Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole – A Classic Family Comfort Food

If you grew up on cozy casseroles and creamy baked dinners, you’re going to love Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole. This creamy, cheesy, chicken-packed bake is pure nostalgia — warm, hearty, and full of flavor in every bite.

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug — the one you’d find bubbling in Grandma’s oven on a cold Sunday evening. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd, bringing a meal to a friend, or just need something simple and satisfying, this classic dish delivers every single time.

Why You’ll Love Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole

• 🐔 Comfort food at its best — tender chicken, creamy sauce, and buttery noodles.
• 🧀 Cheesy, creamy, dreamy texture that even picky eaters love.
• 🍽️ Family-friendly and budget-friendly — made with pantry staples.
• 🕒 Quick and easy prep — ready to bake in about 15 minutes.
• 🧡 Perfect make-ahead dish for weeknights or potlucks.

The Story Behind “Dot’s” Chicken Noodle Casserole

This recipe is inspired by the kind of timeless Midwestern casseroles our grandmothers used to make — hearty, creamy, and uncomplicated.

“Dot” could be anyone’s grandma, aunt, or neighbor — the kind of cook who knew that a can of cream soup, a handful of noodles, and leftover chicken could turn into something truly delicious. Her casserole was always baked with love, topped with breadcrumbs, and served with a smile.

Now, this updated version keeps that heartwarming spirit but adds modern touches for maximum flavor and texture.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Casserole

• 4 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie or poached)
• 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
• ½ cup sour cream
• ½ cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (or mixed vegetables)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• ½ cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)
• 2 tbsp melted butter
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

How to Make Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step 1 – Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook egg noodles until just al dente, about 6 minutes. Drain well and set aside. (They’ll continue cooking in the oven.)

Step 2 – Prepare the Creamy Sauce

In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk until smooth. Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Add Chicken, Cheese, and Veggies

Fold in the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Mix until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Step 4 – Combine with Noodles

Add the cooked noodles to the sauce mixture and stir gently until all noodles are covered.

Step 5 – Assemble the Casserole

Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Step 6 – Add the Topping

In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the casserole.

Step 7 – Bake

Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden-brown crust.

Step 8 – Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve warm straight from the oven.

Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole

A creamy, cheesy, comforting chicken noodle casserole — an old-fashioned family favorite made easy with tender chicken, noodles, and a buttery breadcrumb topping.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 35 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 360

Ingredients

  

Main Casserole

• 4 cups cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups cooked chicken shredded
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 0.5 cup sour cream
• 0.5 cup milk
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder
• 0.5 tsp onion powder
• salt and pepper to taste

Topping

• 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp butter melted
• 1 tbsp parsley optional for garnish

Equipment

• Large pot
• Mixing bowl
• 9×13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir in chicken, cheese, and frozen vegetables.
5. Add noodles to the mixture and combine well.
6. Pour into prepared baking dish.
7. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter; sprinkle over top.
8. Bake for 30–35 minutes, until golden and bubbly.
9. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for the Perfect Casserole

1. Don’t overcook the noodles — slightly underdone noodles hold up better.
2. Use leftover rotisserie chicken for convenience and flavor.
3. Add more cheese — a layer of shredded cheddar under the topping is divine.
4. Try different veggies — broccoli, corn, or green beans work great.
5. Make it ahead: Assemble up to a day in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Add 10 minutes to baking time if chilled.

Variations You’ll Love

• 🧄 Garlic Parmesan Version: Add minced garlic and swap cheddar for mozzarella and parmesan.
• 🥦 Loaded Veggie Bake: Mix in extra vegetables like chopped spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms.
• 🌶️ Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper.
• 🧀 Extra Cheesy: Stir ½ cup cream cheese into the sauce for even more richness.
• 🥓 Bacon Lovers’ Twist: Add crumbled cooked bacon to the topping before baking.

Serving Suggestions

Serve Dot’s Chicken Noodle Casserole with:

• Crisp green salad (for freshness and balance)
• Garlic bread or buttered dinner rolls
• Roasted vegetables for a complete meal

For a comforting Sunday supper, pair it with iced tea or apple cider — it’s simple, satisfying, and timeless.

Storage & Reheating Tips

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze unbaked casserole up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
• Reheat: Warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F until hot.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret lies in balance: creamy sauce, tender noodles, hearty chicken, and that buttery breadcrumb crunch on top. Every bite is satisfying without being heavy — the kind of comforting simplicity that never goes out of style.

This dish proves that sometimes, the most unassuming recipes become the most unforgettable.

Nutrition (Per Serving – 1/8 of casserole)

• Calories: 360
• Fat: 17g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Protein: 24g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 580mg

Make It a Family Tradition

Just like Dot’s original recipe, this creamy chicken noodle casserole is meant to bring people together — around the table, in every season. It’s nostalgic yet timeless, cozy yet practical, and so easy that even busy weeknights feel special.

Serve it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.