Chicken Noodle Casserole
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a medium American recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Cavalcade of Food on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 45 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $31.35 total, $3.92 per serving
Ingredients
- 16 oz Egg Noodles (whole bag, cooked al dente, do not rinse)
- 3 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken)
- 6 oz Frozen Broccoli Florets (thawed before use)
- 6 oz Frozen Cauliflower Florets (thawed before use)
- 2 tbsp Diced Pimentos (adds color and mild sweetness)
- 1 cup Parmesan Cheese (grated)
- 2 tbsp Dehydrated Onion Flakes (for onion flavor)
- 1 tsp Black Pepper (freshly crushed)
- 1 tsp Poultry Seasoning (blend of sage, thyme, rosemary)
- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5‑oz cans, low‑sodium if possible)
- 2.25 cups Whole Milk (for a rich, creamy sauce)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Herbs (Sage, Thyme, Rosemary) (chopped, used as garnish)
- 1 tbsp Cooking Spray or Butter (to grease 9x13 baking dish)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 325°F and let it preheat fully before baking.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 325°F
Cook Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the egg noodles and cook for 6 minutes until al dente. Drain and return noodles to the pot; do not rinse.
Time: PT8M
Temperature: boiling
Thaw Vegetables
Place frozen broccoli and cauliflower in a microwave‑safe bowl and microwave 2–3 minutes until thawed. Set aside.
Time: PT3M
Make Creamy Sauce
In a mixing bowl combine the two cans of cream of mushroom soup, 2¼ cups whole milk, onion flakes, black pepper, poultry seasoning, and 1 cup grated Parmesan. Stir until smooth.
Time: PT5M
Assemble Casserole
Grease the 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Layer the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed vegetables, and diced pimentos. Pour the sauce evenly over everything and sprinkle extra Parmesan if desired.
Time: PT7M
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 40–45 minutes. Remove foil; if you like a golden top, add a little more cheese and bake uncovered 5 minutes more.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: 325°F
Garnish and Serve
Let the casserole rest 5 minutes, then sprinkle the chopped fresh herbs over the top and serve hot.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 3g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy (if soup contains soy ingredients)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg Noodles: wide pasta, fettuccine
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: cooked turkey, canned chicken
- Instead of Frozen Broccoli Florets: fresh broccoli, mixed frozen vegetables
- Instead of Frozen Cauliflower Florets: fresh cauliflower, mixed frozen vegetables
- Instead of Diced Pimentos: red bell pepper
- Instead of Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano
- Instead of Dehydrated Onion Flakes: fresh minced onion
- Instead of Poultry Seasoning: herb blend
- Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup: cream of chicken soup, cream of celery soup
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, half‑and‑half
- Instead of Cooking Spray or Butter: oil
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- 9x13‑Inch Baking Dish
- Aluminum Foil
- Oven
- Spoon/Spatula
- Cutting Board
- Knife
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cook noodles al dente
- Mix soup and milk to create a smooth sauce
- Cover casserole with foil while baking
- Rest before serving
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and moisture.
- Whole milk gives a richer sauce than low‑fat milk.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for a bright, aromatic finish.
- Top with a little extra Parmesan during the last 5 minutes for a golden crust.
Troubleshooting
Noodles become too soft and mushy.
Cook the noodles for only 4–5 minutes, drain immediately, and avoid rinsing.
Casserole turns out dry.
Add an extra ¼‑½ cup milk or a splash of chicken broth to the sauce before baking.
Storage
Refrigerator: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
Freezer: Up to 2 months; freeze either assembled (unbaked) or cooled leftovers
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature; discard if left out over 2 hours
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover loosely with foil, refrigerate, and bake when ready.
- Freeze the assembled uncooked casserole; bake from frozen adding 10 extra minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken noodle casserole is a classic American comfort dish that grew popular in the mid‑20th century as a way to stretch leftovers into a family‑friendly meal. It reflects the post‑war era’s emphasis on convenience, using pantry staples like canned soup and dried noodles to create a filling, one‑dish dinner.
What traditional regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole exist within United States cuisine?
In the Midwest, cooks often add corn and use cream of chicken soup, while Southern versions may include okra or a touch of hot sauce. In New England, a breadcrumb topping replaces the cheese for a lighter crust.
How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in American family gatherings?
It is typically served hot from the oven, cut into squares, and accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. It’s a staple at potlucks, church dinners, and casual weekend family meals.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular at potlucks, church bake sales, school fundraisers, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers or Christmas Eve meals when a quick, reheated comfort food is needed.
What makes Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American casserole cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the combination of creamy mushroom‑based sauce, tender noodles, and leftover chicken, creating a rich, comforting texture that epitomizes the “make‑it‑stretch‑far” ethos of American home cooking.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which leads to a mushy texture, and baking uncovered, which can dry out the sauce. Also, under‑seasoning the sauce can result in a bland casserole.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use cream of mushroom soup instead of making a roux‑based sauce?
Using canned cream of mushroom soup saves time and adds a deep mushroom flavor while still providing the thickening power of a roux. It also keeps the recipe accessible for cooks who may not have flour or butter on hand.
Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover loosely with foil, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole, then bake from frozen, adding about 10 minutes to the baking time.
What does the YouTube channel Cavalcade of Food specialize in?
The YouTube channel Cavalcade of Food focuses on creative home‑cooking tutorials, especially turning leftovers into tasty, crowd‑pleasing dishes with a fun, upbeat presentation style.
How does the YouTube channel Cavalcade of Food's approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Cavalcade of Food blends humor, music, and spontaneous banter with clear step‑by‑step instructions, emphasizing practical tips for everyday cooks and encouraging experimentation with leftovers, unlike more formal or technique‑heavy channels.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
