Love & Best Dishes: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Love & Best Dishes: Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is a easy Southern United States recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Paula Deen on YouTube.
Prep: 20 min | Cook: 35 min | Total: 1 hr 10 min
Cost: $9.28 total, $1.55 per serving
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons Unsalted Butter (melted)
- 1 medium Yellow Onion (diced)
- 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour (for thickening)
- 2 cups Whole Milk (room temperature)
- 1 cup Sour Cream (full‑fat)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) Cream of Celery Soup (standard canned)
- 2 cups Cooked Chicken (shredded or cubed, cooked breast or rotisserie)
- 3 cups Egg Noodles (cooked, drained)
- 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded; reserve 1/4 cup for topping)
- 0.25 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
- 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F and let it preheat while you finish prep.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: 350°F
Sauté Onions
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook, stirring occasionally, until the edges are translucent but still retain a slight crunch, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Add Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Time: PT1M
Incorporate Flour
Sprinkle the flour over the onion‑garlic mixture, stirring constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste.
Time: PT1M
Add Milk
Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Time: PT3M
Stir in Creams
Reduce heat to low and stir in the sour cream and the canned cream of celery soup until fully incorporated. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Time: PT2M
Combine Main Ingredients
Add the shredded cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, shredded cheddar (reserve 1/4 cup), red pepper flakes, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything until evenly distributed.
Time: PT5M
Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13‑inch casserole dish. Sprinkle the reserved cheese on top.
Time: PT5M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes. Then sprinkle any additional cheese if desired and bake another 5 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbling throughout.
Time: PT30M
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to set.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 20g
- Carbohydrates
- 30g
- Fat
- 15g
- Fiber
- 2g
Dietary info: Contains meat, Contains gluten, Contains dairy
Allergens: Dairy, Gluten, Egg
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Unsalted Butter: Margarine, Olive oil
- Instead of Yellow Onion: White onion, Shallots
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/4 tsp)
- Instead of All-Purpose Flour: Cornstarch (1 tbsp)
- Instead of Whole Milk: Half-and-half, Unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Sour Cream: Greek yogurt
- Instead of Cream of Celery Soup: Homemade cream of celery
- Instead of Cooked Chicken: Rotisserie chicken, Cooked turkey
- Instead of Egg Noodles: Any short pasta
- Instead of Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Mozzarella
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
- Instead of Black Pepper: Pre‑ground pepper
- Instead of Salt: Kosher salt, Sea salt
Equipment Needed
- Large Skillet
- Wooden Spoon
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Whisk
- 9x13‑inch Casserole Dish
- Oven
- Knife
- Cutting Board
- Aluminum Foil (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Cooking the flour long enough to eliminate raw taste
- Ensuring the milk‑flour mixture thickens before adding sour cream
- Not over‑cooking the onions if you prefer a slight crunch for kids
- Baking until the casserole is bubbling and the cheese is melted
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use freshly ground black pepper for a brighter flavor.
- Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds extra flavor.
- For a Southern twist, substitute half of the cheddar with shredded Monterey Jack.
Troubleshooting
Casserole is too dry after baking.
Cover with foil and bake an additional 5‑10 minutes, or stir in a splash of milk before baking.
Sauce is watery and not thickened.
Increase the flour to 3 tablespoons or bake uncovered for a few extra minutes to evaporate excess liquid.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container 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 8, cover, and refrigerate overnight. Bake fresh the next day.
- Portion leftovers into single‑serve containers for quick microwave meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken noodle casserole in Southern United States cuisine?
Chicken noodle casseroles are a classic Southern comfort food, rooted in the tradition of using pantry staples like canned soup, noodles, and leftover chicken to create a hearty, one‑pot meal that feeds a family on a budget.
What are the traditional regional variations of chicken noodle casserole in Southern cooking?
In the South, variations often include adding cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup, using cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, and sometimes incorporating corn or peas for extra texture.
How is chicken noodle casserole traditionally served in Southern households?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, often accompanied by a simple green salad, cornbread, or biscuits, making it a complete family dinner.
What occasions or celebrations is chicken noodle casserole associated with in Southern culture?
The dish is popular for pot‑luck gatherings, church socials, and busy weeknight family meals, especially when school starts and parents need quick, comforting food.
What authentic ingredients are essential for a traditional Southern chicken noodle casserole versus acceptable substitutes?
Key ingredients include butter, onions, garlic, all‑purpose flour, whole milk, sour cream, canned cream of celery soup, shredded chicken, egg noodles, and cheddar cheese. Substitutes like rotisserie chicken, Greek yogurt for sour cream, or Monterey Jack for cheddar work well without losing the Southern character.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making chicken noodle casserole from Paula Deen’s recipe?
Common errors include not cooking the flour long enough, which leaves a raw taste; over‑cooking the onions if kids prefer a crunch; and baking too long, which can dry out the noodles. Follow the timing cues and keep an eye on the bubbling surface.
Why does this chicken noodle casserole recipe use a can of cream of celery soup instead of making a homemade roux?
Paula Deen’s Southern style embraces convenience; the canned soup adds instant creaminess and depth of flavor while keeping prep time short, which is ideal for busy school‑night cooking.
Can I make Paula Deen’s chicken noodle casserole ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes. Assemble the casserole up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake directly from the fridge, adding a few extra minutes if needed. Leftovers store in the refrigerator for 3‑4 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
What texture and appearance should I look for to know the chicken noodle casserole is done?
The casserole should be bubbling around the edges, the cheese on top golden brown, and the interior hot and creamy. A gentle jiggle in the center indicates the sauce has set but is still moist.
What does the YouTube channel Paula Deen specialize in?
The YouTube channel Paula Deen focuses on Southern comfort cooking, sharing family‑style recipes that emphasize rich flavors, easy techniques, and budget‑friendly meals for home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Paula Deen’s approach to Southern cooking differ from other Southern cooking channels?
Paula Deen’s approach blends traditional Southern ingredients with a relaxed, home‑cooking style, often using pantry staples like canned soups and emphasizing quick, family‑friendly meals, whereas other channels may focus more on gourmet techniques or modern twists.
Last updated: August 25, 2026
