If you are craving a comforting, hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a chilly day, this Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is absolutely the answer. Packed with tender shredded chicken, al dente egg noodles, vibrant mixed vegetables, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish brings together simple ingredients that transform into something truly special. It’s the kind of casserole that’s perfect for feeding a family or impressing guests with minimal effort but maximum flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe plays a crucial role. From the tender chicken that provides protein and heartiness, to the creamy sauce that adds silky richness, each component perfectly balances taste, texture, and color to make this dish irresistible.
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles: These noodles hold up beautifully to baking and carry the sauce well while staying tender but firm.
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded: Use leftover roast chicken or boiled chicken breast for easy prep and great flavor.
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables: A colorful medley of peas, carrots, corn, and green beans adds sweetness, texture, and wholesome nutrition.
- 1 large onion, diced: The onion provides a savory base with gentle sweetness when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic elevates the dish with aromatic warmth and depth.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness to the roux and softens the vegetables.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Balances the butter and helps cook the aromatics evenly.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Essential for thickening the creamy sauce to the perfect consistency.
- 2 cups chicken broth: Infuses the casserole with savory goodness and keeps it moist.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess to the sauce without overpowering flavors.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A bright touch of acidity to balance the richness.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant mix that complements chicken and vegetables seamlessly.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors thoughtfully without over-salting.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a pinch of gentle heat that ties the dish together.
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese: Melts beautifully for that irresistible gooey, golden top.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare the Aromatics
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven warms, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking them gently until they soften and release their sweet, savory aroma, about 4 minutes. This flavorful base will set the tone for the entire casserole.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle the flour into the skillet with the softened onion and garlic, stirring to form a roux. Cook for 1 to 2 minutes, which will help remove the raw flour taste and get it ready to thicken the sauce. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and milk, blending thoroughly to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. Keep cooking and stirring until it thickens into a luscious, creamy texture, roughly 5 minutes.
Step 3: Season the Sauce
Now is the time to add dimension—stir in the lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. The lemon juice brightens the sauce, balancing richness, while the herbs and spices enhance every bite with subtle complexity.
Step 4: Combine the Main Ingredients
Add the shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles directly to the skillet. Gently fold everything together until all the ingredients are evenly coated in that delicious creamy sauce. This mixture is where the magic happens, creating a harmonious balance of protein, veggies, and pasta.
Step 5: Assemble and Bake
Transfer the casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly for uniform cooking. Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese generously on top—this will melt into a bubbling, golden crust. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is beautifully melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
To give your casserole an inviting fresh look, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top right after baking. It adds a lovely burst of color and a hint of herbal brightness that contrasts the creamy, cheesy richness.
Side Dishes
This casserole is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out the meal, simple green salads or steamed green beans complement it perfectly. The crispness and lightness balance the hearty texture of the noodle casserole wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a family-style gathering, serve the casserole straight from the dish so everyone can help themselves. Alternatively, portion it into individual ramekins for a charming, elegant presentation that makes each serving feel special and personalized.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe keeps incredibly well in the refrigerator. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days, making lunch or dinner the next day an absolute breeze.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, this casserole freezes beautifully. Pack it in a freezer-safe container or tightly wrapped in foil and plastic wrap. It will stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months without a significant loss in texture or flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for convenience. To keep the casserole moist during reheating, consider covering it with foil.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a fantastic shortcut that adds tasty, pre-cooked chicken with great flavor and saves you time.
What if I don’t have Colby Jack cheese?
You can substitute with cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend of your favorite melty cheeses. Just make sure it melts well for that golden topping.
Can I make this casserole vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or substitute with plant-based protein like tofu or a chickpea mixture.
Is it necessary to cook the noodles beforehand?
Yes, cooking the noodles al dente before mixing ensures they’re perfectly tender after baking and not mushy.
How can I make this dish creamier?
For extra creaminess, you can add a half cup of sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce before mixing with the noodles and chicken.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is truly a comforting classic that never goes out of style. It combines simple ingredients into something warm, satisfying, and full of flavor—perfect for any night when you want something that feels like home. Give it a try, and you just might find yourself making it again and again because it’s that good.
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Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This homemade chicken noodle casserole is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a medley of mixed vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and baked to perfection, it’s an ideal family-friendly meal that comes together in just 45 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Cook Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 4 minutes.
- Make Roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in the chicken broth and milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue cooking and stirring for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens into a creamy consistency.
- Season Sauce: Stir in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to enhance the flavor of the sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle the shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve the casserole warm.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute milk with a reduced-fat variety and use less cheese or a low-fat cheese alternative.
- You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to swap mixed vegetables with your preferred veggies like broccoli or mushrooms.
- Make sure noodles are cooked al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- This casserole reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
