Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Add Preferred SourceThis easy Chicken Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. Packed with flavors from tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheese, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both satisfying and simple to make. Plus, with its versatility and freezer-friendly nature, it’s a great way to mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand.
If casseroles are your kind of dinner, here are more easy casseroles to add to your rotation.
I love this chicken casserole because it’s the kind of meal that always comes through, easy enough for a weeknight, cozy enough for a family dinner, and perfect to pull out for a potluck or when friends come over. I can toss in whatever I have on hand, freeze it for later, and know it’ll still turn out creamy, cheesy, and comforting every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Chicken Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Making this easy chicken casserole is so simple. Here’s how you can whip up this delicious comfort food in no time:
Prepping the Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F/180ºC. Meanwhile, take a large pot, fill it with water, and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt – it’s not just for flavor; it helps the noodles cook perfectly.
I always use my favorite stock pot for this. I know it’s an investment, but nothing sticks. The great thing is that it comes with a lifetime guarantee.
Cooking the Noodles
Drop your egg noodles into the boiling water. Boil them for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This way, they don’t get too mushy when baked in the casserole.
Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside. I use a collapsible colander that folds flat and doesn’t take up half my cabinet like some others.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
Mixing the Casserole
In a large bowl, mix the boiled noodles, shredded chicken, chicken soup, milk, cheddar cheese, and a dash of salt and pepper. I use this mixing bowl because it doesn’t slide across the counter when I’m mixing.
This is where you can get creative – add in extra veggies if you like!
Baking the Casserole
Grab a baking dish and lightly grease it – this prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier. Pour your noodle mixture into the dish.
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top for that golden cheesy crust.
Final Touches
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes or until you see it bubbling with cheesy goodness.
For the grand finale, top it with crumbled bacon, fried shallots, and green onions. This not only adds a burst of flavor but also gives a nice textural contrast.
If I’m taking it on the go, I slide the whole baking dish into my insulated casserole carrier, which keeps it warm and upright—no spills in the backseat, which has happened one too many times without it.
Ingredients
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- Salt and pepper
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup fried shallots
- 2 tablespoons green onions
Video
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F/180ºC.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and boil the noodles 2-3 minutes short of the time indicated in the package. Reserve.3 cups egg noodles
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, shredded chicken, chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.2 cups shredded chicken, 1 can chicken soup, 1 cup milk, 2 cups cheddar cheese, Salt and pepper
- Grease a baking pan and transfer the mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Top with the crumbled bacon, shallots and green onions.½ cup crumbled bacon, ¼ cup fried shallots, 2 tablespoons green onions
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken: Short on time? Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Can I Add Other Proteins Besides Chicken? Of course! While chicken is a staple in so many easy weeknight dinners, it’s also perfect in casseroles like this. Turkey, ham, or even a plant-based protein can be great substitutes.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
- Soup: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if desired.
- Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Spice It Up: Don’t shy away from spices! A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper can significantly enhance the flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: For a creamier texture, mix in a bit of sour cream with the chicken mixture.
- Make it Lighter: To make it healthier, try using whole wheat noodles, low-fat cheese, and a homemade low-sodium chicken soup. You can also pack in more veggies like spinach or bell peppers.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or even peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers Renewed: This recipe is great for using up leftovers – try leftover chicken thighs, rice, or potatoes.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you’re ready to eat. It’s a great time-saver!
- Any Tips for Kids Who Are Picky Eaters? Try topping the casserole with something they love, like crushed potato chips or their favorite cheese. It’s a great way to get picky eaters interested in trying new foods!
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
∙ French Toast Casserole
∙ Crack Chicken Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Ratatouille Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Includes ad-free recipes like:
How to Store Leftover Chicken Casserole
To store your chicken casserole for later, let it cool to room temperature and then transfer any leftovers to an airtight container in the fridge—it’s good for up to 3–4 days, making it perfect for easy lunches or dinners.
If you want to freeze it, this casserole holds up really well. Just wrap it tightly in foil or use a freezer-safe container, and it’ll keep for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator.
You can reheat it in the microwave or oven, and if it looks a little dry, a splash of chicken broth or milk will bring back that creamy texture.
To avoid sogginess, especially when freezing, wait to add any crunchy toppings like crumbled bacon or fried shallots until after reheating—this keeps everything nice and crisp.
Our Top 3 Money-Saving Tips for This Recipe
Who says you can’t save money while cooking up something delicious? Here are our top three tips for making this easy chicken pasta casserole on a budget:
- Bulk Buying: Ingredients like cheese, chicken, and noodles are often cheaper when bought in bulk. Store the extras properly, and you’ll have them ready for next time or other recipes.
- DIY Chicken Broth: Instead of buying chicken broth, make your own. It’s a great way to use up chicken bones and vegetable scraps. Homemade broth not only saves money but also adds a richer flavor to your casserole.
- Look for Sales and Coupons: Keep an eye out for sales on dairy products like cheese and milk. Coupons can also help you save on these items. Dairy often makes up a significant part of the cost in casseroles, so any savings here can be substantial.
What to Serve with Chicken Casserole
Wondering what to pair with your easy chicken casserole for a complete meal? Here are some great ideas:
A Fresh Green Salad
A simple green salad is a perfect counterbalance to the richness of the casserole. Toss together some mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and your favorite vinaigrette. It’s light, refreshing, and adds a pop of color to your plate.
Delicious Bread
Who can resist the allure of warm, buttery garlic bread or soft dinner rolls? They are perfect for scooping up any creamy sauce left in your casserole dish. Plus, the garlic adds a nice zing that complements the flavors of the casserole.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
If this one made your weeknight easier, here are a few more that do the same job.
