If you’re craving a cozy, satisfying dinner that will warm your soul and impress your family, this Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s an irresistible blend of tender chicken, crisp-tender broccoli, and perfectly cooked egg noodles all coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce that bakes into ultimate comfort food bliss. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight or a special gathering, this dish has a way of bringing smiles around the table every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this casserole comes from a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that balance perfectly to create an incredible flavor and texture. Each one is essential to achieving that creamy, cheesy, and hearty finish that will keep everyone asking for seconds.
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles: The base of our casserole, these noodles provide a tender chew and soak up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 4 cups broccoli florets: Fresh broccoli adds a vibrant color and a slight crunch that contrasts wonderfully with creamy noodles.
- 2 cups cooked chicken: A great source of protein that makes this casserole filling and hearty.
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup: This classic pantry staple creates the creamy base that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup sour cream: Adds a tangy richness that brightens the casserole’s flavor while keeping it moist.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the savory depth without overpowering the dish.
- 1/3 cup scallions (chopped): Fresh scallions bring a mild onion flavor and a fresh pop of green.
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese (divided): Sharp cheddar melts beautifully and adds that irresistible cheesy top and melty interior.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasonings that balance and enhance all the ingredients.
How to Make Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Oven and Ingredients
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F and adjusting the rack to the middle position to ensure even cooking. Getting the oven ready early means you’ll slide the casserole in right away once it’s mixed and assembled.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles and Broccoli
Bring a large pot of water to a boil, then add your egg noodles. Cook the noodles just one minute less than the package recommends so they don’t get mushy in the oven later. Two minutes before the noodles are done, toss in the broccoli florets to slightly steam them while preserving crispness. Drain everything well and transfer directly to your casserole dish to keep things easy.
Step 3: Mix Your Creamy Filling
Add the cooked chicken, the two cans of condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, chopped scallions, and half of the grated cheddar cheese straight into the casserole dish with the noodles and broccoli. Toss it all together until the noodles and broccoli are evenly coated in the creamy mixture. Once combined, smooth the mixture out into an even layer.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Bake
Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top for that golden, bubbly crust. Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. For an extra touch of crispy cheese, remove the foil and broil for a few minutes at the end until the top is beautifully browned.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once out of the oven, let the casserole cool just a bit. Serve immediately and offer extra salt and pepper so everyone can customize their plate just how they like. This is the moment where you get ready for the compliments to roll in.
How to Serve Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh garnishes can elevate your Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe to new heights. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or extra scallions brightens the look and adds a fresh note that cuts through the creamy richness beautifully.
Side Dishes
Pair this casserole with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to add a refreshing contrast. Alternatively, some crusty garlic bread makes a perfect side to soak up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this casserole in individual ramekins for a personalized touch at your dinner table. You can also shape it into small portions for potlucks or pack it into meal prep containers for a ready-to-go lunch that still feels homemade and comforting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer your leftover casserole into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, making your next meal just as delightful as the first.
Freezing
This Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe freezes wonderfully. You can freeze the entire casserole before baking or freeze individual portions. Just be sure to wrap tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It will keep for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, usually about 20 minutes for a whole casserole or 10 minutes for single servings. To keep the top from drying out, cover loosely with foil during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook the chicken fully before adding it to the casserole to make sure it’s safe to eat and tender. Using rotisserie chicken is a time-saving shortcut that works beautifully.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you’d prefer a homemade or healthier option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, chicken broth, and milk. This gives you control over seasoning and keeps the casserole just as creamy.
Is it possible to use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Absolutely! Cauliflower, green beans, or even peas make great alternatives. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to keep veggies tender but still holding their shape.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Simply swap out the egg noodles for gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup. There are plenty of excellent gluten-free brands available that work perfectly in casseroles.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time and bake it later?
Definitely! You can assemble the casserole completely, cover it tightly, and refrigerate overnight. When ready, pop it in the oven and add additional baking time since it’s cold from the fridge.
Final Thoughts
This Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe is a true lifesaver for anyone who loves comforting, hearty meals with minimal effort. It’s a beautiful combination of flavors and textures that hits all the right notes every time. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how quickly it becomes a favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender chicken, broccoli, and egg noodles in a creamy sauce made with condensed soup and sour cream, topped with melted cheddar cheese. It’s a simple, hearty dish perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked egg noodles
- 4 cups broccoli florets
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/3 cup scallions, chopped
- 2 cups grated cheddar cheese, divided
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and place the oven rack in the middle position to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Noodles and Broccoli: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles for one minute less than the package directions specify. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling water about two minutes before the noodles are done to blanch them. Drain the noodles and broccoli thoroughly and transfer them to a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Mix Ingredients: Add the cooked chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, garlic powder, scallions, and half of the grated cheddar cheese to the casserole dish. Toss gently to combine all ingredients evenly, then smooth the mixture into an even layer.
- Bake Casserole: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover the casserole dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 to 30 minutes until heated through and bubbly. For a golden cheese topping, uncover and broil for a few minutes as desired.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately. Add extra salt and pepper to taste if needed for seasoning.
Notes
- Use fresh or frozen broccoli florets as preferred; if frozen, thaw and pat dry before adding to avoid excess water in the casserole.
- Leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe.
- You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce for a lower sodium option.
- Broiling at the end enhances the cheese’s flavor and creates a crispy crust.
