Nina Johnson
Rich, comforting, and packed with tender chicken and cozy noodles, this Creamy Chicken Casserole is the ultimate family-style dinner. It has everything you crave in a one-pan dish: creamy sauce, hearty vegetables, and a golden, crispy topping that adds the perfect texture. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or planning leftovers, it’s a surefire winner.
This casserole shines especially on busy weeknights or chilly weekends when all you want is something warm and filling. It comes together easily and can be made ahead for stress-free prep. Think of it as the perfect cross between a pot pie and baked pasta — creamy, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic.
What Kind of Noodles Work Best in a Chicken Casserole?
Wide egg noodles are the classic choice for a creamy chicken casserole. Their soft texture and ability to soak up the flavorful sauce make them ideal. However, rotini, penne, or even bow-tie pasta can work if you’re using what’s on hand. The key is to cook the noodles just shy of al dente, so they don’t overcook in the oven.
Ingredients for the Creamy Chicken Casserole
Chicken Breast or Thighs
Cooked and shredded, the chicken is the hearty protein base of this dish.
Wide Egg Noodles
Soft, curly noodles that hold the creamy sauce well without becoming mushy.
Frozen Peas and Carrots
Adds color, subtle sweetness, and veggie goodness without any chopping.
Cream of Chicken Soup
The base for the creamy sauce, adding rich flavor and thickness.
Sour Cream
Gives a tangy balance and makes the sauce extra smooth.
Milk
Loosens the sauce just enough to coat everything evenly.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Melted into the mix for gooey richness and a sharp bite.
Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Salt & Pepper
Essential seasoning that rounds out the flavors.
Breadcrumbs or Crushed Crackers
Creates a crisp topping that contrasts with the creamy interior.
Butter
Melted and mixed with the topping for golden crunch.
How To Make the Creamy Chicken Casserole
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the egg noodles in salted water until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Base
In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Fold in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, and frozen peas and carrots. Make sure everything is coated evenly with the sauce.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Spread the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter. Sprinkle the topping evenly over the casserole.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Let it sit for 5 minutes before serving.
How to Serve and Store This Creamy Chicken Casserole
Serve this casserole hot with a simple side salad or roasted veggies for a full meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal trains, or potlucks.
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it (unbaked or baked) for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F covered with foil until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes! It’s a great time-saver and adds extra flavor.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble everything up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Just add the topping before baking.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
You can substitute with a homemade roux-based sauce or use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup.
Can I add more vegetables?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers work great here.
Is it okay to use gluten-free noodles?
Of course. Just be sure not to overcook them before baking.
What kind of cheese works best?
Sharp cheddar is classic, but a blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds extra gooeyness.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
If creamy casseroles are your comfort food love language, you’ll want to try these next:
- Classic Cream Cheese Corn Casserole for a buttery, crowd-pleasing side.
- Creamy Parmesan Pasta with Sautéed Garlic Butter Chicken if you love skillet dinners.
- One-Pot Creamy Chicken Cheddar Ranch Pasta for a quick but rich meal.
- Cream Cheese Chicken that’s ultra-creamy and fast.
- Ultimate Cheesy Ground Beef Melt if you’re in the mood for beefy comfort.
Save This Pin + Share Your Results
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you swap in mushrooms? Go gluten-free? Or try a spicier version?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other bake smarter.
Creamy Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
This Creamy Chicken Casserole is a cozy, all-in-one dish loaded with shredded chicken, egg noodles, veggies, and a luscious cheesy sauce. Topped with a golden buttery crumb, it bakes to bubbly perfection and is perfect for weeknights or potlucks.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken (breast or thighs)
12 oz wide egg noodles
1 cup frozen peas and carrots
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
3 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook egg noodles until just under al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix soup, sour cream, milk, cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in noodles, chicken, and peas & carrots until well combined.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and smooth the top.
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs/crackers with melted butter.
- Sprinkle topping evenly over casserole.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
- Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
