Grandma’s Cozy Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Comfort food has a special magic in our classic chicken noodle casserole that transports you straight to grandma’s kitchen.

Memories of warm, hearty meals burst through every creamy bite of this nostalgic dish.

Generations have treasured this simple yet satisfying recipe passed down through loving hands.

Layers of tender chicken, soft noodles, and rich sauce create a delightful harmony on your plate.

Weeknight dinners become extraordinary with this soul-warming combination of ingredients.

Crispy edges and a golden-brown top promise a delicious experience that’ll make everyone ask for seconds.

Dive into this timeless recipe and let the comfort begin!

Casserole That Delivers Chicken Noodle Nostalgia

• Comfort Food Champion: A classic casserole that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia, bringing back memories of cozy family dinners with its creamy, cheesy goodness.
• Effortless Cooking Magic: Super simple preparation with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Packed with familiar flavors that children love, featuring tender chicken, soft noodles, and a crispy breadcrumb topping that makes every bite exciting and satisfying.
• One-Dish Wonder: Combines protein, carbs, and cheese in a single baking dish, reducing cleanup time and making mealtime stress-free for the entire family.

Chicken Noodle Casserole (Old School) Pantry Musts

• Shredded Chicken: Tender and flavorful protein base for the casserole.

• Egg Noodles: Classic pasta that provides hearty texture.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Milk: Smooth and rich ingredients that create a velvety sauce.

• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that adds depth of flavor.

• Breadcrumbs: Crispy golden layer for added crunch.

Classic Chicken Noodle Casserole How to Make It

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and grab a 9×13-inch baking dish. Give the dish a quick spray of cooking oil or butter it up to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix the Magic

• Shredded chicken
• Cooked egg noodles
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Whole milk
• Shredded cheddar cheese

Stir everything together until it looks like a creamy, dreamy comfort food masterpiece.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking

Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly so every bite gets the same delicious goodness.

Step 4: Add the Crunch

Sprinkle a generous layer of breadcrumbs across the top. This will give your casserole a crispy, golden crown.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven. Bake for 30 minutes until the top turns a beautiful golden brown and the edges start bubbling with excitement.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Pull the casserole out and let it cool for 5-10 minutes. This helps it set and makes serving easier. Dig in and enjoy a classic comfort food that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Casserole Tips for Old-School Chicken Noodle Dinners

• Prevent Dryness: Add an extra splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the casserole moist and creamy during baking.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Mix in sautéed onions and garlic before combining with other ingredients for a more complex taste profile.
• Create Crunchy Topping: Toast breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling on top to enhance golden-brown crispiness.
• Customize Protein Options: Swap chicken with turkey or rotisserie chicken for a quick alternative that maintains the classic comfort food texture.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free egg noodles and replace cream of chicken soup with a homemade version to accommodate dietary restrictions.

Keeping Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Tasty Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer casserole to freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freezes well for up to 2 months.
• Thaw overnight in refrigerator, then bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out and maintain moisture.
• Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. Add a splash of milk to restore creamy texture and prevent dryness.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Complements

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: A buttery, lightly oaked Chardonnay complements the creamy casserole's rich texture, balancing the dish's hearty flavors with its smooth, refreshing profile.
• Serve with Tangy Cucumber Salad: A light, zesty cucumber salad with dill and vinaigrette cuts through the casserole's richness, adding a fresh, bright counterpoint to the creamy main dish.
• Match with Roasted Garlic Bread: Crusty, warm garlic bread provides a crunchy texture contrast and helps soak up the casserole's delicious sauce, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Complement with Crisp Pinot Grigio: This light, acidic white wine provides a clean, refreshing palate cleanser that helps balance the casserole's creamy and savory elements.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Classic Spins

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace regular egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free breadcrumbs. Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade gluten-free version or a certified gluten-free cream soup alternative.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute sour cream with coconut yogurt or dairy-free cream cheese. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Replace milk with unsweetened almond or oat milk.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap egg noodles with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use a low-carb cream soup substitute and replace breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds or almond flour.
• Vegetarian Alternative: Replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream soup instead of chicken soup. Add extra vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for more protein and flavor.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, store-bought rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Simply shred the meat and mix it into the casserole for a quick and delicious meal.

• What if I don't have egg noodles?

Regular pasta like wide egg noodles or even medium shell pasta can be substituted. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole, cover tightly with aluminum foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.

• Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerate. When ready to eat, simply bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time if it’s coming straight from the refrigerator.

Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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4.5 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets nostalgia in this Old School Chicken Noodle Casserole, a hearty dish that brings classic American home cooking to your dinner table. Creamy, cheesy layers of tender chicken and noodles promise a satisfying meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups shredded chicken

Starches:

• 2 cups cooked egg noodles
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Dairy and Sauces:

• 1 can (10.5 ounces / 298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Warm the oven to 350°F and lightly coat a rectangular baking vessel with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Thoroughly blend shredded poultry, tender egg noodles, condensed chicken soup, tangy dairy cream, velvety milk, and sharp cheddar cheese in a spacious mixing vessel until ingredients are harmoniously combined.
3. Transfer the creamy mixture into the prepared baking dish, ensuring an even distribution across the surface.
4. Generously dust the top with crisp, golden breadcrumbs to create a delectable crunchy layer.
5. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and beautiful golden-brown surface.
6. Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest and settle for 5-10 minutes, which helps the ingredients meld and makes serving easier.

Notes

• Ensure chicken is thoroughly cooked and shredded to create tender, succulent bites throughout the casserole.
• Customize the breadcrumb topping by mixing in herbs like parsley or thyme for an extra flavor boost.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free alternatives and use cornflake crumbs instead of traditional breadcrumbs.
• Reduce sodium by choosing low-sodium cream of chicken soup and adding fresh herbs to enhance the overall taste without extra salt.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg