Creamy Cheddar Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole is a classic Midwestern comfort dish—tender chicken, vegetables, and egg noodles combined with a homemade creamy cheese sauce. No canned soups here: the sauce is made from scratch for rich, fresh flavor.

This baked, all-in-one casserole is an easy weeknight dinner the whole family will enjoy.

Creamy chicken noodle casserole in a casserole dish.

If you love cozy family meals, this casserole is a cross between a creamy chicken soup and a cheesy baked dish—warm, satisfying, and easy to prepare.

To assemble, place the noodles, vegetables, onion, and cooked chicken in a casserole dish, prepare the quick cheese sauce on the stovetop, pour it over the mixture, bake, and serve.

Simple Ingredients for Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole

  • Egg noodles: Regular or extra-wide work; extra-wide noodles give a heartier texture.
  • Frozen mixed vegetables: Any mix is fine; a combination of carrots, peas, green beans, and corn works well.
  • White onion: Mild and slightly sweet—use yellow or red if you prefer.
  • Cooked chicken breast: Use pre-cooked chicken; raw chicken won’t have enough time to fully cook in this casserole.
  • Beef broth: Adds depth, but chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted.
  • Cheese: A mix of Monterey Jack, mozzarella, and Parmesan creates a creamy, flavorful sauce.
Creamy cheese sauce being poured over a chicken noodle casserole before being baked.

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for this recipe?

Yes. Shredded or diced rotisserie chicken saves time and works perfectly in this casserole.

What if I don’t have egg noodles?

Any cooked pasta that holds up to baking will work—rigatoni, ziti, or other short pasta are good alternatives.

a white rectangular baking dish on a white background.

Our Favorite

Casserole Dish

This Le Creuset-style casserole dish is our go-to: classic white, with a lid, and versatile for many recipes.

Ingredients for creamy chicken noodle casserole before being mixed.

Tips for Making the Creamiest Sauce

The cheese sauce binds the casserole. Follow these tips for a smooth, creamy result:

  • Use a whisk: Whisking constantly prevents lumps and ensures a silky texture.
  • Add liquid slowly: Pour broth or milk into the roux in a steady stream while whisking to avoid clumps.
  • Don’t skimp on cheese: Ample cheese gives the sauce body and flavor—add a bit more if you want it extra rich.
Creamy chicken noodle casserole being scooped with a wooden spoon.

How to Store Chicken Noodle Casserole

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days.

Reheat: Preheat the oven to 350ºF, cover the casserole, and reheat for 20–25 minutes, stirring once or twice until warmed through.

Can You Freeze Chicken Noodle Casserole?

We generally don’t recommend freezing casseroles that contain cooked noodles. Noodles tend to become mushy after freezing and reheating, so freezing this dish will compromise texture.

Creamy chicken noodle soup in a bowl.

More of our Favorite…

Creamy Chicken Casseroles

  • Hot Chicken Salad Casserole
  • Chicken Parmesan Casserole
  • Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
  • Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
  • Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
4.46 from 11 votes

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Tender noodles, mixed vegetables, and cooked chicken baked in a homemade creamy cheese sauce.
By: Emily Richter
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 40 mins
Total: 1 hr
Servings: 6
creamy chicken noodle casserole

Ingredients

  • 12 oz. egg noodles (uncooked*)
  • 20 oz. frozen mixed vegetables
  • 1/2 white onion, minced
  • 1 lb. cooked chicken breast, diced
  • 1.5 cups beef broth

Cheese Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups 2% milk
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375ºF and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray.
  • Combine the egg noodles, frozen vegetables, minced onion, and cooked chicken in the prepared casserole dish; mix and set aside.
  • In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, melt the butter.
  • Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until a smooth paste forms.
  • Slowly pour in the milk while whisking to combine, then continue whisking until the sauce thickens.
  • Stir in Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the shredded cheeses and whisk until fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  • Pour the cheese sauce over the noodle mixture and stir to combine.
  • Add the broth to the casserole, mix, and cover the dish.
  • Bake for 20 minutes, remove and stir, then bake for another 20 minutes.
  • When most of the liquid has been absorbed, remove from the oven, stir, and let the casserole sit covered for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Notes

*Egg noodles: regular or extra-wide both work; extra-wide gives a more substantial bite.

Watch It

[Video demonstration available]

Nutrition

Calories: 361 kcal,
Carbohydrates: 25 g,
Protein: 31 g,
Fat: 17 g

Nutrition information is an approximation.

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