Name: Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/2 of a yellow onion, chopped; Kosher salt and pepper, to taste; 4 tablespoons salted butter; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 3 carrots, chopped; 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 tablespoon all purpose flour; 3 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth; 1 cup whole milk; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, roughly chopped; 2 eggs, beaten; 3 cups cubed whole grain bread; 2 cups uncooked egg noodles; 1 1/2 cups cooked shredded or cubed chicken; 1 cup crushed Kettle Brand potato chips

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting, satisfying dish that’s perfect for cozy dinners or feeding a crowd, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is one of those recipes I absolutely love because it combines creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the nostalgic flavors of chicken noodle soup—but with a fun, crunchy twist on top. When I first tried this recipe, I discovered that it’s foolproof and always gets compliments, so keep reading—I promise this casserole will become your new weeknight superstar.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Comforting: It takes the classic chicken noodle soup flavors and transforms them into a warm, creamy casserole that feels like a big hug.
Crunchy Topping: The crushed kettle chips on top add a delightful salty crunch that makes each bite extra special.
Made From Scratch: You control the ingredients—no canned soups or mystery additives here!
Great for Leftovers: It reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week long without losing flavor or texture.

A black round pan filled with a layered dish that has a top layer made of crunched golden-yellow potato chips scattered unevenly, with small green herb sprigs spread on top. Underneath the chips, there are pieces of browned meat and soft cooked vegetables like light orange carrots, creating a mixed texture of crispy and soft elements. A large silver spoon rests inside the pan, showing some of the filling. Next to the pan on a white marbled surface, there is a clear glass with light-colored liquid. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole, chicken noodle casserole, comforting chicken casserole, easy chicken noodle bake, creamy chicken pasta casserole

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe comes together with simple, fresh ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Each one brings something special: the thyme and cayenne add subtle depth, the fresh parsley brightens up the creamy sauce, and the potato chips on top? Pure genius. Make sure your chicken broth is low sodium so you can control the saltiness perfectly!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of extra virgin olive oil, half a yellow onion cut in half, a small white bowl with kosher salt, a small white bowl with black peppercorns, a few tablespoons of salted butter on a white ceramic dish, two cloves of garlic, three fresh orange carrots, a small bundle of fresh thyme sprigs, a small white bowl with ground cayenne pepper, a small white bowl of all purpose flour, a medium white ceramic bowl filled with low sodium chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of whole milk, a small white bowl with roughly chopped fresh parsley, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a white dish with three cups of cubed whole grain bread, two cups of uncooked egg noodles, a white plate with cooked shredded chicken pieces, and a small white bowl holding crushed potato chips, all arranged with perfect symmetry and balanced proportions, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole, chicken noodle casserole, comforting chicken casserole, easy chicken noodle bake, creamy chicken pasta casserole

Extra virgin olive oil: Use a good quality oil to start the sauté and add a lovely fruitiness.
Yellow onion: Half an onion adds just enough sweetness and depth without overpowering.
Kosher salt and pepper: Season generously as you cook to build layers of flavor.
Salted butter: Adds richness to the base for that creamy sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh and chopped for that aromatic punch.
Carrots: They bring a subtle sweetness and a bit of texture.
Fresh thyme leaves: Nothing beats the fresh herbaceous notes here—don’t skip it!
Cayenne pepper: Just a touch for mild warmth, but you can always adjust.
All-purpose flour: For thickening that luscious sauce.
Low sodium chicken broth: The base of the sauce—essential for flavor without too much salt.
Whole milk: Adds creaminess and smooth texture.
Fresh parsley: Chopped roughly to brighten and freshen the dish.
Eggs: Whisked in to help the casserole set up perfectly.
Whole grain bread cubes: Adds body and soak-up to the saucy filling.
Uncooked egg noodles: The traditional noodle that makes this a real “noodle casserole.”
Cooked chicken: Shredded or cubed—leftover roasted chicken works like a charm here.
Kettle Brand potato chips: The fun, crunchy topping that keeps guests guessing.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is—feel free to make it your own! Whether you’re tailoring it for picky eaters or bumping up the veggies, there’s plenty of room for creativity without losing the essence of its cozy charm.

Make it gluten-free: I swapped the bread and regular flour for gluten-free versions once, and it worked beautifully without losing texture.
Add more veggies: Sometimes, I toss in mushrooms or peas to increase the veggie quotient—my family never complains!
Spice it up: For friends who love heat, a pinch more cayenne or a dash of smoked paprika adds a nice warming layer.
Cheesy twist: I’ve stirred in a bit of shredded sharp cheddar or Gruyère before baking and it gave that extra indulgence that had everyone asking for seconds.

