Get ready to dive into the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly creamy and delicious Chicken Noodle Bake. It’s a hearty, satisfying casserole that brings together tender chicken, soft egg noodles, and a rich, savory sauce, all baked to golden perfection. This recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a dish, perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or whenever you need a taste of home. We’ve designed this to be the easiest, most flavorful version you’ll ever make, guaranteed to become a new family favorite.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro in the kitchen or just starting your culinary journey, this chicken noodle casserole is wonderfully straightforward. Forget complicated steps and hard-to-find ingredients. We’re using simple, wholesome ingredients to create a dish that’s packed with flavor and comfort. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table happy.
Why This Chicken Noodle Bake is a Weeknight Winner
When life gets busy, you need recipes that are both delicious and dependable. This Chicken Noodle Bake checks all the boxes, making it the perfect solution for your weeknight dinner dilemmas.
- Unbeatable Comfort: It combines the classic, beloved flavors of chicken noodle soup into a rich, hearty casserole. Every bite is creamy, cheesy, and deeply satisfying.
- Simple Ingredients: This recipe relies on pantry staples and easy-to-find items. No need for a special trip to the grocery store!
- Quick to Assemble: With cooked chicken on hand (hello, rotisserie chicken!), you can have this casserole in the oven in just about 15 minutes.
- Make-Ahead & Freezer-Friendly: Perfect for meal prepping! Assemble it ahead of time or freeze a batch for a future meal when you’re short on time. For another amazing make-ahead meal, try this creamy chicken lasagna (coming soon).
Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Noodle Bake
The magic of this casserole lies in its simple yet powerful combination of ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating that creamy texture and savory flavor we all crave.
For the Casserole:
- Egg Noodles: The star of the show! Wide egg noodles are the classic choice, providing the perfect chewy texture to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- Cooked Chicken: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for ultimate convenience, or simply use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: This is our shortcut to a rich, velvety sauce base without any fuss.
- Sour Cream: Adds a delightful tang and extra creaminess that balances the richness of the soup.
- Milk: Thins the sauce to the perfect consistency, ensuring every noodle is coated.
- Vegetables: A simple mix of frozen peas and carrots adds a pop of color, sweetness, and nutrition.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, salt, and black pepper create a savory and aromatic flavor profile.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese gets mixed in and sprinkled on top for that irresistible gooey, cheesy finish.
For the Topping:
- Ritz Crackers: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with melted butter create a wonderfully crunchy, savory, and golden-brown topping that provides the perfect textural contrast.
How to Make The Best Chicken Noodle Bake
This cheesy Chicken Noodle Bake comes together in just a few simple steps. Follow this guide for a perfect casserole every time.
- Preheat and Prep: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) and greasing a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, but make sure to cook them for 2 minutes less than the recommended time so they remain al dente. They’ll finish cooking in the oven. Drain them well.
- Mix the Creamy Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until you have a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained noodles, shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl with the sauce. Gently stir until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it out into an even layer. Sprinkle the remaining half cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Add the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake to Perfection: Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is beautifully golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Tips for the Creamiest Casserole
Want to ensure your bake is the absolute best? Follow these simple tips.
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Undercooking the noodles slightly before baking is key. They will absorb some of the sauce and finish cooking in the oven, resulting in a perfect texture that isn’t mushy.
- Use Full-Fat Dairy: For the richest, creamiest sauce, opt for full-fat sour cream and whole milk.
- Shred Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Shredding a block of cheddar cheese yourself will give you a superior melt.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes after it comes out of the oven lets the sauce set up, making it easier to serve. If you love one-pot meals, you should also check out this simple one-pot beefaroni recipe.
Storing and Reheating Your Casserole
This Chicken Noodle Bake is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers.
Making it Ahead
You can assemble the entire casserole (without the cracker topping) up to 24 hours in advance. Cover it tightly with foil and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake, add the cracker topping and bake as directed, adding 5-10 minutes to the baking time to account for the cold dish.
Freezing Instructions
To freeze, assemble the casserole without the cracker topping in a freezer-safe dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator, then add the topping and bake as directed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can assemble the casserole without the cracker topping up to 24 hours in advance. Cover and refrigerate. When ready to bake, add the topping and increase the baking time by 5-10 minutes.
Absolutely. Assemble the casserole without the topping in a freezer-safe dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before adding the topping and baking.
If you prefer not to use canned soup, you can make a simple cream sauce. Melt 3 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan, whisk in 3 tablespoons of flour, then slowly pour in 1.5 cups of milk or chicken broth, whisking until thickened. Season with salt, pepper, and herbs.
Any cooked chicken works well. Shredded rotisserie chicken is the fastest and easiest option, but you can also use leftover baked or boiled chicken breasts or thighs.
This dish pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad, steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans, or a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
More Delicious Dinner Ideas
If you loved this simple and comforting meal, you’re sure to enjoy some of our other family-favorite recipes. For a savory and impressive dish, try this Garlic Parmesan Chicken Meatloaf.
Chicken Noodle Bake Recipe
Chicken Noodle Bake: The Ultimate Creamy Casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Cook egg noodles al dente (about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the drained noodles, shredded chicken, frozen peas and carrots, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir gently to combine.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese.
- In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
Tip 2: Don't thaw the frozen vegetables; add them directly to the mixture to prevent them from getting mushy.
Tip 3: Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic time-saver for this recipe.
Share This Comforting Recipe!
This Chicken Noodle Bake is a true crowd-pleaser that I know you’ll love. If you make this recipe, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Don’t forget to share it with your friends and family on Pinterest!
