Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love this recipe for its simplicity and satisfying flavors. It’s made with pantry staples and can be easily customized with what you have on hand. The combination of tender noodles, creamy sauce, and juicy chicken creates a comforting, old-fashioned meal that’s always a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover chicken or turkey.

Ingredients

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

• Egg noodles
• Cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
• Cream of chicken soup
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Sour cream
• Frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• Onion, finely chopped
• Garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper
• Butter
• Bread crumbs or crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines)
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen vegetables until evenly coated.
5. Add the cooked noodles and gently fold everything together until well mixed.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Stir in the shredded cheese if using.
8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.
10. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves: 6
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes
Total time: 50 minutes

Variations

• Turkey version: Use leftover cooked turkey instead of chicken for a holiday twist.
• Vegetable mix-up: Swap peas and carrots for broccoli, corn, or green beans.
• Cheesy upgrade: Mix shredded cheese directly into the casserole for extra creaminess.
• Lighter version: Use light sour cream and reduced-fat soups.
• Crispy topping: Try French fried onions or panko crumbs instead of crackers.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F oven for 20–25 minutes, covered with foil. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble it up to a day ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Bake when ready to serve.

What type of chicken works best?

Any cooked chicken works well—rotisserie, baked, or boiled chicken breast.

Can I freeze this casserole before baking?

Absolutely. Assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and freeze. Bake from frozen for about 1 hour or until heated through.

Can I use canned chicken?

Yes, canned chicken can be used in a pinch, though freshly cooked chicken gives a better texture.

What can I use instead of cream of mushroom soup?

You can use cream of celery or make your own homemade cream sauce.

How can I make it more flavorful?

Add spices like paprika, thyme, or a dash of hot sauce for extra depth.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free noodles and soups, and replace the cracker topping with gluten-free bread crumbs.

What sides go well with this casserole?

Serve with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread.

How do I prevent the noodles from getting mushy?

Cook them just until al dente and avoid overmixing before baking.

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes, combine all ingredients except the topping and cook on low for 3–4 hours. Add the topping just before serving.

Conclusion

Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Casserole is a timeless, comforting dish that brings warmth and satisfaction to any table. With its creamy texture, hearty noodles, and savory chicken, it’s the kind of recipe that never goes out of style. Perfect for busy nights, family gatherings, or a nostalgic taste of home, this casserole is guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen.

Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Casserole

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Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy, hearty, and nostalgic. Tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables are baked in a rich sauce and topped with a golden, crunchy crust for a family favorite meal.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 12 oz egg noodles
• 3 cups cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken, shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 2 cups frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 tbsp butter, melted
• 1 cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers (Ritz or saltines)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
4. Stir in the shredded chicken and frozen vegetables until evenly coated.
5. Add the cooked noodles and gently fold everything together until well combined.
6. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
7. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix it with the bread crumbs or crushed crackers. Stir in the shredded cheese if using.
8. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
9. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.
10. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Notes

• Use leftover turkey for a post-holiday variation.
• Substitute vegetables like broccoli, corn, or green beans for variety.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat soups.
• Freeze before or after baking for easy meal prep.
• Top with French fried onions or panko crumbs for extra crunch.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 870mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 95mg