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
Scale
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.
