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If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole is for you! With its rich, creamy sauce, tender chicken, and comforting noodles, this casserole will bring you right back to your childhood kitchen. Plus, it’s quick, simple, and made from ingredients you likely already have on hand. Perfect for a cozy family dinner!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Classic Comfort: The creamy, cheesy, and savory flavor combination hits all the right nostalgic notes.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will devour this dish, and the leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably have most of these items in your pantry and fridge already!
- Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you’ll have this casserole ready to bake and forget.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think of a warm, cheesy hug! This casserole has all the comforting flavors you love about chicken noodle soup but transformed into a creamy, baked version. The shredded chicken brings a savory heartiness, the egg noodles add just the right amount of bite, and the creamy sauce ties everything together with that perfect touch of richness. Oh, and the cheesy top layer? It’s an absolute game-changer!
Benefits of This Recipe
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with protein and carbs, this casserole is perfect for a satisfying meal.
- Budget-Friendly: Made with affordable ingredients you might already have.
- Great for Meal Prep: Make ahead and simply reheat for those busy weeknights.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great for this!)
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (for a crunchy topping)
Tools for Success
- Mixing bowl: For combining all those delicious ingredients.
- Baking dish: A 9×13-inch dish works best.
- Wooden spoon or spatula: To mix everything smoothly.
- Measuring cups: Ensure your portions are just right!
How to Make Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter. - Mix Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly combined. - Assemble the Casserole
Pour the chicken noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top for that signature crunchy topping! - Bake to Perfection
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until it’s bubbly and golden brown on top. Let it cool slightly before serving.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Casserole
While this casserole is plenty hearty on its own, you can round out your meal with a few simple sides:
- Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, carrots, or green beans balance out the richness.
- Fresh Salad: A light, tangy vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the creamy casserole.
- Dinner Rolls: Soft, warm rolls are perfect for sopping up every bit of sauce!
Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Use Leftover Chicken: Rotisserie chicken or leftover baked chicken works like a charm and saves time!
- Extra Creamy: If you prefer a richer casserole, add a bit more milk or even a dollop of cream cheese.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Swap out cheddar for a sharp cheese like gouda or pepper jack for an extra kick.
- Add Veggies: Stir in peas, corn, or even sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and nutrition.
Storage Instructions
This casserole stores beautifully!
- In the Fridge: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
- In the Freezer: Freeze the casserole (either baked or unbaked) for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and bake at 350°F for about 25-30 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use another type of noodle?
A: Yes! Any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rotini will work in place of egg noodles.
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You can also freeze it if you want to prepare it even further in advance.
Q: What can I substitute for sour cream?
A: Greek yogurt works great as a substitute, adding a slight tang but keeping the creamy texture.
Conclusion
This Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole is not only an easy, comforting meal, but it also captures the warmth of home-cooked goodness with every bite. Whether you’re serving it to family, friends, or just enjoying a cozy night in, this dish is a must-try! The best part? It’s versatile, quick to prepare, and sure to become a new family favorite.
For more classic recipes like this, check out my Chicken Pot Pie Pasta, Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers, or even indulge your sweet tooth with some Cake Batter Chocolate Chip Cookies.
And don’t forget to leave a comment or share your photos on Pinterest—I’d love to see your take on this old-school favorite!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 380
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
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Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, classic dish made with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this casserole is a family favorite that’s quick and easy to make with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish and spread evenly.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top.
- Bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Chicken substitutes: Rotisserie or leftover baked chicken works great.
- Cheesy twist: Swap cheddar for gouda or add more cheese for an extra creamy result.
- Vegetable options: Add peas, corn, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture and flavor.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing: Store baked or unbaked casserole in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 85mg