Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This 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.
Why You Will Love Making This Chicken Casserole
If you’re in the mood for a dish that’s both comforting and easy to make, look no further than this easy chicken casserole. Here’s why it’s a must-try:
- Quick Weeknight Dinner: With minimal prep time, it’s ideal for busy evenings.
- Customizable Ingredients: You can easily swap in pantry staples or add veggies like broccoli or mushrooms.
- Freezer-Friendly: Make ahead and freeze for those days when cooking is a no-go.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Its creamy texture and rich flavor are sure to win everyone over.
- Nutrition Packed: Balanced with proteins and can be made healthier with low-sodium soups or added fiber.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: Creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious – it’s the epitome of comfort food.
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 355°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.
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.
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. 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.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
Here are some insider tips to elevate your chicken casserole to the next level:
- 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 this recipe, feel free to get creative. 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!
How to Store Leftover Chicken Casserole
Here’s how to store your chicken casserole so you can enjoy it later:
- Refrigerator Storage: Cool to room temperature and then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating Tips: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. If it seems a bit dry, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Avoid Sogginess: If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, add the crunchy toppings (like crumbled bacon or fried shallots) only when you’re about to serve it after reheating. This keeps the texture perfect!
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.
Steamed Vegetables for a Healthy Touch
If you’re looking to add more veggies to your meal, steamed broccoli, carrots, or green beans are a great choice. They’re healthy, simple to prepare, and their subtle flavors don’t overpower the casserole.
More Casserole Recipes You Will Love
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to know! Please leave a 5-star review below (it really helps!) and tag and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
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
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°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: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Other Proteins: While chicken is a staple in this recipe, turkey, ham, or even a plant-based protein can be great substitutes.
- Cheese: 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: A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper can significantly enhance the flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Mix in a bit of sour cream with the chicken mixture.
- Make it Lighter: Try using whole wheat noodles, low-fat cheese, and a homemade low-sodium chicken soup.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, 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!
- 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!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator Storage: Cool to room temperature and then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It’ll last for a couple of months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating Tips: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. If it seems a bit dry, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Avoid Soggy Toppings: If you’re planning to freeze the casserole, add the crunchy toppings (like crumbled bacon or fried shallots) only when you’re about to serve it after reheating. This keeps the texture perfect!
