Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole we Make Weekly - 5 Ingredients
Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole we Make Weekly - 5 Ingredients is a easy American recipe that serves 6. 300 calories per serving. Recipe by Jason Bolte on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: 1 hr | Total: 1 hr 25 min
Cost: $11.24 total, $1.87 per serving
Ingredients
- 1.5 cups Elbow Noodles (uncooked)
- 1.5 cups Milk (whole or 2%)
- 2 cups Cheddar Cheese (shredded; sharp cheddar gives best flavor)
- 1 can Cream of Mushroom Soup (about 10.5 oz; use regular canned soup)
- 1 can Canned Chicken Breast (drained and roughly chopped; can substitute rotisserie chicken)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black Pepper
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1/4 tsp Dry Mustard
- 2 tbsp Buffalo Sauce (optional, for a spicy variation)
Instructions
Preheat Oven
Set the oven to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat while you assemble the casserole.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: 350°F
Combine Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, add the uncooked elbow noodles, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, cream of mushroom soup, drained chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, and dry mustard. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Time: PT5M
Optional Buffalo Twist
For a buffalo‑style casserole, stir in the buffalo sauce now and mix well.
Time: PT1M
Transfer to Baking Dish
Evenly spread the mixture into the greased 9x13‑inch baking dish.
Time: PT2M
Bake
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 1 hour, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top is golden brown.
Time: PT1H
Temperature: 350°F
Rest and Serve
Remove the casserole from the oven, let it rest for 5 minutes, then cut into squares and serve.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 300
- Protein
- 20 g
- Carbohydrates
- 30 g
- Fat
- 12 g
- Fiber
- 2 g
Dietary info: Contains gluten, Contains dairy, Not vegan, Not vegetarian
Allergens: Dairy, Wheat (gluten), Soy (may be in soup), Mushroom
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Elbow Noodles: Small shells, ditalini
- Instead of Milk: Half‑and‑half, unsweetened almond milk
- Instead of Cheddar Cheese: Monterey Jack, Colby
- Instead of Cream of Mushroom Soup: Cream of chicken soup, homemade mushroom sauce
- Instead of Canned Chicken Breast: Rotisserie chicken, cooked chicken thighs
- Instead of Onion Powder: Granulated onion
- Instead of Dry Mustard: Dijon mustard (use less)
- Instead of Buffalo Sauce: Hot sauce mixed with melted butter
Equipment Needed
- Large Mixing Bowl
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon
- 9x13‑inch Baking Dish
- Oven
- Measuring Cups
- Can Opener
- Oven Mitts
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Preheat oven to 350°F before assembling.
- Ensure canned chicken is fully drained to avoid excess liquid.
- Bake for the full hour to allow noodles to cook through and cheese to melt.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use sharp cheddar for a richer flavor; a blend of cheddar and mozzarella adds extra stretch.
- Top with a light breadcrumb or crushed crackers mixture for a crunchy topping.
- Stir the casserole once halfway through baking (if using a deep dish) to ensure even cooking.
Troubleshooting
Noodles are too soggy.
Reduce the milk by ¼ cup or bake an additional 10‑15 minutes uncovered.
Cheese does not melt or brown.
Increase oven temperature to 375°F for the last 10 minutes, or place under the broiler briefly.
Casserole is dry.
Add an extra ¼ cup milk before baking; ensure the soup is fully incorporated.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then cover and store for up to 4 days.
Freezer: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months; reheat from frozen at 350°F for 45‑50 minutes.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate; bake when ready.
- The uncooked casserole freezes well—wrap tightly and bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the bake time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chicken casserole in American comfort food cuisine?
Chicken casseroles became popular in mid‑20th‑century America as an easy, one‑dish family meal that could be assembled quickly with pantry staples. They reflect the post‑war era’s focus on convenience, affordability, and feeding a growing suburban household.
What regional variations of chicken casserole exist within United States cuisine?
In the South, you’ll find chicken and biscuit casseroles with a creamy gravy, while the Midwest often adds corn or green beans. The Southwest version may incorporate salsa, black beans, and cheese, and the Pacific Northwest sometimes adds mushrooms and herbs.
How is chicken casserole traditionally served in American family meals?
It is typically served hot straight from the oven, cut into squares, and paired with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables. Leftovers are reheated for lunch or dinner the next day, making it a staple for busy households.
On what occasions or celebrations is chicken casserole commonly prepared in American culture?
Chicken casserole is a go‑to dish for weeknight dinners, pot‑lucks, and casual gatherings like game nights or family reunions because it can be made ahead and feeds a crowd without much fuss.
What other American dishes pair well with this chicken casserole?
Serve it alongside buttery dinner rolls, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp coleslaw. A side of garlic‑bread or a simple tomato salad also balances the richness of the casserole.
What makes this five‑ingredient chicken casserole special in American comfort food cuisine?
Its simplicity—only five core ingredients plus pantry spices—means it can be thrown together in minutes, yet it delivers the classic creamy, cheesy, and hearty profile that defines American comfort casseroles.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making this chicken casserole?
Common errors include not draining the canned chicken, using too much milk which makes the dish soupy, and under‑baking, which leaves the noodles undercooked. Follow the prep steps and bake the full hour for best results.
Why does this chicken casserole recipe use cream of mushroom soup instead of making a roux‑based sauce?
The canned soup provides instant creaminess and flavor while keeping the recipe quick and requiring no extra stovetop steps, which aligns with the five‑ingredient, under‑5‑minute prep goal.
Can I make this chicken casserole ahead of time and how should I store it before baking?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. For longer storage, freeze the uncooked casserole; bake from frozen, adding 10‑15 minutes to the cooking time.
What does the YouTube channel Jason Bolte specialize in?
The YouTube channel Jason Bolte focuses on quick, family‑friendly recipes that use minimal ingredients and equipment, often highlighting comfort food classics and practical cooking hacks for everyday home cooks.
How does the YouTube channel Jason Bolte's approach to American comfort food differ from other cooking channels?
Jason Bolte emphasizes ultra‑simple ingredient lists, short prep times, and real‑world kitchen setups, avoiding overly fancy techniques. His style is straightforward, relatable, and geared toward busy families looking for reliable, tasty meals.
Last updated: August 20, 2026