How to Make Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics and Veggies

Start by heating your olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it’s shimmering (that moment means it’s hot enough!), toss in the chopped onion. Let it slowly soften and caramelize for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Season lightly with salt and pepper to bring out the onion’s sweetness. Then, add the butter, carrots, and garlic; cook another 5 minutes, until the carrots begin to soften and everything smells incredible. Stir in the fresh thyme leaves and a pinch of cayenne pepper to add subtle warmth and herbaceous flavor. This base is what makes the sauce so memorable, so don’t rush the cooking here!

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce

Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over your cooked veggies and stir well to coat everything—this helps thicken the sauce. Cook for one minute to remove that raw floury taste. Slowly pour in your chicken broth and milk while stirring continuously, preventing lumps. Season with salt and pepper again. Bring the mix up to a low boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens nicely. Remove the pan from heat, stir in the chopped fresh parsley, then let the sauce cool just enough so you can touch it comfortably before whisking in the beaten eggs. This step is crucial—if the sauce is too hot, the eggs might scramble rather than blend smoothly.

Step 3: Combine, Transfer, and Bake

Pour your cubed whole grain bread, uncooked egg noodles, and cooked chicken into the sauce. Toss everything until the bread and noodles have soaked up some of that creamy goodness. Transfer this filling into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Now, here’s the fun part: spread an even layer of crushed kettle chips right on top. That crunch will be the star during every forkful. Bake in a preheated 375°F oven for 35-45 minutes, until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. When it comes out, give it at least 5 minutes to set before serving—trust me, patience here means gooier, easier-to-serve bites.

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Pro Tips for Making Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Because the noodles finish cooking in the oven, keep in mind that slightly undercooked noodles before baking will give you the perfect chewy texture.
Let the Sauce Cool: Stirring eggs into hot sauce is a common pitfall—letting it cool prevents scrambled eggs in your casserole.
Use Day-Old Bread: Slightly stale bread cubes soak up the sauce better without turning mushy, which makes for ideal texture balance.
Crunchy Topping Secrets: I experimented with breadcrumbs but switched to kettle chips—they provide the best crunch and salty contrast.

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I usually finish this casserole with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or chopped chives for a pop of color and brightness. Sometimes, a light drizzle of good olive oil or a squeezing of fresh lemon juice helps cut through the richness, especially if you’re serving for a crowd. It’s these subtle touches that take the dish from great to memorable.

Side Dishes

Pair this Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe with a crisp green salad or roasted seasonal vegetables. My go-to sides are garlic roasted broccoli or a simple spinach salad with a lemon vinaigrette to balance the creamy main dish. Warm crusty bread on the side is always a welcome addition to sop up any sauce left on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to prepare this casserole in individual ramekins for a charming single-serve presentation. It makes serving easier and feels a bit fancy, especially when you garnish each one with a sprinkle of extra parsley and a few intact kettle chips on top. Oh, and a mini side bowl of hot sauce on the side never hurts for those who crave extra spice!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers covered tightly in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The casserole keeps its creamy texture surprisingly well—just give it a good stir before reheating to redistribute the sauce and noodles evenly.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this casserole a few times with good results. To do that, I prepare the casserole but don’t bake it yet—cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as usual, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time. Freezing after baking tends to change the texture of the topping, so I recommend freezing pre-baked.

Reheating

To reheat, I cover the casserole loosely and pop it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the topping crispier compared to microwaving. If you’re in a rush, microwave works too—just expect a softer topping.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole dairy-free?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for a dairy-free alternative like coconut oil or margarine, and substitute the whole milk with your favorite plant-based milk such as almond or oat milk. Keep in mind that the texture might vary slightly but the casserole will still be delicious.
What type of chicken works best?

I often use leftover roasted chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience, but you can also poach chicken breasts or thighs and shred them fresh. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding to the casserole.
Can I prepare this recipe vegetarian?

You can! Simply omit the chicken and substitute the chicken broth with vegetable broth. Add extra veggies like mushrooms or tofu for protein. The flavors will still be rich and comforting.
Why do we add eggs to the sauce?

Beaten eggs help bind the casserole together as it bakes, giving it a creamy but set texture. Without eggs, the casserole might be too loose or soupy after baking.
Is it okay to use fresh noodles instead of dried egg noodles?

Fresh egg noodles can be used—just reduce the baking time slightly since fresh noodles cook faster. Keep an eye on the casserole towards the end to prevent overcooking.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen, especially on chilly nights when you want something warm, nostalgic, and effortless. I love how the crunchy chip topping surprises people and makes it feel a little fancy, yet it’s so easy to put together. Give it a try—you’ll enjoy the cozy hug of flavors and textures in every bite, just like I do. And hey, once you make it, it might just become a regular in your meal rotation too!