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This chicken noodle casserole is quick and simple to throw together. It’s an easy make ahead dinner that’s creamy, cheesy, and has loads of broccoli!
You may also like my Beef Noodle Casserole, Sloppy Joe Casserole, or Cheesy Chicken Divan.
Why you’ll love it
This chicken noodle casserole recipe is a time saver for when you’ve got hungry people to feed, don’t really feel like cooking, and want something hot and comforting. This is a family favorite that’s great if you have a picky eater or two! It has all the best flavors.
A handful of simple grocery store and pantry ingredients is all you need to make this creamy chicken noodle casserole recipe. You can even make it ahead. This chicken noodle bake can be on your table in no time… and your whole family will love you for it.
What you’ll need
- Noodles – wide egg noodles work best in this casserole since they hold their shape well. If using a different kind, just be sure to cook it al dente so it won’t be overcooked in the oven. If using a small shape (like macaroni), use less than 3 cups or you’ll have way too much pasta.
- Broccoli – it’s great paired with chicken and gets in some veggies
- Chicken – you can buy a rotisserie chicken or use up any leftover chicken you have
- Cream of chicken soup – a tried and true shortcut
- Sour cream – adds even more creaminess and a touch of tanginess
- Garlic powder – a hint of garlic is my not-so-secret ingredient
- Scallions – these mild green onions add a burst of freshness
- Cheddar cheese – plenty of freshly grated cheddar adds that dreamy cheesiness you crave!
Tools for this recipe
Check out Natasha’s favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!
- I like this Staub 9×13 baking dish.
- These nested magnetic measuring spoons are so handy, and here’s my trusty can opener for the condensed soup.
- For best results, grate your own cheese. I use this grater. I recommend a good sharp cheddar for this recipe.
How to make chicken noodle casserole
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.
Boil a pot of water. Cook the egg noodles for 1 minute less than package directions indicate, then add the broccoli in during the last 2 minutes of cooking. Drain and add the noodles and broccoli to a casserole dish.
Add the chicken, chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, scallions, and half of the cheddar, then toss and smooth it in an even layer.
Top with the remaining cheese, then cover with foil and bake until hot and melty.
Substitutions and variations
- Try swapping the condensed cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup. You can make a Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup if you prefer, or swap it for the sauce in my Tuna Noodle Casserole recipe.
- Use frozen broccoli if you prefer. I’d thaw it first (drain well) then add to the casserole in step 3, or add it frozen to the boiling noodles, but only for up to a minute or so (frozen broccoli is already partially cooked).
- You could use other vegetables instead of or in addition to the broccoli. Frozen peas, corn, or pre-chopped frozen veggies will work too. I’d add them into the boiling water a minute or so before draining it.
- Swap the scallions for a 1/2 teaspoon or so of onion powder if you prefer.
Helpful tips
- Halve the recipe and use an 8×8 baking dish if 6-8 servings is too much.
- If you want a crunchy topping for the top of the casserole, melt 1/4 cup of butter and mix it with 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, crushed potato chips, or plain cornflakes.
- Make ahead tip: Assemble up to step 4 (before baking), let cool, then cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days ahead or freeze for 2-3 months. Let it thaw on the counter then bake as directed. You may need to add on extra time since it’ll be cold.
What to serve with this casserole
- It’s pretty hearty on its own, but a slice of Cheesy Garlic Bread is great or just a dinner roll.
- Try a light side salad with this Homemade Ranch Dressing, mixed greens, and your favorite veggies. This homemade Olive Garden Salad Dressing is another winner!
Leftovers and storage
- Leftovers will last 3-4 days in the fridge. Simply reheat over a low heat for best results.
- If needed, add a splash of milk to give it a little refresh.
- I wouldn’t recommend freezing leftovers of this one. The texture of the noodles and creamy sauce is liable to change.
If you made this cheesy chicken noodle casserole recipe, please let me know in the comments below! I would love to hear from you. Or tag me on Instagram.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 4 cups broccoli florets see note
- 2 cups cooked chicken
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup scallions chopped
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese divided
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F and move the rack to the middle position.
- Boil a pot of water and cook the egg noodles for 1 minute less than the package directions indicate. Add the broccoli to the pot 2 minutes before the noodles are done. Drain and transfer to a 9×13 casserole dish.
- To the casserole dish, add the chicken, condensed soup, sour cream, garlic powder, scallions, and half the cheddar. Toss and then smooth into an even layer.
- Top with the rest of the cheese, then cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. Uncover and broil if desired.
- Serve immediately with extra salt & pepper if needed.
Notes
- Serves 6-8 depending on portion size.
