Go Back
Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Creamy Chicken Casserole

A comforting chicken-and-noodle casserole with creamy sauce, cheddar cheese, peas, and an optional buttery breadcrumb topping. This family-friendly dinner bakes until hot and bubbling, then rests briefly for an easy-to-serve texture.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Casserole
  • 1½ pounds Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
  • 8 ounces Egg noodles
  • 1 10½-ounce can Condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup Sour cream
  • ½ cup Chicken broth
  • ½ cup Whole milk
  • 1½ cups Shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup Frozen peas, thawed
  • ½ medium Yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
Seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon Salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon Dried parsley or Italian seasoning
Optional Topping
  • ½ cup Plain breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers
  • 2 tablespoons Melted butter

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9-by-13-inch baking dish.
  2. Cook the egg noodles in salted water according to the package directions until just al dente. Drain them well and set aside without overcooking.
  3. If using raw chicken, simmer or bake it until the thickest part reaches 165°F (74°C), cool it slightly, and shred it.
  4. Whisk the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, whole milk, salt, black pepper, and dried herbs together in a large bowl.
  5. Stir the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, chopped onion, minced garlic, thawed peas, and 1 cup of cheddar into the creamy mixture.
  6. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish and sprinkle the remaining ½ cup cheddar over the top.
  7. For a crisp topping, combine the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and scatter the mixture over the cheese.
  8. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the casserole is hot, bubbling around the edges, and the center reaches at least 165°F (74°C).
  9. Let the casserole rest for 5–10 minutes before serving so the creamy sauce can thicken slightly and the portions hold together.

Notes

Cook the noodles only to al dente because they continue softening in the oven. Freshly shredded cheddar generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and reheat gently until hot throughout.