Love & Best Dishes: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Love & Best Dishes: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a easy Southern recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Paula Deen on YouTube.
Prep: 15 min | Cook: 50 min | Total: 1 hr 20 min
Cost: $8.91 total, $1.49 per serving
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (cut into small pieces)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (finely diced)
- 1 clove Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional, serve on the side for adults)
- 1 tablespoon All-Purpose Flour (for roux, helps thicken sauce)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1/2 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 3 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; 2 cups in sauce, 1 cup on top)
- 4 cups Egg Noodles (cooked, drained; any size works)
- 2 cups Rotisserie Chicken (shredded meat only, skin removed)
- 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the casserole.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Sauté Onions
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic (and optional red pepper flakes on the side) and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Create Roux
Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the onion‑garlic mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk
Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, allowing each addition to be fully incorporated before adding more. Continue cooking, stirring, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Stir in Sour Cream
Reduce the heat to low and fold in the half‑cup of sour cream until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Melt Cheese into Sauce
Add 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is glossy.
Time: PT2M
Combine Noodles and Chicken
Fold the cooked egg noodles and shredded rotisserie chicken into the cheese sauce, mixing until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Pour the mixture into an 8×12‑inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded cheddar over the top and season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot, bubbly, and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25g
- Carbohydrates
- 35g
- Fat
- 20g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Contains eggs
Allergens: Milk, Cheese, Wheat, Eggs
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine
- Instead of Yellow Onion: Shallots
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (2 tsp)
- Instead of Whole Milk: 2% milk, Half-and-half
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt (plain)
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Egg Noodles: any short pasta (e.g., penne)
- Instead of Rotisserie Chicken: Cooked chicken breast (2 cups)
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Whisk
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Bowl
- Spatula
- 8×12‑inch Baking Dish
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Sauté onions until translucent but not browned.
- Add garlic briefly to avoid burning.
- Whisk milk slowly into the roux to prevent lumps.
- Melt cheese completely for a smooth sauce.
- Bake until bubbly and the top is golden.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality sharp cheddar for the best flavor and melt.
- Rotisserie chicken adds smoky depth and saves time; you can also use leftover cooked chicken.
- For a crunchy topping, mix a tablespoon of breadcrumbs with the final cheese layer.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is lumpy.
Whisk vigorously while adding milk slowly; if lumps persist, blend with an immersion blender.
Casserole is dry after baking.
Add an extra 1/4 cup of milk or sour cream before baking, and ensure noodles are not over‑cooked before mixing.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat directly from frozen or thaw overnight.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 9, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- Freezing the uncooked casserole works well; bake from frozen adding an extra 10‑15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in Southern American cuisine?
Chicken noodle casserole is a classic Southern comfort food that evolved from early 20th‑century pantry meals, combining inexpensive pantry staples like noodles, cheese, and rotisserie chicken into a hearty, family‑friendly bake.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole in the Southern United States?
In the Deep South, cooks often add crushed crackers or cornmeal topping, while in the Gulf Coast version you might find a splash of hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for extra heat.
How is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally served in Southern family meals?
It is typically served hot from the oven alongside a simple green salad or steamed vegetables, and families often enjoy it for dinner on busy weeknights or as a pot‑luck dish at gatherings.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in Southern culture?
The dish is popular for casual gatherings, church pot‑lucks, and family reunions because it feeds a crowd, can be made ahead, and appeals to both kids and adults.
How does Chicken Noodle Casserole fit into the broader Southern comfort food tradition?
It embodies the Southern love of rich, buttery sauces, cheese, and leftover chicken, turning leftovers into a new, comforting main course that showcases resourceful, home‑cooked hospitality.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include butter, onion, garlic, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, sour cream, sharp cheddar, egg noodles, and rotisserie chicken. Substitutes can be margarine for butter, half‑and‑half for milk, Greek yogurt for sour cream, and any short pasta or cooked chicken breast.
What other Southern dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Pair it with collard greens, buttery cornbread, or a crisp cucumber‑tomato salad dressed with a light vinaigrette for a balanced Southern meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Common errors include over‑cooking the garlic (it burns), adding milk too quickly (causes lumps), not seasoning the sauce before baking, and baking too long, which dries out the noodles.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use a roux with flour and milk instead of a pre‑made cheese sauce?
Creating a roux allows the cook to control thickness and prevents a watery casserole, while the gradual addition of milk ensures a smooth, lump‑free cheese sauce that coats the noodles evenly.
What does the YouTube channel Paula Deen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Paula Deen specializes in Southern comfort cooking, featuring family‑style recipes, classic comfort foods, and tips for cooking with love and generous portions.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
