrooms or onions.
- Can be assembled ahead and refrigerated.
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