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Chicken Noodle Casserole is one of my favorite pantry meals — it’s cozy, creamy, and made almost entirely from canned and frozen ingredients I usually have on hand. This recipe is a lifesaver for busy nights when I don’t feel like making a grocery run but still want something warm and comforting for the family.

👉 Try it with my Ham and Potato Casserole or Cheesy Chicken and Rice Casserole next!

Chicken noodle casserole in a baking dish topped with melted cheese

This Chicken Noodle Casserole is creamy, hearty, and made with simple pantry staples like canned chicken, soups, and frozen vegetables. Perfect for weeknights, it’s budget-friendly and always a family favorite.

💰This recipe is part of 5 Cheap but Delicious Fall Dinners Under $10 meal plan.

Step-by-Step Recipe Video

Why You’ll Love This Chicken Noodle Casserole

This casserole feels like the ultimate “back-pocket dinner.” It’s easy, affordable, and forgiving — swap in different veggies or chicken you have on hand, and it always comes out delicious. My family loves it hot from the oven with a crisp side salad, and I love how simple it is to throw together with pantry basics.

Recipe at a Glance

⏰ Total Time: 45 minutes
🍂 Perfect For: Budget-friendly weeknight dinners
🛒 Key Ingredients: Canned chicken, cream soups, frozen veggies, cheddar cheese
🍽️ Servings: 4
🥄 Skill Level: Easy
🧊 Storage: Fridge- and freezer-friendly

👉 Try it with my 3-Ingredient Baked Ziti or Twice Baked Potato Casserole next!

Made With Love,

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What You’ll Need for Chicken Noodle Casserole (Key Ingredients)

  • Egg noodles – the classic base that soaks up the creamy sauce.
  • Cream of chicken + mushroom soups – pantry staples that add flavor and creaminess.
  • Sour cream + milk – make the sauce extra smooth.
  • Canned chicken – convenient and budget-friendly, or use cooked shredded chicken.
  • Cheddar cheese – melty, gooey topping.
  • Onion + mixed vegetables – add flavor and texture.
  • Seasonings – garlic, thyme, salt, and pepper round it out.

👉 Love pantry meals? Try my 8 Easy Three-Ingredient Recipes.

Ingredients List

  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream (use light sour cream for less fat)
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 12 oz can chicken, drained (or use any cooked shredded chicken)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp onion powder

🔒 The printable recipe card below includes the full ingredient list and exact amounts — perfect for saving or printing for later.

How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1: Preheat oven to 350℉ and grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.

Eggs noodles raining in a colander.

Step 2: Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Stirring together creamy casserole ingredients before baking

Step 3: Mix. In a large bowl, stir together both cans of soup, sour cream, milk, chicken, ⅓ cup of the cheese, onion, mixed vegetables, and seasonings. Fold in the cooked noodles.

Chicken Noodle Casserole in baking dish topped with cheese.

Step 4: Assemble. Pour into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese.

Baked chicken noodle casserole in dish with golden cheese topping

Step 5: Bake. Bake 28–30 minutes, until hot and bubbly. Serve warm.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Variations

  • Swap in frozen broccoli or peas for the veggie mix.
  • Use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of canned.
  • Add a crushed cracker or breadcrumb topping for extra crunch.
  • Mix in mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a cheesier version.
    👉 For another cozy bake, try my Ground Beef Stroganoff Casserole.

My Pro TipS

Tips & Tricks for Chicken Noodle Casserole

  • Cook the noodles to al dente so they don’t overcook in the oven.
  • Drain canned chicken well so the casserole isn’t watery.
  • Shred your own cheese for the creamiest melt.
  • This reheats well — perfect for meal prep.

Recipe FAQs – Chicken Noodle Casserole

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned?
Yes, just cook and shred chicken breasts or thighs before adding.

Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, assemble and freeze before baking, or freeze leftovers up to 2 months.

Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble and refrigerate up to 24 hours in advance. Bake when ready.

What veggies work best?
Mixed vegetables, broccoli, or even spinach all taste great.

👉 For another budget-friendly favorite, see my Cheap Family Meals Under $10.

Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in airtight container up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze portions up to 2 months.
  • Reheat: Bake or microwave until hot, adding a splash of milk if needed.

👉 Try more cozy casseroles in my Healthy Chicken Casserole.

📌 If you try this recipe, give it a rating — it helps others find the best recipes!

chicken noodle casserole
4.65 from 31 votes

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole is one of my favorite pantry meals. It uses mostly canned or frozen goods that I always have in my pantry at home.
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Save this recipe!
Get this sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!
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Ingredients 

  • 12 ounces egg noodles
  • 10 oz can cream of chicken soup
  • 10 oz can cream of mushroom soup
  • ½ cup sour cream , (use light sour cream for less fat)
  • ¾ cup milk
  • 12 oz can of chicken, drained (or use any cooked shredded chicken)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ yellow onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp pepper
  • ½ tsp dried thyme
  • ½ tsp onion powder

Instructions 

  • Preheat oven to 350℉.
  • Grease a 9×13 baking dish with non-stick spray.
  • To a large pot of boiling water add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions. Strain and set aside.
  • To a large bowl, add both cans of soup, sour cream, milk, chicken, 1/3 cup of the cheese, onion, mixed vegetables, and seasonings, and stir well. Stir in the cooked egg noodles.
  • Pour into the baking dish and sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Bake for 28-30 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Assemble ahead and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
  • Freeze before or after baking up to 2 months.
  • Swap veggies based on what you have in the freezer.

Nutrition

Calories: 828kcal | Carbohydrates: 82g | Protein: 49g | Fat: 33g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 174mg | Sodium: 2243mg | Potassium: 715mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 3181IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 357mg | Iron: 5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

About Julia Pacheco

Hello, I’m Julia Pacheco, and I’m so glad you’re here! I’m a published cookbook author with a passion for creating delicious, budget-friendly meals. My blog focuses on recipes that are accessible and enjoyable, because I truly believe in the power of food to heal, inspire, and bring people together. From early lessons in the kitchen with my mom to navigating life on WIC and food stamps, I’ve learned the value of making every meal count. Cooking has been my creative outlet, a way to connect with others, and it even helped me land my dream job.

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4.65 from 31 votes (27 ratings without comment)

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8 Comments

  1. Jenn says:

    I’m going to try it. I’m wondering if I could use a slow cooker high for 2 hours or 3-4 hours on low instead of the oven.

  2. Karen says:

    5 stars

    Hi! I make so many of your recipes and they are always good 😋! Am I missing something or is the directions missing where to add
    the chicken?

  3. Louisa says:

    Love these recipes, so easy, quick and delicious! Thanks Julia!

  4. GracefullyUnraveled says:

    5 stars

    This was delicious!

    Your instructions don’t say when to add in the chicken. It is common sense, but I thought I’d tell you. ♥️

  5. amy says:

    5 stars

    Delicious

  6. Gay Lee Potere says:

    5 stars

    So delicious and easy to make. Your YouTube videos make cooking fun!

  7. Sandy says:

    Hi Julia! I made this chicken noodle casserole today. It was delicious. Thank you for sharing.I’ll be making it again..💛Blessings

  8. Karen says:

    This Chicken Noodle Casserole looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it tomorrow for dinner.
    Thank you for your wonderful dinner ideas. I have made numerous recipes from your YouTube Channel, & am never disappointed. You convinced me on the canned chicken👍