Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole: The Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Chicken Noodle Casserole is a timeless classic, a dish that evokes warmth, home, and family dinners. This recipe takes the traditional comfort food and elevates it with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, reminiscent of the hearty, no-fuss cooking style championed by the Pioneer Woman. Perfect for a weeknight meal or a potluck gathering, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.

Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole served on a white plate with parsley.

Why This Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Works

This isn’t just any chicken noodle casserole; it’s designed to be incredibly easy and satisfying. Like many of the Pioneer Woman’s recipes, this casserole prioritizes simplicity without sacrificing flavor. It’s a comforting dish that utilizes readily available ingredients, meaning you likely have most of them in your kitchen already. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and delivers a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delicious result every time. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile, allowing for easy substitutions to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

Key Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Inspired Casserole

To create this comforting casserole, you’ll need a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients:

Egg Noodles: The heart of the casserole. Egg noodles provide a satisfyingly chewy texture that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. No-yolk noodles are a great option, but any type will work. Make sure they are cooked al dente before adding them to the casserole.
Canned Chicken Breast: A pantry staple that makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Canned chicken is pre-cooked and readily available, saving you time and effort. For a richer flavor, rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken breast can be used instead.
Cream of Chicken Soup: The creamy base of the casserole. Cream of chicken soup creates a luscious and flavorful sauce that binds all the ingredients together. For variations, cream of mushroom or celery soup can also be used.
Mayonnaise: Adds richness and tang to the casserole. Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture and enhances the overall flavor profile. For a lighter option, sour cream or Greek yogurt can be substituted.
Milk: Thins out the soup and mayonnaise mixture, creating the perfect creamy consistency. Whole milk or 2% milk are recommended for the best flavor and texture.
Onion: Adds a savory depth of flavor. Diced onion provides a subtle sharpness that balances the richness of the other ingredients. Dried minced onion can be used as a convenient substitute.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy goodness. Cheddar cheese provides a classic flavor that complements the chicken and creamy sauce. Feel free to experiment with other cheese blends like Monterey Jack or Colby.
Frozen Peas and Carrots: Adds a touch of color, sweetness, and nutrients. Frozen peas and carrots are a convenient way to incorporate vegetables into the casserole. Mixed vegetables or other frozen vegetables like green beans or corn can be used as alternatives.
Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy and golden topping. Panko bread crumbs provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy casserole. Regular bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or saltine crackers can be used if panko is unavailable.
Butter: Adds flavor and helps the bread crumbs crisp up beautifully. Real butter is recommended for the best flavor and browning.

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

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chicken Noodle Casserole

Making this Pioneer Woman-style chicken noodle casserole is straightforward. Here’s how:

Prepare the Noodles and Oven: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
Combine the Filling Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, diced onion (or dried minced onion), shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything together until well combined.
chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, pease and carrots all mixed together in a bowl.
Add the Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles into the creamy chicken mixture until evenly distributed.
egg noodles stirred in with creamy filling mixture in a bowl.
Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.
panko bread crumbs sprinkled on top of chicken noodle casserole in a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Add the Butter Topping: Melt the butter and drizzle it evenly over the bread crumbs. This will help them turn golden brown and crispy during baking.
pouring melted butter on top of panko bread crumbs.
Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread crumb topping is golden brown.
finished, Chicken Noodle Casserole, shown with serving spoon.
Serve and Enjoy: Let the casserole cool slightly before serving. It’s delicious on its own or with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Cook the egg noodles just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven and you want to avoid them becoming mushy.
Customize Your Cheese: While cheddar is classic, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack, Colby, or a blend of cheeses for a different flavor profile.
Add More Vegetables: Boost the nutritional value by adding other vegetables like diced celery, carrots (if not using frozen peas and carrots), or mushrooms. Sauté them lightly before adding to the casserole mixture for best results.
Fresh Herbs for Freshness: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or thyme before baking or serving can add a touch of freshness and aroma to the casserole.
Make it Ahead: Assemble the casserole ahead of time, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Bake as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Variations

Creamy Mushroom Chicken Noodle Casserole: Substitute cream of mushroom soup for the cream of chicken soup for a richer, earthier flavor.
Creamy Celery Chicken Noodle Casserole: Use cream of celery soup for a slightly lighter and more delicate flavor.
Spicy Chicken Noodle Casserole: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the casserole mixture for a kick of heat.
Deluxe Chicken Noodle Casserole: Add sautéed mushrooms and diced bell peppers to the casserole for extra flavor and texture. Top with French fried onions in the last 10 minutes of baking for added crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken, or any leftover cooked chicken, will add a richer flavor. About 3 cups of diced rotisserie chicken is a great substitute for canned chicken.

What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup are excellent substitutes. You can also make your own cream of chicken soup from scratch if you prefer a homemade option.

Can I use regular bread crumbs instead of panko?
Yes, regular bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or crushed saltine crackers will work just fine. Panko bread crumbs provide a crispier texture, but other options will still create a delicious topping.

Is this casserole freezer-friendly?
Yes! Prepare the casserole as instructed but do not bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw partially before baking and you may need to add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time.

How should I store leftovers?
Leftover chicken noodle casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This comforting and easy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s style, is perfect for a family dinner.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients:

2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained (or about 3 cups diced rotisserie chicken)
2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
1 cup mayonnaise
1 cup milk
½ onion, finely diced (optional)
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 (1/2 cup) salted butter, 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 chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, diced onion (optional), cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir until well combined.
Gently stir in the cooked egg noodles.
Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle panko bread crumbs evenly over the top.
Pour melted butter evenly over bread crumbs.
Bake uncovered for 30-35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown.
Let cool slightly before serving.

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