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli:
- Wondering how much fresh broccoli to buy? It’s not an exact science because broccoli comes in all sizes, sometimes has larger or smaller stems, and you also will cut it into different sized florets every time. As a rough guide, 1 pound of broccoli typically yields about 3-4 cups when cut into florets. A little more or a little less than suggested won’t make or break this recipe!
- If using frozen broccoli, thaw it, drain it, and add to the casserole in step 3… or add it from frozen to the boiling water with the noodles, but only cook it for up to a minute since frozen broccoli is already par-cooked and you don’t want it getting mushy in the oven.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Made this tonight and ohhh sooo good!! Love recipes where I can use a rotisserie chicken on busy nights when I don’t have much time. I had some mushrooms I wanted to use up so sautéed them with a shallot instead of chives. Also used more noodles than called for so added a splash of chicken broth. Everyone loved it! This is definitely a keeper! Thank you Natasha, you make me look good!
Fantastic!! Glad you enjoyed it! You’re very welcome, Maureen! 😀
Can this be made ahead of time and then be refrigerated or frozen before reheating?
There’s a “make ahead tip” section in the blog post that explains what to do. Hope you like the recipe!
I gotta say this was simply delicious! It made alot and didn’t hurt the wallet at all. I added in a good amount of red pepper flakes to add a spicy kick to it. Thanks for sharing this recipe!
You’re very welcome, Rivel! Love your additions!
I had to do a little tweaking do use what I had on hand (I used 1 can of cream of mushroom since I only had one can od cream of chicken and used onion in place of shallots), we absolutely LOVED IT! I DEFINITELY will make it again and plan to put half in the freezer next time since there’s only two of us. Better than the “storebought” that I usually keep in the freezer form my high pain days and MUCH cheaper! THANK YOU!
You’re very welcome, Alison!! Thanks for the kind review! 🙂
This was truly easy and delicious! I had a few left over mushrooms in the fridge so I sauted them in a little butter and added to the casserole. My husband (picky) loved it and it I will definitely make it again.
That’s awesome to hear, Mary! Thanks so much for your review.
What temp do I need to cook for and how much cheese?
Hi! So… you had to scroll past the recipe card to write me a comment. All the info you need (exact ingredients and step-by-step instructions) are in there.
Just made this for dinner tonight and there were no leftovers…huge hit! It’s really cold and windy here tonight, and this was the perfect homey comfort food. I used a rotisserie chicken (so easy!), subbed frozen peas for the broccoli, and used 1 can cream of chicken and 1 can cream of celery. I also subbed fresh minced garlic for the garlic powder because I was out of that. Lots of black pepper and a little salt. I also used “no yolk” egg noodles as a healthier alternative to the regular version, which has a ton of cholesterol and there was no difference in texture or taste. Definitely a winner and will be on regular rotation here.
Excellent! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Laura!! Thanks for your thorough review. 🙂
This was great! It was easy, and felt like some good, much needed comfort food. I had some left over turkey bacon crumbles that I added. And then, I had frozen broccoli or fresh asparagus…I went with the fresh asparagus and it worked out really well! Thanks for giving me some meals to make for my family that don’t take hours to make, but still taste great!
That’s awesome! I’m so glad it worked out. You’re very welcome. 🙂 Thanks for your review!
Hi! For the crunchy topping would you add it at the end or top it and cook it a little?
Hi Rachael! I’d add it before baking. Hope you enjoy the recipe!
Loved it! Making it again tonight! Thank you! Might add some red pepper flakes for some spice!
You’re welcome! Love the red pepper flakes idea. So glad you liked it!
Hi Natasha,
I’ve been eyeing this recipe for a bit now, as my Mom’s macaroni & cheese is one of my favorite comfort foods, but I need to really watch the cholesterol. I made this tonight – coincidentally my hubby had ordered a new enameled cast iron baking dish that arrived today so I was able to try it out!
I stayed pretty close to your recipe – I doubled the garlic (because I always do, and can never have enough garlic), and used reduced fat cheddar cheese and light sour cream. I liked the chicken and broccoli to make it more healthy. Nice to see the cream of chicken soup and not milk/cream. I was worried ahead of time this would be a heavy “cheesy” dish, but it really was not at all! We all agreed it was a very tasty dish and will definitely be making it again. The broccoli was cooked perfectly. I think the egg noodles definitely lightens it up compared to heavier pasta.
You are so creative with your recipes and flavors. Thank you very much!
I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Angela! 🙂 As always, I really appreciate your detailed reviews.
Can this be made I. a crockpot
Hi Gloria! I have not tested this (or anything similar) in a Crockpot, so I am not sure.