Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake wraps tender chicken, noodles, and veggies in a creamy, cheesy sauce with a buttery crunch your family will love.
There are weeknights when you just want one pan, big flavor, and zero fuss. That’s exactly where this Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake shines. It’s loaded with juicy chicken, cozy egg noodles, colorful vegetables, and plenty of melty cheese, all tucked under a buttery cracker topping.
Everything bakes together into a casserole that feels like a warm hug from the oven. It’s rich and creamy without being fussy, and it happily uses shortcut ingredients like rotisserie chicken and frozen mixed vegetables to keep things simple.
Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, bringing a dish to a potluck, or just craving a nostalgic, from-the-oven comfort meal, this cheesy chicken casserole will quickly become a regular in your dinner rotation. You can easily tweak the flavors, swap the veggies, or adjust the spice level to match what your family loves most.
What You Need to Make This Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
A short list of simple, everyday ingredients is all you need to build this comforting casserole. Here’s how each one pulls its weight in the pan.
- Cooked shredded chicken – The hearty base of the dish; using rotisserie chicken adds extra flavor and makes prep even faster.
- Cooked egg noodles – Tender, curly noodles soak up the creamy sauce and give the casserole its classic, scoopable texture.
- Cream of chicken soup – Creates a velvety, savory sauce that coats every piece of chicken and pasta with minimal effort.
- Sour cream – Adds tang and richness, keeping the casserole moist and giving the sauce a silky, luxurious feel.
- Shredded cheddar cheese – Melts into the sauce and on top of the noodles for that essential cheesy pull in every bite.
- Frozen mixed vegetables – Peas, carrots, corn, and green beans add color, texture, and a bit of freshness without any chopping.
- Milk – Loosens the sauce so it bakes up creamy rather than overly thick, helping everything bubble nicely in the oven.
- Garlic powder and onion powder – Boost savory depth and mimic the flavor of slow-simmered sauce without needing extra cooking time.
- Paprika, salt, and black pepper – Season the casserole throughout and add gentle warmth and color to the creamy mixture.
- Crushed buttery crackers – Give a crisp, golden, slightly salty topping that contrasts beautifully with the soft noodles and sauce.
- Melted butter – Binds the cracker crumbs and helps them toast into a crunchy, bronze crust while the casserole bakes.
Step-by-Step Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
STEP 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish so the casserole releases easily when serving.
STEP 2: Cook the egg noodles in well-salted water just until al dente. Drain thoroughly so they don’t water down the sauce, then set aside to cool slightly.
STEP 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, frozen mixed vegetables, and all the seasonings. Stir until everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
STEP 4: Taste a small spoonful of the mixture and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. Then spread the filling into your prepared baking dish, smoothing the top into an even layer so it bakes uniformly.
STEP 5: In a separate bowl, stir together the crushed buttery crackers and melted butter until every crumb looks lightly coated. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole.
STEP 6: Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, until the edges are bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let the casserole rest for about 5–10 minutes before scooping so it sets slightly and is easier to serve.
Pro Tips for Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
- Aim for al dente noodles so they don’t turn mushy as the casserole bakes; slightly firm pasta will soften perfectly in the sauce.
- Season the filling before baking by tasting a spoonful and adjusting salt, pepper, or paprika so the finished dish is well-flavored throughout.
- Keep the topping crisp by baking uncovered; if it browns too quickly, tent loosely with foil for the last few minutes.
Can I use different pasta instead of egg noodles?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or shells work well. Cook them just to al dente, drain thoroughly, and use the same amount as the egg noodles.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it goes into the oven cold.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup for a similar texture with a slightly different flavor. A homemade white sauce also works if you prefer from-scratch.
Can I freeze Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake?
Yes, you can freeze it baked or unbaked. Wrap tightly in layers and freeze for up to 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or baking.
Serving Ideas for Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
This casserole is rich and satisfying on its own, but a few simple sides round out the meal beautifully. A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing contrast to the creamy, cheesy sauce and buttery topping.
You can also pair it with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts for extra color and texture on the plate. The mild flavors of the casserole work nicely with just about any veggie you enjoy.
If you’re feeding a crowd or want a true comfort food feast, serve warm dinner rolls or garlic bread alongside. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce from the bottom of the dish.
Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Leftover Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake stores very well, making it a great cook-once, eat-twice option. Let any remaining casserole cool to room temperature, then transfer portions to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days, keeping the topping as dry as possible so it stays somewhat crisp.
For longer storage, freeze individual portions or the whole casserole (well wrapped in plastic and foil) for up to 2–3 months. Label the container with the date so you remember when you tucked it away.
To reheat, warm larger portions in a 350°F (175°C) oven until hot in the center, about 20–25 minutes, loosely covered with foil. Remove the foil for the last few minutes to refresh the topping. Single servings can be reheated in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, until steaming hot.
Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Bake
Ingredients
- 1 cup frozen vegetable blend including peas, carrots, corn, and green beans
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken rotisserie-style recommended
- ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1 cup finely grated cheddar cheese
- ½ cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 3 cups prepared wide egg noodles approximately 6 oz before cooking
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 can 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup full-fat sour cream
- 1 cup crushed buttery crackers such as Ritz
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or oil.
- Prepare the egg noodles according to the instructions on the package. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, boiled noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, shredded cheddar, frozen vegetables, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it into an even layer.
- For the topping, mix the crushed crackers with the melted butter in a small bowl. Distribute this crumb mixture evenly over the surface of the casserole.
- Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping is crisp and golden brown.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.