If you’re craving a cozy, heartwarming meal that feels like a hug from the inside, this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. Packed with tender chicken, silky egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, every spoonful delivers comfort and nostalgia. It’s that perfect dish that effortlessly combines simple pantry staples into something truly special, making it a beloved classic for weeknight dinners or anytime you want to treat yourself and your family to a slice of homemade goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The charm of this Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one brings its own magic — from the tender chicken to the creamy soups, and the blend of creamy and cheesy textures — all working together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and soul.
- 3 cups cooked chicken: Using shredded or diced chicken adds protein and hearty texture to the casserole.
- 12 oz egg noodles: These provide the perfect silky base that soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon butter: Melts into the sautéed onions and garlic, providing a rich, golden aroma.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds a mild sweetness and depth to the flavor.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a warm, savory kick to the dish.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup: A creamy binder that coats every ingredient lovingly.
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup: Adds an earthy, savory layer of flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
- 1 cup sour cream: Brings a tangy creaminess that balances the richness.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce so it’s luscious but not heavy.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in the casserole.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle, comforting spice.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Offers a gentle herbal note that ties the dish together.
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional): Adds vivid color and a touch of sweetness for freshness.
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into creamy pockets throughout, creating irresistible gooey bites.
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs: The crunchy topping provides a delightful contrast to the creamy filling.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh, bright pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Sauté the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once shimmering, add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them gently for about 3 to 4 minutes until they soften and release their sweet, fragrant aroma. This step is key to building a deep, comforting flavor foundation for your casserole.
Step 2: Mix the Main Ingredients
In a large bowl, combine your cooked chicken and drained egg noodles. Add the sautéed onion and garlic, then stir in both the cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Next, fold in sour cream and milk to create a creamy, luscious base. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme to bring out all those classic casserole flavors. Toss in the frozen peas and carrots if you’re using them—they add such a lovely pop of color and sweetness.
Step 3: Incorporate the Cheese
Now, stir in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese right into the mixture. This ensures cheesy pockets are spread throughout, guaranteeing each bite is perfectly gooey and rich. Mixing the cheese into the filling rather than just on top helps to meld all the flavors and textures beautifully.
Step 4: Assemble and Bake
Pour the combined mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top, followed by the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs. This crunchy topping is what transforms the casserole into a dish that’s as texturally delightful as it is flavorful. Bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes until the casserole is hot and bubbly with a golden crust. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to set perfectly.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley not only brightens the look of your Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe but also adds a subtle freshness that complements the comforting flavors beautifully. For a bit of extra texture and a pop of color, you can even garnish with a handful of toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts.
Side Dishes
This casserole is hearty enough to stand on its own but pairs wonderfully with light green salads, steamed green beans, or roasted vegetables. Crisp, fresh sides help balance out the richness while keeping the meal feeling wholesome and well-rounded.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming family meal or potluck, serve this casserole in rustic individual ramekins topped with a tiny bit of extra cheese and crackers for that personal touch. You could also add a drizzle of hot sauce or dollop of sour cream on the side to cater to different tastes. Its warm, inviting nature makes it perfect for casual Sunday dinners or when you want to impress friends with a classic comfort food.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors continue to meld, making it a perfect easy lunch or dinner option.
Freezing
You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. If freezing raw, assemble everything in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and then bake as directed. If freezing after baking, cool completely and then wrap well before freezing to maintain its texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftover casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes or until warmed through. To retain the crispy topping, avoid covering it with foil during reheating. If you’re in a hurry, individual portions reheat nicely in the microwave, though you might lose some of the crunch that makes this dish so special.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut to save time and still infuse your casserole with rich, savory chicken flavor. Just shred or dice it up and you’re ready to mix it in.
What can I substitute for sour cream?
If sour cream isn’t your favorite or you want a lighter option, plain Greek yogurt works wonderfully. It has a similar tang and creaminess that keeps this casserole lush and satisfying.
Can I add other vegetables?
Yes! Feel free to toss in diced celery, mushrooms, or even broccoli florets to add your own twist. Just be mindful of moisture content to avoid making the casserole too watery.
Is this casserole gluten-free?
The recipe as written isn’t gluten-free because of the egg noodles, soups, and cracker topping. However, you can use gluten-free noodles, check for gluten-free cream soups, and replace the cracker topping with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make it work.
How can I make this recipe creamier?
For an extra creamy casserole, add a little extra sour cream or a splash more milk. You can also stir in a bit of cream cheese when mixing the filling for a rich, velvety texture.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about the Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe. It comforts the soul and brings smiles to the table — the kind of meal that feels timeless and lovingly familiar. I hope you give this recipe a try soon and create your own memories around it, because once you taste its creamy, cheesy goodness, it’s bound to become a beloved favorite in your home too.
Print
Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Old-Fashioned Chicken and Noodles Casserole is a comforting American classic featuring tender cooked chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy blend of soups and sour cream. Baked to perfection with a cheesy topping and a crispy breadcrumb crust, it’s an easy and satisfying family meal perfect for weeknight dinners or make-ahead occasions.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (optional)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Topping
- 1/2 cup crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Sauté aromatics: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
- Combine casserole mixture: In a large bowl, mix together the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, sautéed onion and garlic, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, milk, salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and frozen peas and carrots if using. Stir until well combined.
- Add cheese: Stir in 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese into the mixture to distribute cheesy flavor throughout.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out smoothly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the topping is lightly golden.
- Rest and garnish: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- This casserole can be assembled ahead of time; prepare it in the morning and refrigerate until ready to bake for convenience.
- Using rotisserie chicken saves time and adds great flavor.
- For a lighter alternative, substitute plain Greek yogurt for sour cream.
