Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole – Creamy, Cozy, Family-Friendly Comfort
There’s something about a chicken noodle casserole that feels like pure home. It’s warm, hearty, creamy, and endlessly comforting — the kind of dish that shows up at family gatherings, weeknight suppers, church potlucks, and cozy Sundays. And when it comes to homestyle comfort, no one does it quite like The Pioneer Woman. This Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole takes the classic idea of chicken noodle soup and transforms it into a bubbling, cheesy baked dish that hits every nostalgic note.
This casserole has the perfect balance of simplicity and satisfaction. Tender egg noodles soak up a velvety sauce made with cream soups, sour cream, and broth. Shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness, while peas bring a pop of color and sweetness. The topping — a mix of buttery breadcrumbs and cheese — bakes into a golden crust that’s irresistibly crisp on top and luscious underneath. It’s the kind of old-fashioned, good-mannered comfort food that tastes like it belongs on a farmhouse table.
What makes this casserole so appealing is how easy it is to customize. You can use leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, canned chicken, or freshly cooked breasts. You can mix in extra vegetables, swap cheeses, or add seasonings to your liking. However you make it, the result is wholesome, satisfying, and incredibly family-friendly.
If you want a dish that delivers all the cozy warmth of chicken noodle soup but with more structure, richness, and a beautiful baked topping, this Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole is your next go-to. It’s comforting, filling, and perfect for busy nights or holiday gatherings — and the leftovers are even better.
Ingredients:
Casserole
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons melted butter
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Pinch of paprika (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth.
- Stir in garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add shredded chicken, peas, and cheddar cheese.
- Add cooked egg noodles and stir gently to combine.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared casserole dish and spread evenly.
- In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and cheddar cheese.
- Sprinkle the crumb topping over the casserole.
- Bake 25–30 minutes, until topping is golden brown and casserole is bubbling.
- Let rest 10 minutes before serving for best texture.
pioneer woman chicken noodle casserole
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13 dish.
- Cook egg noodles; drain and set aside.
- Mix cream soups, sour cream, broth, and seasonings.
- Stir in chicken, peas, and cheese.
- Fold in noodles and spread mixture in dish.
- Combine breadcrumbs, butter, and cheese; sprinkle over casserole.
- Bake 25–30 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Use rotisserie chicken for maximum convenience and flavor.
- Don’t overcook noodles: Slightly undercook them (al dente) since they soften in the oven.
- Add veggies: Corn, carrots, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli work beautifully.
- Use homemade cream soup: If you prefer, substitute with a roux-based sauce.
- For extra richness: Add ½ cup heavy cream to the sauce.
Variations
- Cheesy Chicken Noodle Casserole: Add 1 extra cup of cheddar or use Colby Jack.
- Ritz Cracker Topping: Replace breadcrumbs with crushed Ritz crackers.
- Spicy Version: Add diced green chiles, cayenne, or jalapeños.
- Herbed Casserole: Add parsley, thyme, or rosemary to the sauce.
- Veggie-Packed: Add mixed vegetables or sautéed mushrooms.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with a crisp green salad for freshness.
- Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls.
- Add roasted vegetables like broccoli or green beans.
- For holiday dinners, this pairs beautifully with cranberry sauce.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Keeps 3–4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months before baking (recommended) or after baking.
- Reheat: Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes or microwave individual servings. Add a splash of broth if needed.
FAQ
Can I use canned chicken?
Yes, drain well before mixing.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes—assemble, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I make it without cream soups?
Yes, use a homemade béchamel or cream sauce.
Why is my casserole dry?
Add more chicken broth before baking or cover lightly with foil.
History / Fun Facts
Chicken noodle casseroles date back to mid-century American kitchens, where thriftiness, convenience, and comfort were essential. Cream soups became a staple binder for casseroles, giving them richness and structure. The Pioneer Woman’s version modernized this tradition with extra cheese, better seasoning, and more veggies — keeping the soul of the classic while making it even more comforting. Today, dishes like this remain staples at family gatherings, reminding us of warm kitchens, shared meals, and the joy of simple food done well.
