Name: Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces egg noodles; 1/4 cup butter; 1/2 medium white onion, diced; 3 teaspoons minced garlic; 1/4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups chicken broth; 2 cups milk; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups frozen peas; 1 pound shredded cooked chicken; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers; 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2-3 teaspoons olive oil

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 19 reviews

If you’ve ever craved something warm, comforting, and downright delicious, you’re going to love this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels like a big hug on a plate — cheesy, creamy, and packed with tender chicken and tender noodles. I’ve made this recipe on casual weeknights and even for friends who all begged for seconds; it’s reliably fantastic every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfectly Creamy Sauce: The blend of chicken broth, milk, and cheese come together to create a sauce that clings to every noodle beautifully.
Tender Chicken & Peas: Shredded cooked chicken and peas add savory, fresh bites that balance the richness.
Crunchy Topping: Crushed Ritz crackers mixed with parmesan and olive oil give a golden, crispy finish that makes this casserole irresistible.
Easy Weeknight Friendly: This recipe comes together quickly with simple ingredients and minimal prep, making it a go-to comfort dish.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Easy Chicken Casserole, Comforting Chicken Dinner, Cheesy Chicken Bake, Homemade Chicken Casserole - The image shows a white rectangular baking dish filled with a pasta casserole. The dish has three main layers: a bottom layer of yellow pasta, a middle layer with green peas mixed throughout, and a top layer covered with a golden brown crumbly topping that looks crispy. A wooden spoon stands inside the dish, scooping some pasta and crumbs. The background features a white marbled surface and some green herbs with a black and white striped cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

All the ingredients in this Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe are pretty straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in building the flavor and texture layers. The combo of creamy, savory, and crunchy elements is what always wows my family.

Creamy Chicken Casserole, Easy Chicken Casserole, Comforting Chicken Dinner, Cheesy Chicken Bake, Homemade Chicken Casserole - Flat lay of shredded cooked chicken, bright green frozen peas, diced white onion, minced garlic cloves, a block of sharp cheddar cheese with some shreds scattered nearby, pale yellow butter, a small pile of crushed golden crackers, and a wedge of grated parmesan cheese artfully arranged with uncooked egg noodles in loose nests, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Egg noodles: They hold the sauce well and have that perfect bite that I love in casseroles.
Butter: Adds richness and helps sauté the onions for depth of flavor.
White onion: Softens and sweetens, giving a gentle background note.
Minced garlic: Fresh garlic always perks up the savory profile.
All-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce into that creamy texture we crave.
Chicken broth: Boosts the chicken flavor while keeping things light.
Milk: Makes the sauce creamy without heaviness.
Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to bring everything to life.
Frozen peas: They add pops of sweetness and vibrant color.
Shredded cooked chicken: Using pre-cooked chicken saves time; rotisserie chicken works wonderfully here.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for that cheesy comfort factor.
Crushed Ritz crackers: A secret weapon for that buttery, crispy topping.
Grated parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty sharpness to the crunch layer.
Olive oil: Helps the cracker topping brown perfectly without drying out.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love how flexible this creamy chicken casserole recipe is — feel free to play around with the mix-ins! Personalizing it is what keeps me coming back to this dish and makes it feel special every time.

Variation: I sometimes swap peas for broccoli or green beans, which adds a bit more texture and green goodness.
Dairy-Free: Using coconut milk and dairy-free cheese works well for those with lactose intolerance.
Extra Crunch: Toss in some chopped nuts or crispy fried onions on top if you want a different crunchy texture.
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce if you like a bit of heat in your creamy casserole.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Pasta and Pan

First things first — preheat your oven to 400°F and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Cooking the egg noodles just right is key: boil them according to package directions, but don’t overcook. You want them tender but still holding their shape since they’ll bake again later. Once cooked, drain and spread them evenly in your prepared pan so they’re ready for that creamy sauce.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Sauce Base

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt ¼ cup butter and then sauté diced onion for about 5 to 7 minutes until soft and fragrant. The onions add subtle sweetness that I feel balances the richness. Stir in minced garlic and flour, cooking for about a minute until the flour is incorporated — this builds that thick, smooth sauce you’ll adore.

Slowly whisk in chicken broth and milk while stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Season with salt and pepper. Keep it at a gentle simmer, and soon enough it’ll thicken into a velvety sauce just begging to be poured over those noodles.

Step 3: Bring It All Together

Once your sauce is thickened, stir in frozen peas, shredded cheddar cheese, and shredded cooked chicken right into the pan. Turn off the heat and continue stirring so the cheese melts perfectly into the sauce, coating everything in creamy goodness. Then pour this mixture generously over your noodles in the baking dish, spreading evenly.

Step 4: Create the Topping and Bake

In a small bowl, mix crushed Ritz crackers, grated parmesan cheese, and olive oil with a fork until everything is combined — this little topping is where the magic happens! Sprinkle it evenly over the casserole. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the topping turns a gorgeous golden brown. The scent wafting from your oven at this point is pure comfort!

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Pro Tips for Making Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Slightly undercook the egg noodles because they’ll keep cooking in the oven, avoiding mushiness.
Use Shredded Rotisserie Chicken: Saves time and adds flavor, plus the shredded texture disperses nicely throughout the casserole.
Slowly Add Liquids: When making the sauce, pour chicken broth and milk gradually to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth creaminess.
Toast the Cracker Topping Well: Bake until the topping is golden but watch closely so it doesn’t burn — it’s the perfect final flourish.

How to Serve Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe

Garnishes

I like to sprinkle a little fresh chopped parsley or chives over the top for a fresh pop of color and brightness. Sometimes a dash of smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky note that complements the cheesy richness beautifully.

Side Dishes

This casserole pairs perfectly with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, which cuts through the decadence nicely. A side of garlic bread or steamed green beans also rounds out the meal without stealing the show.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve served this in individual ramekins with the crispy topping sprinkled on last minute, giving a charming, restaurant-style vibe. You can even add a few cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers on top to brighten the plate if you’re feeling fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more overnight, so leftovers can be just as good as the first serving if heated properly.

Freezing

This creamy chicken casserole freezes beautifully! I recommend freezing it before baking — cover the dish tightly with foil, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then bake as usual.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I cover the casserole with foil to keep moisture in and warm it in the oven at 350°F for about 15 to 20 minutes. This refreshes the crispy topping and warms the creamy filling without drying it out.

FAQs

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas will work just as well, just be sure to blanch them briefly before adding so they stay tender and vibrant in the casserole.
What’s the best way to shred cooked chicken for this recipe?

I usually use two forks to pull apart cooked chicken breasts or thighs when warm—the shredding is nice and even, which helps distribute the chicken evenly throughout the casserole.
Can I make this casserole gluten-free?

Yes! Try using gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend. For toppings, swap regular crackers with gluten-free ones to keep the crunchy texture.
How creamy will the casserole be? Will it be dry?

This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is luscious but not soupy — the sauce coats the noodles just right. Make sure to follow the liquid amounts and avoid overbaking to keep it moist.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Chicken Casserole Recipe is one of those dishes that feels as good as a warm conversation with a close friend. It’s simple, satisfying, and versatile enough to tweak however your taste buds want. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll have a new favorite comfort food in your recipe box — one that’s perfect for busy nights, potlucks, or cozy weekend dinners. So grab your ingredients, preheat that oven, and get ready for a creamy, cheesy, crispy delight that always hits the spot!