The Chicken Noodle Casserole My Picky Eaters Actually Asked For Again
The Chicken Noodle Casserole My Picky Eaters Actually Asked For Again! is a easy American recipe that serves 8. 380 calories per serving. Recipe by Eating on a Dime on YouTube.
Prep: 19 min | Cook: 42 min | Total: 1 hr 16 min
Cost: $10.20 total, $1.27 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Egg Noodles (cook al dente, then drain)
- 2 cans Cream of Chicken Soup (regular 10.5‑oz cans)
- 1 cup Milk (whole milk recommended)
- 3 cups Shredded Chicken (cooked, shredded; rotisserie chicken works well)
- 2 cups Frozen Peas and Carrot Mix (no need to thaw; can use fresh sautéed peas & carrots)
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic (fresh minced garlic preferred)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (ground black pepper)
- 2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese (sharp cheddar, shredded for smooth melt)
- 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional garnish)
- as needed spray Non‑Stick Spray (avocado oil spray; olive oil spray works too)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat fully.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with water, place over high heat, and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Cook Egg Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook until al dente, about 7 minutes.
Time: PT7M
Drain Noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Baking Dish
Generously spray the 9×13‑inch baking dish with non‑stick spray, ensuring an even coating.
Time: PT1M
Mix Soup and Milk
In a large mixing bowl, combine the two cans of cream of chicken soup with 1 cup of milk. Whisk until smooth.
Time: PT2M
Add Chicken, Veggies, and Seasonings
Stir in the shredded chicken, frozen peas‑carrot mix, minced garlic, and black pepper until evenly distributed.
Time: PT3M
Combine Noodles and Cheese
Gently fold the cooked noodles into the bowl, then add the shredded cheddar cheese, stirring just enough to coat everything.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer with a spatula.
Time: PT2M
Cover and Bake
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest
Remove the foil and let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving.
Time: PT8M
Garnish (Optional)
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 380
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Milk, Cheese (dairy), Wheat (gluten), Eggs (egg noodles)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Rotini, Penne
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: Cream of mushroom soup, Homemade white sauce
- Instead of Milk: 2% milk, Unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Shredded Chicken: Diced cooked chicken breast
- Instead of Frozen Peas and Carrot Mix: Fresh peas and carrots
- Instead of Minced Garlic: Garlic powder (¼ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Dried parsley (1 tsp)
- Instead of Non‑Stick Spray: Butter brushed on pan, Olive oil drizzle
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- 9×13‑Inch Baking Dish
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- Spatula
- Aluminum Foil
- Knife and Cutting Board
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat Oven
- Cook Egg Noodles al dente
- Gently fold noodles to avoid breaking them
- Cover and Bake for 30 minutes
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a rotisserie chicken for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
- Shred your own cheddar for a smoother melt and fresher taste.
- If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half‑and‑half for the milk and use reduced‑fat cheese.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are mushy after baking.
Make sure to cook noodles al dente and drain well; you can also reduce the bake time slightly.
Casserole is dry or cheese didn’t melt.
Check that the milk‑soup mixture is fully incorporated and that the dish is covered with foil for the full bake time.
Top is not browned enough.
Remove the foil for the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to brown.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a sealed freezer‑safe container for up to 2 months; thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The uncooked, assembled casserole freezes well; wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken noodle casserole evolved from classic American casserole traditions that date back to the early 20th century, when pantry staples like canned soup and inexpensive noodles were combined to create hearty, one‑dish meals for busy families.
What regional variations of chicken noodle casserole exist within United States cuisine?
In the Midwest, cooks often add corn and use cream of mushroom soup; in the South, a touch of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning is common, while West Coast versions may incorporate fresh herbs and low‑fat dairy.
How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in American family meals?
It is typically served hot straight from the baking dish, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, making it a complete comfort‑food dinner for the whole family.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is popular for casual weeknight dinners, potlucks, and budget‑friendly holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers or New Year’s family meals.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include egg noodles, canned cream of chicken soup, shredded chicken, frozen peas‑carrot mix, and cheddar cheese. Substitutes can be rotini pasta, homemade white sauce, diced chicken breast, fresh peas and carrots, or other melting cheeses.
What other American side dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?
A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, garlic bread, or steamed green beans complement the creamy casserole and add a fresh contrast.
What makes Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American casserole cuisine?
Its combination of comforting noodles, protein‑rich chicken, and a cheesy, creamy sauce creates a nostalgic, all‑in‑one meal that is both budget‑friendly and easily adaptable to personal tastes.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole at home?
Overcooking the noodles, forgetting to cover the dish with foil (which can dry out the casserole), and using pre‑shredded cheese that contains anti‑caking agents are the top pitfalls.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use cream of chicken soup instead of a homemade roux?
The canned soup provides a quick, consistent thickening agent and rich flavor, keeping the recipe fast and budget‑friendly while still delivering a creamy texture.
What does the YouTube channel Eating on a Dime specialize in?
The YouTube channel Eating on a Dime focuses on affordable, easy‑to‑make home meals, budget‑saving cooking tips, and family‑friendly recipes that help viewers eat well without breaking the bank.
How does the YouTube channel Eating on a Dime's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Eating on a Dime emphasizes cost‑effective ingredient swaps, minimal pantry staples, and step‑by‑step guidance for busy home cooks, whereas many other channels prioritize gourmet techniques or exotic ingredients.
Last updated: August 25, 2026






