Pioneer Woman Inspired Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole: Ultimate Comfort Food

This Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole recipe is a hearty, comforting dish, perfect for family dinners. Inspired by the warmth and simplicity of Pioneer Woman recipes, this casserole combines egg noodles, tender chicken, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, all topped with buttery breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch. It’s an easy-to-make, all-in-one meal that brings everyone to the table.

Close up of Chicken Noodle Casserole on a white plate garnished with fresh parsley.

Frequently Asked Questions for Chicken Noodle Casserole Newcomers

Can I use fresh chicken instead of canned chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed for pantry convenience, echoing the practical approach often seen in Pioneer Woman’s cooking, you can definitely use cooked fresh chicken. Boiled and diced chicken breast, rotisserie chicken, or leftover roasted chicken all work wonderfully. Using pre-cooked chicken just simplifies the process, making it a truly weeknight-friendly meal.

Are there other soup options besides cream of chicken?
Yes, you have flexibility here! Cream of mushroom or cream of celery soups are excellent alternatives, offering slightly different flavor profiles. For those wanting a truly homemade touch, much like Pioneer Woman’s from-scratch approach, you could even use homemade cream of chicken soup.

What can I use if I don’t have panko bread crumbs for the topping?
No panko? No problem! Regular bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or even saltine crackers will create a delicious buttery topping. Pioneer Woman recipes are all about using what you have on hand, so feel free to adapt based on your pantry staples.

Is it possible to prepare this chicken noodle casserole in a slow cooker or Instant Pot?
While this recipe is specifically for oven baking to achieve that golden, crispy top, we haven’t tested it in a slow cooker or Instant Pot. If you decide to experiment, we’d love to hear about your results! Baking, however, really brings out the best texture in this casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole for later?
Definitely! Chicken noodle casserole is freezer-friendly. Assemble the casserole as instructed, but don’t bake it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, partially thaw it first and then bake as directed, possibly adding an extra 10 minutes to the baking time due to starting from a colder temperature.

How should I store leftover chicken noodle casserole?
Leftovers are fantastic! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheating is easy, and it tastes just as comforting the next day.

Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, a comforting meal served on a small white plate, ready to eat.

Ingredients for Your Pioneer Woman Style Casserole: (Full Recipe Card Below)

Egg noodles: Egg noodles are classic for chicken noodle casserole, offering a comforting texture. No yolk noodles are often used, but any type will work as long as they are cooked beforehand.
Canned chicken breast: For pantry ease, canned chicken is perfect. It’s convenient and readily available, embodying the practical spirit of Pioneer Woman’s cooking. Of course, cooked chicken alternatives are also great.
Cream of chicken soup: This is the creamy base of our casserole. Feel free to experiment with other cream soups like mushroom or celery for a slight twist.
Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise adds richness and moisture to the filling. If you prefer, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt can be substituted for a tangier flavor.
Milk: Milk thins out the soup and mayonnaise, creating the perfect creamy consistency. Whole milk or 2% milk are recommended for richness.
Onion: Diced onion adds savory depth. If you don’t have fresh onions, dried minced onion is a convenient pantry substitute.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor. A triple cheese blend or your favorite cheese can also be used for variation.
Frozen peas and carrots: Frozen vegetables add color and nutrients. Mixed vegetables or other frozen veggies you enjoy can be used instead.
Panko bread crumbs: Panko bread crumbs create a wonderfully crispy topping when combined with butter. Regular bread crumbs or crushed crackers are also good options.
Salted butter: Real butter is key for browning and crisping the bread crumb topping, adding a final touch of flavor.

Ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole including egg noodles, cheese, canned chicken, mayonnaise, peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, and panko bread crumbs.

Making Your Chicken Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step

Start by cooking your egg noodles according to package directions and drain them well. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the canned chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, diced onion, shredded cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir everything together until well combined.

Mixing chicken, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, peas and carrots in a large bowl for chicken noodle casserole.

Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles into the creamy chicken mixture. Ensure the noodles are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Stirring cooked egg noodles into the creamy filling mixture in a large mixing bowl for chicken noodle casserole.

Pour the noodle mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread it evenly. Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole.

Panko bread crumbs sprinkled over the chicken noodle casserole in a 9×13 inch baking dish before baking.

Melt the salted butter and drizzle it evenly over the bread crumbs. This will help the topping crisp up and turn golden brown in the oven.

Pouring melted butter over the panko bread crumbs on top of the chicken noodle casserole before baking.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread crumb topping is golden brown and crispy. Let it cool slightly before serving.

Finished Chicken Noodle Casserole, golden brown and bubbly, served with a serving spoon.

More Comfort Food Recipes to Explore

Originally Published: June 2012, Updated Photos & Republished: January 2020

Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This easy Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe, reminiscent of Pioneer Woman’s home-style cooking, is made with egg noodles, chicken breast, a creamy, flavorful filling, and a buttered bread crumb topping. It’s the perfect comforting and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

4.96 from 520 votes

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Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6
Author: Brandie @ The Country Cook

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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 350F degrees. Spray 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
In a large bowl, combine 2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained, 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup, 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 cup milk, 1/2 onion, finely diced (optional), 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese and 1 1/2 cups frozen peas and carrots.
Mixing ingredients for Chicken Noodle Casserole in a bowl.
Stir until combined. Gently stir in 12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained.
Egg noodles being mixed into the casserole filling.
Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle top evenly with 1 cup panko bread crumbs.
Chicken Noodle Casserole in a baking dish with breadcrumbs sprinkled on top.
Pour 1 stick salted butter (1/2 cup), melted evenly over top of bread crumbs.
Melted butter being poured over the breadcrumbs on Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Bake uncovered for about 30-35 minutes until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Baked Chicken Noodle Casserole, golden brown and bubbly, ready to serve.
Dig in and enjoy this Pioneer Woman inspired comfort food!

Video

Chicken Noodle Casserole recipe video thumbnail.

Recipe Notes

Feel free to use store-bought rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken meat you may have, grilled chicken works great too.
Cream of mushroom or cream of celery are good substitutes for cream of chicken soup.
Sauté onions first for a softer texture if preferred. Onions are optional.
Regular bread crumbs or crushed Ritz crackers can replace panko bread crumbs.
Crock pot preparation hasn’t been tested for this recipe.

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Nutritional Disclaimer

Nutritional information is estimated and may vary based on brands used. For precise values, use an online nutritional calculator.

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