This creamy chicken noodle casserole is a satisfying comfort meal. Classic chicken soup flavors like egg noodles, peas, and carrots help this cozy meal come together quickly along with pre-cooked chicken. It can be on the dinner table in less than an hour!
Why this recipe works
What happens when you combine two of the most comforting meals, chicken noodle soup + casseroles? Well, this chicken noodle casserole happens, and in the best way possible I might add.
Creamy, satisfying layers of chicken, carrots, peas, and egg noodles tossed together with other pantry staple ingredients create this quick and easy dinner casserole everyone will be asking for seconds on. Go ahead and cuddle up with a bowl of this soup-turned-casserole on a chilly day. Plus, it makes some extra tasty leftovers.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
CHICKEN – You can use leftover chicken for this recipe, grocery store rotisserie chicken, or you can cook 2 chicken breasts (seasoned to taste) while the noodles are boiling.
ADDITIONS – This recipe was developed to be quick and easy so garlic powder and onion powder were used. If you have a bit more time you can use fresh garlic and onions. There is no need to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the casserole. Thawing them will only turn them unattractive and dull in color making the dish less appetizing.
NOODLES – Cook the noodles only until al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven. They will be mushy if overcooked. Also be sure that you boil the noodles in a generous amount of salt, at least 1 tablespoon, or the dish will lack flavor.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil. Boil egg noodles just until al dente.
- While the noodles are boiling chop the chicken and prepare and measure the butter, flour, and spices.
- Drain the egg noodles and set aside. In the same large pot, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook on medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it becomes golden.
- Gradually add the chicken stock, milk, cream, and spices and stir to combine.
- Whisk the mixture on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until it thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add in the noodles, chicken, peas, and carrots.
- Stir all the ingredients together.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling.
- Serve the casserole garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store leftovers covered tightly with plastic wrap, or an ait-tight lid, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave. I like to add a splash of milk when reheating to loosen the sauce back up.
Yes, you can certainly prep this casserole a day in advance and store it tightly covered in the refrigerator. It can then be baked after bringing it to room temperature.
You can freeze the unbaked chicken noodle casserole for up to 3 months if fitted with an air-tight lid. If you do not have an air-tight lid, wrap the casserole well with plastic wrap, followed by aluminum foil. Let the casserole come to room temperature before baking. If your casserole is still cold before baking, allow for extra time in the oven.
Serving Suggestions
You can top your chicken noodle casserole with a variety of different things. Try oyster crackers, crushed potato chips, saltines, breadcrumbs, or a sprinkle of freshly grated parmesan cheese. Enjoy it as is or with a side of warm toasty bread for dipping!
More Casserole Recipes
- Broccoli Casserole
- John Wayne Casserole
- Ground Beef Casserole
- Mexican Chicken Casserole
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Chicken Tetrazzini
- Tatertot Casserole
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Chicken Noodle Casserole
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 12 oz extra wide egg noodles
- 4 ½ Tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour PLUS 2 Tbsps
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp dried thyme
- ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 1 tsp sea salt or to taste
- 3 cups low sodium chicken stock
- 1 ½ cups milk 2% or whole milk
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cup frozen peas and carrots
- 3 cups cooked chicken cubed
- parsley optional as garnish
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- Cook the noodles only until al dente as they will continue to cook in the oven. They will be mushy if overcooked. Also be sure that you boil the noodles in a generous amount of salt, at least 1 tablespoon or the dish will lack flavor.
- If you have a bit more time you can use fresh garlic and onions.
- There is no need to thaw the frozen vegetables before adding them to the casserole. Thawing them will only turn them unattractive and dull in color making the dish less appetizing.
- You can use leftover chicken for this recipe, grocery store rotisserie chicken or you can cook 2 chicken breasts (seasoned to taste) while the noodles are boiling.
- You can place your 9×13 baking dish on a baking sheet before placing in the oven in the event that any of the casserole bubbles over it won’t run down into your oven making a mess.
- This casserole can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. It can then be baked after bringing it to room temperature. An unbaked casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months and then baked again after being brought to room temperature.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheated in the microwave.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to boil. Boil egg noodles just until al dente.
- While the noodles are boiling chop the chicken and prepare and measure the butter, flour, and spices.
- Drain the egg noodles and set aside. In the same large pot, melt the butter. Add the flour and cook on medium heat, stirring with a wooden spoon until it becomes golden.
- Gradually add the chicken stock, milk, cream, and spices and stir to combine.
- Whisk the mixture on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes or until it thickens.
- Remove the pan from the heat and add in the noodles, chicken, peas, and carrots.
- Stir all the ingredients together.
- Transfer the mixture to a buttered 9×13 baking dish. Bake for 30 minutes or until bubbling.
- Serve the casserole garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Amanda Davis
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Linae Bouche says
For a budget friendly meal, we loved this tonight.
Linda says
I don’t usually make casseroles but needed a “heat&eat” recipe for a struggling family member. This recipe caught my eye because it did not call for any Cream of… soups. The sauce is delicious. I added salt and a pinch more thyme and 2 full cans of chicken broth. There seemed to be ample sauce for the 12oz noodle pkg. Will definitely make again.
Jackie Buchanan says
Love your recipes. Easy snd delicious snd I hate to cook! I am following! Thank you!
Tracy Sissom says
Can i use Reames frozen eegg noodles intead? My family prefers them
Amanda Formaro says
We have not tested this, but if you try it, please let us know how it goes!
Jennifer says
I’m definitely going to make this recipe. It looks absolutely delicious.