What is chicken noodle casserole made of?

Chicken noodle casserole is made with simple pantry staples such as cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, cheddar cheese, peas, carrots, and a crunchy bread crumb topping. Because these ingredients blend together so well, the casserole turns out creamy, hearty, and comforting every time.

Can you substitute ingredients in chicken noodle casserole?

Yes, absolutely! You can swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or celery, replace mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, or even use different veggies like broccoli or spinach. Additionally, crackers or cornflakes can replace panko crumbs for the topping. For more creative substitution ideas, check out this creamy garlic Parmesan chicken and rotini pasta .

How do you make chicken noodle casserole ahead of time or freeze it?

To make it ahead, assemble the casserole as usual but stop before baking. Cover it tightly with foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready, bake it fresh. If freezing, wrap the unbaked casserole in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to three months. When reheating, thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.

How long do you bake chicken noodle casserole?

Bake chicken noodle casserole at 350°F for 30–35 minutes . Since ovens vary, you’ll know it’s done when the top is golden and the edges are bubbling. Allowing it to rest for five minutes before serving makes it easier to cut and serve.

What vegetables go in chicken noodle casserole?

The classic choice is peas and carrots, but you can also add broccoli, mushrooms, green beans, or even zucchini. Vegetables not only add flavor and texture but also provide more nutrition, making the dish more balanced.

Is chicken noodle casserole healthy?

Chicken noodle casserole can be healthy, but it depends on the ingredients you choose. For instance, using Greek yogurt instead of mayo, low-fat cheese, and whole wheat noodles can cut calories while boosting nutrients. Adding more veggies is another simple way to make it lighter. However, even in its classic form, it offers protein and comfort in every bite.

Chicken Noodle Casserole – Best Easy Comfort Food Recipe

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe You’ll Make Again And Again

Print Recipe

A creamy, cheesy chicken noodle casserole with tender noodles, veggies, and a golden crunchy topping. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep!

Author: Chef Rina
Prep Time: 20
Cook Time: 35
Total Time: 55 minutes
Yield: 6 1x
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained (or about 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
½ onion, finely diced (optional) (or 1 Tablespoon dried onion flakes)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots
12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 stick salted butter (½ cup), melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
In a large bowl, combine chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, onion, cheese, and peas/carrots. Stir until smooth.
Gently fold in cooked egg noodles.
Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle panko evenly on top, then drizzle with melted butter.
Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
Rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie or leftover chicken for convenience.
Cream of mushroom or celery can replace cream of chicken.
Try sautéing onions first if you prefer them softer.
Panko can be swapped with Ritz crackers or regular bread crumbs.
This recipe hasn’t been tested in a slow cooker.
Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 745kcal
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 1050mg
Fat: 51g
Carbohydrates: 29g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 40g

Keywords: chicken noodle casserole, baked chicken casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, comfort food casserole, chicken noodle bake

Find it online: https://www.joyliciousrecipes.com/chicken-noodle-casserole/