If you’re looking for a meal that checks all the boxes—hearty, creamy, cheesy, and ridiculously easy—then this baked chicken noodle casserole is calling your name. It’s like a warm hug on a plate, bringing the perfect balance of nostalgia and indulgence. This dish is the answer to those chaotic weeknights when you need a dinner that’s both effortless and satisfying.
Why This Baked Chicken Noodle Casserole is a Must-Try
Some recipes just stand the test of time, and this chicken noodle casserole recipe is one of them. It brings back the comforting flavors of classic chicken noodle soup, but with an extra kick of creamy, cheesy goodness. The best part? It’s made from scratch—no canned soups, no mystery ingredients, just wholesome, delicious flavors that feel like home.
This is one of those easy chicken casserole recipes that’ll have everyone fighting for seconds. And if you love comforting, baked dishes, you’ll want to check out this Cheesy Chicken Casserole for another irresistible meal idea!
The Secret to the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
The heart of this baked chicken noodle casserole is the homemade white sauce. Unlike many casseroles that rely on condensed soups, this one uses a from-scratch creamy sauce that makes all the difference. The velvety texture, the rich flavors, the way it perfectly coats the noodles—it’s a game changer!
And let’s talk about cheese. We’re not just sprinkling some on top; we’re layering it in. A dreamy combination of cottage cheese, parmesan, and mozzarella ensures that every bite is full of melty, gooey deliciousness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe is built on simple, wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully:
Egg noodles – The classic base for a chicken noodle casserole recipe.
Cooked chicken breast – Leftovers or rotisserie chicken work great.
Butter & Flour – The foundation of the creamy sauce.
Chicken broth & Milk – To create that silky smooth texture.
Garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil – Because seasonings matter.
Cottage cheese – Adds unexpected creaminess and depth.
Mozzarella & Parmesan cheese – A dreamy, melty combo.
Salt & Pepper – The essential finishing touch.
Step-by-Step Instructions for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Egg Noodles
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside. Slightly undercooking the noodles helps prevent them from becoming mushy when baked.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce
Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, whisking constantly, and cook for about a minute until it forms a golden roux. Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously until thickened. Toss in your garlic powder, onion powder, basil, salt, and pepper for maximum flavor.
Step 3: Mix the Cheese Layer
In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, a beaten egg, parmesan, and a little mozzarella. This mixture is what makes the casserole ultra-creamy and gives it a lovely texture.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Now for the fun part! In a large bowl, combine:
Cooked chicken breast
Egg noodles
Homemade creamy sauce
Cheese mixture
Give everything a good stir to ensure the sauce evenly coats every bite.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Bubbly
Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle mozzarella generously over the top and bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
What to Serve with Chicken Noodle Casserole
A rich, creamy casserole needs the perfect side dish to balance it out. Here are a few delicious options:
Steamed or roasted vegetables – Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts work well.
Crisp salads – A fresh Caesar or wedge salad is a great contrast.
Garlic bread or dinner rolls – Because extra carbs are always a good idea.
If you love cheesy, comforting dishes, you’ll want to try this Cheesy Hashbrown Casserole with Ground Beef for another cozy dinner idea!
Make-Ahead & Freezing Instructions
To Make Ahead
You can prepare this casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Just cover it tightly with foil and store it in the fridge. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking.
To Freeze
If you’re meal prepping, slightly undercook the noodles before assembling. Cover the casserole with two layers of foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to bake, heat it covered for 1.5 hours at 350°F, then uncover and bake until hot and bubbly.
Variations and Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Try these variations:
Swap egg noodles for rotini or penne.
Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a tangier flavor.
Add peas, mushrooms, or carrots for extra veggies.
Try turkey instead of chicken for a post-Thanksgiving twist.
For a gluten-free option, check out this Gluten-Free Vegan Green Bean Casserole.
More Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes
If you love chicken breast casserole recipes, don’t miss these other favorites:
Baked Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast shredded
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- 1 cup cottage cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese plus extra for topping
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 egg beaten
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Egg Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water, cook the noodles until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux. Slowly add chicken broth and milk, whisking until smooth and thickened. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Cheese Mixture: In a mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, beaten egg, parmesan, and 1 cup mozzarella.
- Assemble the Casserole: In a large bowl, mix together cooked chicken, egg noodles, creamy sauce, and cheese mixture until well combined.
- Bake: Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle extra mozzarella on top. Bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Let cool for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables
Notes
- For extra crunch, top with buttered breadcrumbs or crushed Ritz crackers before baking.
- This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking.
- To freeze, assemble the dish, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Bake from frozen at 350°F for 1.5 hours (covered), then uncover and bake until hot and bubbly.
Final Thoughts
This baked chicken noodle casserole is everything you want in a comfort meal—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for the week, this dish is a must-make. So go ahead, bake it up, and enjoy every bite!
