Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 577 calories per serving. Recipe by Soul Food Cooking on YouTube.
Prep: 32 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 22 min
Cost: $11.49 total, $1.91 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 pound Cooked Chicken (shredded rotisserie chicken)
- 2 cans Cream of Mushroom Soup (10.5‑oz cans, regular brand)
- 0.5 cup Onion (chopped, about 1 small onion)
- 2 cups Half and Half (full‑fat for richness)
- 1 cup Peas and Carrots (frozen mixed vegetables, thawed)
- 12 ounces Egg Noodles (wide egg noodles)
- 4 tablespoons Bread Crumbs (plain, fine)
- 2 tablespoons Butter (unsalted, melted)
- 1.5 teaspoons Garlic Powder (dried)
- 1 teaspoon Black Pepper (ground)
- 2.5 teaspoons Salt (kosher or table salt)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and allow it to preheat.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Boil Water
Fill a large pot with water, add ½ teaspoon of salt, and bring to a rolling boil.
Time: PT5M
Cook Noodles
Add the egg noodles to the boiling water and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT6M
Drain and Rinse
Drain the noodles in a colander, rinse quickly with cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.
Time: PT3M
Chop Onion
Finely chop the onion (about ½ cup).
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, peas‑carrots, shredded chicken, cream of mushroom soup, chopped onion, garlic powder, black pepper, 2 teaspoons of salt, and half and half. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Grease the baking dish lightly and pour the noodle mixture in, spreading it evenly.
Time: PT2M
First Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Prepare Breadcrumb Topping
While the casserole bakes, melt the butter in a small saucepan over low heat, then stir in the bread crumbs until fully coated.
Time: PT5M
Add Topping
Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly over the surface.
Time: PT2M
Final Browning
Increase the oven temperature to 400°F and return the casserole for an additional 5 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and golden.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 400°F
Rest Before Serving
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 577
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 95 g
- Fat
- 58 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains dairy, Contains gluten
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: cooked turkey, cooked chicken breast
- Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup: homemade cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup
- Instead of Onion: shallots
- Instead of Half and Half: mix of whole milk and heavy cream (1:1)
- Instead of Peas and Carrots: fresh peas and carrots
- Instead of Egg Noodles: any short pasta shape
- Instead of Bread Crumbs: panko, crushed crackers
- Instead of Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Garlic Powder: fresh minced garlic (½ tsp)
- Instead of Black Pepper: white pepper
- Instead of Salt: sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Oven
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Mixing Bowl
- Baking Dish
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Small Saucepan
- Serving Spoon
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat the oven to 350°F
- Cook noodles only 6 minutes to avoid over‑softening
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly so the sauce coats every noodle
- Bake the casserole for the full 30 minutes at 350°F
- Coat breadcrumbs with melted butter before topping
- Final bake at 400°F for a crisp golden crust
Chef Tips from the Video
- Shred the rotisserie chicken by hand for extra texture
- Add a pinch of dried thyme or parsley for a subtle herb note
- Use panko breadcrumbs for an even crunchier topping
- Let the casserole rest; this makes serving cleaner
Troubleshooting
Noodles are mushy after baking
Undercook the noodles by 2 minutes next time; they will finish cooking in the oven.
Casserole is dry
Add an extra ¼ cup of half and half or a splash of milk before baking.
Breadcrumb topping isn’t crisp
Make sure the butter fully coats the crumbs and bake the final 5 minutes at 400°F, watching closely.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly with foil and place in a freezer‑safe bag; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not leave at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prepare the noodle‑chicken mixture and keep it refrigerated; bake when ready
- Breadcrumb topping can be made up to 2 hours ahead and stored at room temperature
- The uncooked casserole freezes well; bake from frozen adding 10‑15 extra minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chicken Noodle Casserole in American soul food cuisine?
Chicken Noodle Casserole became a staple in mid‑20th‑century American households, especially in the South, where it was a comforting way to stretch leftover rotisserie or fried chicken with pantry staples like noodles and canned soup. It reflects the soul‑food tradition of turning simple, affordable ingredients into hearty, family‑friendly meals.
How does Chicken Noodle Casserole fit into the broader American comfort‑food tradition?
The dish embodies the American comfort‑food ethos of creamy sauces, carb‑rich bases, and a crunchy topping, similar to tuna noodle casserole or macaroni‑and‑cheese. It’s often served at pot‑lucks, family gatherings, and as a weeknight dinner that evokes nostalgia.
What regional variations of Chicken Noodle Casserole exist within the United States?
In the Deep South, cooks may add hot sauce or Cajun seasoning for a kick, while Mid‑western versions sometimes swap peas‑carrots for corn and use cream of chicken soup. Some families incorporate shredded cheese into the sauce for extra richness.
What occasions or celebrations is Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
It’s a popular dish for Sunday family meals, church pot‑lucks, and holiday gatherings like Thanksgiving leftovers night. Its make‑ahead nature also makes it a convenient choice for game‑day parties and casual get‑togethers.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditionally the casserole uses rotisserie or boiled chicken, egg noodles, canned cream of mushroom soup, frozen peas‑carrots, half and half, and plain breadcrumbs. Substitutes include cooked turkey, any short pasta, homemade mushroom sauce, fresh vegetables, or panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
What other soul‑food dishes pair well with Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Serve it alongside collard greens, cornbread, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette. Sweet potato casserole or baked beans also complement the creamy texture of the noodle dish.
What makes Chicken Noodle Casserole special or unique in American soul‑food cuisine?
Its combination of leftover rotisserie chicken, a rich mushroom‑based sauce, and a buttery breadcrumb crust creates a layered texture that is both comforting and slightly upscale, bridging everyday home cooking with a touch of indulgence.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Overcooking the noodles, under‑seasoning the sauce, and forgetting to coat the breadcrumbs with butter are the biggest pitfalls. Each leads to a mushy base, bland flavor, or a soggy topping instead of the desired golden crust.
Why does this Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use half and half instead of whole milk or heavy cream?
Half and half provides a balance of richness and fluidity; it thickens the sauce without making it overly heavy like cream, while still delivering a creamy mouthfeel that milk alone can’t achieve.
What does the YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking specialize in?
The YouTube channel Soul Food Cooking focuses on classic Southern and comfort‑food recipes, offering step‑by‑step tutorials that emphasize affordable ingredients, family‑friendly flavors, and practical kitchen tips for home cooks.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
