There is something incredibly comforting and satisfying about a classic Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe that brings warmth to any dinner table. This dish is a beautiful medley of tender chicken, wide egg noodles, creamy cheese sauce, and a crunchy buttery cracker topping that creates a perfect contrast in textures. Whether you’re feeding a family gathering or just craving a hearty, home-cooked meal, this casserole hits all the right notes with its rich flavors, wholesome veggies, and that timeless, soul-soothing vibe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe lies in its approachable, everyday ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each component plays a vital role—from the creamy cheeses that add richness, to the fresh vegetables that bring color and a subtle sweetness, ensuring every bite feels balanced and exciting.
- Extra-wide egg noodles: Their broad shape holds onto sauce beautifully for a creamy bite every time.
- Salt and pepper: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors in the dish.
- Olive oil: Used for sautéing mushrooms, adding a subtle fruity depth.
- Unsalted butter: Vital for richness in the sauce and for melting over the cracker topping.
- Mushrooms: Sliced and browned for an earthy layer of flavor and meaty texture.
- Carrots and onion: Chopped for sweetness and aromatic depth.
- All-purpose flour: The thickening agent for the luscious cheese sauce.
- Whole milk: Provides creaminess and smoothness to the sauce.
- Low-sodium or homemade chicken broth: Adds savory complexity to the sauce base.
- American cheese: Melts smoothly and adds a unique, creamy tang.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: For a bold, rich cheddar flavor that balances the milder American cheese.
- Garlic powder: A gentle hint of garlic that enhances the savory profile.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a bright, slightly spicy kick that wakes up the sauce.
- Cooked chicken: Tender, diced chicken gives the casserole its hearty protein punch.
- Frozen peas: Small bursts of sweetness and color throughout the dish.
- Ritz crackers: Crushed and buttered for that irresistible, crunchy topping.
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan so your casserole doesn’t stick and is easy to serve later. This step sets the stage for a smooth cooking process.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the extra-wide egg noodles and cook until they are just shy of al dente. Draining and rinsing them with cold water stops the cooking and prevents them from getting mushy. Toss with 1 tablespoon of butter to keep the noodles from clumping and add a touch of richness.
Step 3: Sauté the Mushrooms
In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Sauté your sliced mushrooms until they’re beautifully browned and fragrant. This caramelization unlocks a deep, savory earthiness that brings the dish to life. Transfer them to the pot with the noodles.
Step 4: Sauté the Carrots and Onions
Using the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and cook the chopped carrots and onions until they soften and their natural sweetness emerges. This mixture adds texture and flavor complexity to your casserole. Then, combine them with the noodles and mushrooms.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in the skillet, whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a roux which will thicken your sauce nicely. Gradually add the milk and chicken broth, whisking continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce the heat to simmer until thickened. Stir in the chopped American cheese and shredded cheddar until melted and velvety. Finish with garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for a well-rounded, creamy base.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Pour your luscious cheese sauce over the noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables. Gently fold in the diced chicken and frozen peas to keep the ingredients evenly distributed. Then transfer the whole mixture into your prepared baking dish.
Step 7: Add the Topping and Bake
Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the crushed Ritz crackers. Sprinkle this golden, buttery topping generously over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until everything bubbles with a gorgeous golden crust. To avoid over-browning, cover loosely with foil halfway through cooking. Let it rest for 10 minutes once out of the oven to let the flavors meld perfectly.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like chopped parsley or thyme brighten up the rich, creamy casserole with a pop of color and fresh flavor. A light sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a grating of extra sharp cheddar cheese on top right after baking adds a finishing touch that invites everyone to dig in eagerly.
