My Chicken Noodle Casserole Ingredients • 12 oz bag extra wide egg
My Chicken Noodle Casserole 🐔🍜 Ingredients • 12 oz bag extra wide egg is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Mama Gail Cooks on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 37 min | Total: 1 hr 2 min
Cost: $12.37 total, $3.09 per serving
Ingredients
- 12 oz Extra Wide Egg Noodles (cook according to package until al dente)
- 1 tsp Salt (for boiling water)
- 8 pieces Chicken Breast Tenderloins (boiled, then shredded)
- 0.5 cup Chicken Broth (homemade from boiled chicken; can use store‑bought low‑sodium broth)
- 24 oz Cream of Chicken Soup (canned; wash can before opening)
- 8 oz Sour Cream (use about half (4 oz) in the casserole; can adjust to taste)
- 1 cup Kobe Jack Cheese (shredded; can substitute with mozzarella or cheddar)
- 0.25 tsp Black Pepper (optional, for seasoning)
Instructions
Cook the Egg Noodles
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, add 1 tsp salt, then add the 12 oz extra‑wide egg noodles. Cook according to package directions until al dente.
Time: PT10M
Drain the Noodles
Pour the noodles into a colander and shake to remove excess water.
Time: PT2M
Boil the Chicken
In the same pot, add fresh water to cover 8 chicken breast tenderloins. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook until the chicken is fully cooked through, about 12‑15 minutes.
Time: PT15M
Shred the Chicken
Remove the chicken from the pot, let it cool slightly, then shred with two forks.
Time: PT3M
Reserve Chicken Broth
Measure out ½ cup of the cooking broth and set aside; this will be used to thin the sauce.
Time: PT1M
Combine Sauce Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl combine the 24 oz can of cream of chicken soup, the reserved ½ cup chicken broth, about 4 oz of sour cream, the shredded chicken, and the cooked noodles. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Assemble the Casserole
Grease the casserole dish lightly, pour the noodle‑chicken mixture in, and spread evenly. Sprinkle the shredded Kobe Jack cheese over the top.
Time: PT3M
Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 400°F
Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden, about 12 minutes.
Time: PT12M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 1 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Egg, Gluten, Dairy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Extra Wide Egg Noodles: regular egg noodles, linguine
- Instead of Salt: kosher salt
- Instead of Chicken Breast Tenderloins: rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken thighs
- Instead of Chicken Broth: store‑bought chicken broth
- Instead of Cream of Chicken Soup: homemade cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, crème fraîche
- Instead of Kobe Jack Cheese: mozzarella, cheddar
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Cheese Grater (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the noodles al dente
- Boiling the chicken until fully cooked
- Achieving the right sauce consistency in step 6
- Baking until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use homemade chicken broth for deeper flavor; reserve the broth from boiling the chicken.
- If short on time, substitute shredded rotisserie chicken and store‑bought broth.
- Add a pinch of dried thyme or parsley to the sauce for extra herbaceous notes.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick after mixing.
Stir in additional chicken broth, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture coats the noodles smoothly.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Increase oven temperature to 425°F for the last 2‑3 minutes or switch to broil briefly.
Noodles become mushy.
Cook noodles al dente and drain promptly; they will continue cooking slightly in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in a 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 step 7, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freeze the unbaked casserole; bake from frozen adding an extra 5‑7 minutes to the baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken noodle casserole emerged in mid‑20th‑century America as a budget‑friendly, one‑dish meal that combined pantry staples like noodles, canned soup and cheese. It became a staple at family gatherings and pot‑lucks because it could be assembled ahead and baked quickly.
What regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, cooks often add diced carrots, peas, and a crunchy biscuit topping. In the Midwest, a creamy mushroom soup replaces the chicken soup, and sharp cheddar is favored over milder cheeses. Some New England versions include a breadcrumb crust.
How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in American households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers are reheated for lunch, and the dish is a popular comfort food during colder months.
During what occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally enjoyed in American culture?
The casserole is a go‑to for family reunions, church pot‑lucks, and casual weekend dinners. Its ease of preparation makes it a favorite for game‑day gatherings and holiday leftovers.
How does Chicken Noodle Casserole fit into the broader American comfort food tradition?
It embodies the American comfort food ethos of using inexpensive, shelf‑stable ingredients to create a warm, filling dish. The combination of creamy sauce, noodles, and cheese reflects the classic “creamy‑and‑cheesy” flavor profile beloved in the U.S.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the dish uses extra‑wide egg noodles, canned cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded boiled chicken, and a mild cheese like Jack or mozzarella. Substitutes include regular egg noodles, rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and cheddar or mozzarella for the cheese.
What other American dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?
A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette, roasted green beans, or buttery corn on the cob complement the creamy casserole. For a heartier meal, serve with garlic bread or a side of mashed potatoes.
What makes Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American cuisine?
Its uniqueness lies in the blend of pantry‑ready ingredients that create a rich, comforting texture without requiring fresh vegetables. The casserole also showcases the American love for creamy, cheesy baked dishes that can be prepared ahead of time.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole at home?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes them mushy, using too much soup leading to a soupy casserole, and under‑baking so the cheese never melts. Follow the timing guidelines and adjust broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Can I make Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to the cheese topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked dish; bake from frozen, adding 5‑7 minutes to the baking time.
What does the YouTube channel Mama Gail Cooks specialize in?
The YouTube channel Mama Gail Cooks specializes in approachable, family‑friendly American comfort food recipes, often featuring quick weeknight meals, classic casseroles, and practical cooking tips for home cooks.
Last updated: August 26, 2026
