How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 450 calories per serving. Recipe by Allrecipes on YouTube.
Prep: 25 min | Cook: 56 min | Total: 1 hr 36 min
Cost: $16.63 total, $2.77 per serving
Ingredients
- 4 pieces Chicken Breast (skinless, boneless, halved)
- 6 oz Egg Noodles (dry, broken into halves if desired)
- 10.75 oz Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup (one 10 3/4‑oz can)
- 10.75 oz Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup (one 10 3/4‑oz can)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat for richness)
- 0.5 cup Unsalted Butter (equivalent to one stick, melted)
- 1 cup Round Buttery Crackers (crushed (e.g., Ritz or similar))
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you prepare the chicken.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Poach Chicken
Fill a large pot with enough water to cover the chicken, bring to a gentle simmer, add the 4 chicken breast halves, and poach for about 12 minutes until no longer pink in the center.
Time: PT12M
Remove Chicken
Using a slotted spoon, lift the chicken out of the pot and set aside to cool slightly.
Time: PT2M
Cook Egg Noodles
Bring the remaining cooking water to a rolling boil, add 6 oz egg noodles, and cook according to package directions (about 7 minutes) until al dente.
Time: PT7M
Drain Noodles
Drain the noodles in a colander and set aside.
Time: PT2M
Cube Chicken
Cut the poached chicken breasts into bite‑size cubes.
Time: PT5M
Make Creamy Sauce
In a saucepan over low heat, combine the 10 ¾‑oz can of cream of mushroom soup, the 10 ¾‑oz can of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup sour cream. Stir until smooth and heated through.
Time: PT5M
Combine Ingredients
In a 9×13‑inch baking dish, spread the cooked noodles, cubed chicken, and pour the creamy sauce over them. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Time: PT5M
Melt Butter
Melt ½ cup (one stick) unsalted butter in a small saucepan, then remove from heat.
Time: PT2M
Prepare Cracker Topping
Place 1 cup round buttery crackers in a zip‑top bag, crush them into fine crumbs, then mix with the melted butter until evenly coated.
Time: PT2M
Add Topping
Evenly sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the casserole.
Time: PT1M
Bake
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the cracker topping is golden brown.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 450
- Protein
- 25 g
- Carbohydrates
- 35 g
- Fat
- 20 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat, Soy
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Chicken Breast: Cooked rotisserie chicken, shredded
- Instead of Egg Noodles: any short pasta, tortellini
- Instead of Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup: fresh mushroom sauce, cream of mushroom substitute
- Instead of Condensed Cream of Chicken Soup: cream of chicken substitute, white sauce
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt, creme fraiche
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: margarine, olive oil
- Instead of Round Buttery Crackers: panko breadcrumbs, crushed pretzels
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot
- Slotted Spoon
- Saucepan
- Baking Dish
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Cups
- Oven
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Poach the chicken until fully cooked (no pink center).
- Cook the egg noodles al dente so they don’t become mushy after baking.
- Heat the soup and sour cream mixture gently to avoid curdling.
- Bake until the topping is golden brown for texture and flavor.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use low‑sodium canned soups to control the salt level.
- For extra crunch, add a handful of grated Parmesan to the cracker topping.
- Leftover chicken can be substituted with rotisserie chicken for even less prep time.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is too dry after baking.
Stir in ¼ cup milk or extra sour cream before baking to add moisture.
Cracker topping isn’t browned enough.
Broil on high for 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
Noodles are mushy.
Undercook the noodles by 1‑2 minutes; they will finish cooking in the oven.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw before reheating.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to step 11, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
- The assembled, unbaked casserole freezes well; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole in American cuisine?
Chicken noodle casseroles became popular in mid‑20th‑century America as a convenient, comforting dish that could stretch inexpensive ingredients and make use of pantry staples. They are often associated with family‑style home cooking and potluck gatherings.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken noodle casserole in the United States?
In the South, cooks often add cheddar cheese and use crushed cornflakes instead of crackers. In the Midwest, a creamy mushroom‑based sauce is common, while West Coast versions may incorporate fresh herbs and whole‑grain noodles.
How is Creamy 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 or dinner the next day.
What occasions or celebrations is Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole traditionally associated with in American culture?
The dish is a staple for casual family dinners, potlucks, and holiday gatherings such as Thanksgiving leftovers or Christmas Eve meals because it reheats well and feeds a crowd.
What authentic traditional ingredients are essential for Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Traditional ingredients include poached chicken breast, egg noodles, condensed cream of mushroom and chicken soups, sour cream, butter, and buttery crackers. Substitutes can be low‑sodium soups, Greek yogurt for sour cream, or crushed pretzels for the cracker topping.
What other American side dishes pair well with Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
A crisp garden salad, roasted green beans, or buttered corn on the cob complement the rich casserole and add fresh texture to the meal.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Common errors include overcooking the noodles, which makes the casserole soggy, and overheating the soup‑sour‑cream mixture, which can cause curdling. Also, be sure the chicken is fully cooked before cubing.
Why does this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe use both cream of mushroom and cream of chicken soups instead of a single soup?
Using two soups creates a deeper, layered flavor—mushroom adds earthiness while chicken soup reinforces the poultry taste, resulting in a richer, more balanced sauce.
Can I make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the cracker topping, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the unbaked casserole, then thaw in the fridge before baking.
What texture and appearance should I look for when the Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is done cooking?
The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, the sauce thick and glossy, and the cracker topping golden‑brown and crisp. The interior should be hot throughout.
What does the YouTube channel Allrecipes specialize in?
The YouTube channel Allrecipes focuses on home‑cooked, family‑friendly recipes that are easy to follow, often featuring classic American comfort foods and quick weeknight meals.
How does the YouTube channel Allrecipes' approach to American comfort cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Allrecipes emphasizes straightforward, ingredient‑driven instructions with minimal specialized equipment, catering to everyday home cooks, whereas many other channels may focus on gourmet techniques or niche cuisines.
Last updated: August 21, 2026