Side Dishes
To complement this hearty dish, serve with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette or some roasted seasonal vegetables. These sides add necessary lightness and crunch, balancing the casserole’s creamy and cheesy richness beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion or fun family meal, serve individual portions in ramekins topped with the crunchy cracker crust. Adding a small side ramekin of extra cheese sauce or a drizzle of hot sauce can give guests the option to customize their perfect bite. Presentation like this elevates the whole experience and makes the meal feel extra cozy and inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal. Just allow it to cool completely before sealing to keep everything fresh and delicious.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well if you want to prepare it ahead for busy nights. Freeze in either the baking dish covered tightly with foil or transfer individual portions to freezer-safe containers. It can last up to 2 months frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes. This helps preserve the crispy cracker topping. Alternatively, microwave individual portions covered with a damp paper towel for quick reheating, but the topping may soften.
FAQs
Can I use different types of noodles for this Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe?
Absolutely! While extra-wide egg noodles are traditional and hold the sauce nicely, you can substitute with other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or penne. Just make sure to cook them al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
Is it okay to use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken is a wonderful shortcut that adds flavor and saves cooking time. Just dice it up and toss it in with the other ingredients. It’s perfect for a quick and easy dinner without sacrificing taste.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
For a vegetarian version, omit the chicken and increase the variety or amount of vegetables. Consider adding cooked lentils or chickpeas for protein, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to keep the flavors balanced.
What if I don’t have American cheese? Can I substitute it?
You can substitute American cheese with processed cheese slices or use cream cheese for a smooth texture. The key is to have a good melty cheese that complements the sharper cheddar and creates that signature creamy sauce.
How can I make the cracker topping extra crispy?
Make sure to melt the butter thoroughly before drizzling it over the crushed crackers, and spread the topping evenly but not too thick. Baking uncovered and tenting with foil once golden prevents it from burning while keeping the crispness intact.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those timeless dishes you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, feeding a crowd, or whenever you need a little extra comfort on your plate. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—it’s truly a heartwarming classic that feels like a big, delicious hug.
Print
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish featuring wide egg noodles, sautéed mushrooms, carrots, and onions, combined with shredded chicken and peas in a rich cheese sauce. Topped with buttery crushed Ritz crackers, it makes a satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seasoning
- 12 ounces extra-wide egg noodles
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Vegetables and Fats
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 10 ounces mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
- 2 carrots, chopped
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 1/2 cups frozen peas
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups low-sodium or homemade chicken broth
- 6 ounces American cheese, deli style, rough chopped
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Protein
- 4 cups cooked chicken, diced (about 4 medium chicken breasts or 1 rotisserie chicken)
Topping
- 20 Ritz crackers, broken into small pieces
Instructions
- Preheat and Prep: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking pan to prepare for the casserole.
- Cook Noodles: Boil salted water and cook the extra-wide egg noodles until almost al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking. Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of butter to prevent sticking.
- Sauté Mushrooms: In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté until browned and flavorful. Transfer the mushrooms to the pot with the noodles.
- Sauté Vegetables: Melt another tablespoon of butter in the skillet. Add the chopped carrots and onions, cooking until they become soft and tender. Add these cooked vegetables to the pot with the noodles and mushrooms.
- Make Cheese Sauce: In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Gradually whisk in milk and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until the sauce thickens. Stir in the chopped American and shredded cheddar cheeses until smooth. Add garlic powder, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper for seasoning.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles, mushrooms, and vegetables. Add diced cooked chicken and frozen peas, gently folding to combine everything evenly. Transfer this mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Add Topping: Melt the remaining butter and drizzle it over the casserole. Sprinkle the crushed Ritz crackers evenly on top for a delicious, crunchy crust.
- Bake: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the topping is golden brown and the dish is bubbly. To avoid excessive browning, tent the casserole with foil halfway through baking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and make it easier to portion.
Notes
- Use wide egg noodles to provide the best texture for this casserole.
- Rinsing noodles with cold water stops cooking and prevents them from becoming mushy.
- Substitute low-sodium chicken broth with homemade broth for enhanced flavor and control over salt content.
- Rotisserie chicken is a convenient shortcut for cooked chicken.
- Tenting with foil during baking prevents the cracker topping from burning while the casserole heats through.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; add extra baking time if cooking straight from the fridge.
