Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole: A Hearty Family Favorite

This Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe brings a comforting, homemade touch to your dinner table. Packed with tender egg noodles, juicy chicken, and a luxuriously creamy sauce, all topped with golden, buttery breadcrumbs, this casserole is destined to become a beloved family meal. It’s simple to prepare with pantry-friendly ingredients, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend gatherings.

Frequently Asked Questions About Your Chicken Noodle Casserole

Before you start cooking up this delicious Pioneer Woman inspired chicken noodle casserole, let’s address some common questions to ensure your culinary success:

What’s the best chicken to use in this casserole?

While this recipe is designed for convenience using canned chicken breast, mimicking the pantry-friendly approach often seen in Pioneer Woman recipes, you have fantastic alternatives for even more flavor. Rotisserie chicken from the store offers incredible convenience and taste – simply shred it and you’re ready to go. Leftover roasted chicken or grilled chicken works wonderfully too, adding a deeper, richer flavor profile to your casserole. If you prefer cooking chicken from scratch, boiling or baking chicken breasts and then dicing them is another excellent option. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability!

Can I swap out the cream of chicken soup?

Absolutely! Cream of chicken soup provides a classic creamy base, but feel free to explore other creamy soup options to customize the flavor. Cream of mushroom soup adds an earthy depth, while cream of celery soup offers a lighter, more subtle flavor. For a truly homemade touch, consider making your own cream of chicken soup from scratch. This allows you to control the ingredients and richness, taking your Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole to the next level.

What can I use if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

Panko breadcrumbs create a wonderfully crispy and light topping, but don’t worry if you don’t have them on hand. Regular breadcrumbs are a perfect substitute and will still provide a delightful golden crust. For a different texture and flavor, try crushed Ritz crackers or saltine crackers. These options add a buttery, slightly salty crunch that complements the creamy casserole beautifully, echoing the resourceful cooking style of the Pioneer Woman.

Is it possible to freeze this chicken noodle casserole?

Yes, you can definitely prepare this Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole ahead of time and freeze it for future meals. Assemble the casserole as instructed, but before baking, cover it tightly with a layer of plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to bake, partially defrost it in the refrigerator overnight or for a few hours before baking. You might need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time when cooking from a partially frozen state to ensure it’s heated through and bubbly.

How should I store leftover casserole?

Leftover Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole is just as delicious the next day! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal that simplifies weeknight dinners, true to the practical spirit of Pioneer Woman cooking.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe from The Country Cook. Serving shown on a small white plate.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole

(See recipe card below for full measurements)

Egg Noodles: Egg noodles are the classic choice for chicken noodle casserole, providing a comforting and satisfying texture. No-yolk noodles are a lighter option, but feel free to use your favorite type. Remember to cook them al dente before adding them to the casserole, as they will continue to cook in the oven.
Chunk Chicken Breast: Canned chicken breast offers convenience and aligns with pantry-friendly cooking. However, for a richer flavor, consider using diced rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or freshly cooked chicken breast.
Cream of Chicken Soup: This is a key ingredient for the creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment with other cream soups like cream of mushroom or cream of celery for flavor variations. Homemade cream of chicken soup elevates the dish even further.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds moisture and richness to the casserole. If you prefer a tangier flavor, substitute with sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, similar to how the Pioneer Woman often incorporates these ingredients in her recipes for added depth.
Milk: Milk thins the sauce to the perfect consistency. Whole milk or 2% milk create a richer sauce, but any milk will work.
Onion: Diced onion adds a savory element to the casserole. If you’re short on fresh onions, dried minced onion is a convenient pantry staple substitute. For a milder onion flavor, sauté the onions before adding them to the casserole mixture.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor. Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a blend of cheeses. Monterey Jack, Colby, or a triple cheese blend all work beautifully. The Pioneer Woman often uses a generous amount of cheese in her recipes, so don’t be shy!
Frozen Peas and Carrots: Frozen peas and carrots add color, sweetness, and nutritional value. You can also use frozen mixed vegetables or any other frozen vegetables you enjoy.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko bread crumbs create a light and crispy topping. Substitute with regular breadcrumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or saltine crackers if needed.
Salted Butter: Real butter is essential for browning and crisping up the breadcrumb topping. Margarine won’t provide the same golden, delicious crust.

egg noodles, cheese, canned chicken, mayonnaise, peas and carrots, cream of chicken, panko bread crumbs.

How to Make Pioneer Woman Style Chicken Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions

This Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole is incredibly easy to assemble. Follow these simple steps for a comforting and satisfying meal:

Begin by cooking your egg noodles according to package directions. Drain them well and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. This ensures your casserole will release easily after baking, just like the Pioneer Woman would want.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, diced onion (or dried minced onion), shredded cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir all ingredients together until well combined and creamy. This forms the flavorful base of your casserole.

chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, pease and carrots all mixed together in a bowl.
Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles into the creamy chicken mixture. Ensure the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. This combines the heart of the casserole.

egg noodles stirred in with creamy filling mixture in a bowl.
Pour the chicken noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. This creates the crispy, golden topping.

panko bread crumbs sprinkled on top of chicken noodle casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the bread crumbs. This will help the breadcrumbs brown and crisp up beautifully in the oven, adding that signature Pioneer Woman touch of buttery goodness.

pouring melted butter on top of panko bread crumbs.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving.

finished, Chicken Noodle Casserole, shown with serving spoon.

Craving More Comfort Food?

This Pioneer Woman chicken noodle casserole is just the beginning! Explore more of our hearty and comforting recipes perfect for family dinners and cozy nights in.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This easy Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe is a family favorite, made with egg noodles, chicken, a creamy filling, and buttery bread crumbs.

4.96 from 520 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook

Ingredients

2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained (or about 3 cups of store-bought rotisserie chicken, diced)
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
½ onion, finely diced (optional) (you could also use about 1 Tablespoon of dried onion flakes – see notes below)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots
12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted

Instructions

Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine chunk chicken breast, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, diced onion (optional), shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Stir until combined. Gently stir in cooked egg noodles.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top evenly with panko bread crumbs.
Pour melted butter evenly over top of bread crumbs.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Serve and enjoy this comforting Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole!

Video

YouTube video

Recipe Notes

Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are great substitutes for cream of chicken.
Sauté onions for a softer texture.
Regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers can replace panko.
Freezing before baking is possible for meal prepping.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutritional information is an estimate. Use an online calculator for precise values.

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