Name: Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-485720H24M26S
Total time: PT-485720H24M26S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great!); 8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta); 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use a homemade version); 1/2 cup sour cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping); 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds great color and flavor); 1/2 tsp garlic powder; 1/2 tsp onion powder; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping); 2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food — creamy, cheesy, and loaded with tender chicken and perfectly cooked noodles. Topped with a crispy golden breadcrumb crust, it’s a hearty dish that warms me up on any day. It’s simple to make, perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or chopped (rotisserie chicken works great!)

8 oz egg noodles (or your preferred pasta)

1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup (or use a homemade version)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 cup milk

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus more for topping)

1/2 cup frozen peas (optional, but adds great color and flavor)

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt and black pepper to taste

1/2 tsp onion powder

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (for topping)

2 tbsp butter, melted (for topping)

Directions

Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, and peas (if using). Stir until everything is well mixed.

Fold the cooked noodles into the mixture, making sure they’re evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Pour the noodle mixture into the dish and spread evenly.

In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with melted butter until coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is golden brown and crispy.

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving. Then dig into that creamy, cheesy comfort!

Servings and Timing

This casserole serves about 6 people. Prep time takes around 15 minutes, with an additional 25-30 minutes for baking, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner.

Variations

I sometimes swap cheddar for mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor twist.

Adding sautéed mushrooms or diced bell peppers gives it an extra veggie boost.

For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

You can replace the cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce for a fresher taste.

For more crunch, sprinkle some crushed cornflakes instead of panko on top.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes until heated through. It also reheats well in the microwave, though the topping loses some crispness.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, I often prepare it the night before and refrigerate it unbaked. When ready to serve, just bake it a bit longer to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! I use egg noodles here, but penne, rotini, or even macaroni work well too.

What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If I want to avoid canned soup, I make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk as a homemade substitute.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. I freeze it before baking, wrapped tightly. To bake, I thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as usual.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! My family loves the cheesy flavors, and the hidden peas are a great way to sneak in some veggies.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a go-to recipe whenever I want something warm, comforting, and easy to make. The creamy filling paired with the crispy breadcrumb topping makes it satisfying and delicious every time. Whether I’m cooking for family, friends, or just myself, it never disappoints.

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Ingredients

Directions

Servings and Timing

Variations

Storage/Reheating