Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips

This classic chicken noodle casserole with a crunchy potato chip topping will take you right back to your childhood.  Easy Chicken Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips is quick and simple, and your family will give it two thumbs up.

Simple Chicken Noodle Casserole

One of our top recipes at These Old Cookbooks is Mom’s Tuna Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips.  It screams comfort and ease, and and is one of our family favorite recipes. So, we decided to re-create our mom’s classic casserole using chicken instead of tuna and adding a flavor boost with pimentos.

We set out to make a chicken noodle casserole from scratch using leftover chicken that we had in the refrigerator.  This easy recipe will not disappoint.  It is creamy, comforting, and one our best ever.

Ingredients for Old Fashioned Chicken Noodle Casserole

Diced Chicken (leftover works great)

Egg Noodles

Cream of Chicken Soup

Milk

Frozen Peas

Diced Pimentos (optional)

Potato Chips

Recipe FAQs

• This is a great way to use leftover chicken. It could be leftover rotisserie chicken from the supermarket, leftover grilled chicken (Easiest Grilled Chicken Ever), leftover poached chicken, leftover turkey breast (Crock Pot Turkey Breast), or even canned chicken that has been drained. Any of those or more will work!
• Do yourself a favor and plan ahead.  Make chicken over the weekend, and be sure to make enough that you have some for this recipe on another night. Try the Freezer Meal Instant Pot Shredded Chicken from Farmwife Feeds, and have enough chicken for a couple of meals!  This is the types of techniques we use when making our Weekly Meal Plans.
• This recipe could be completely prepared over the weekend, covered tightly and refrigerated.  Then, on the night you want to eat it, pop it in the oven.  Just note, it will take longer to warm completely through.
• Be sure to par-cook the noodles before mixing with the other ingredients.  We used wide egg noodles that we cooked for around 6 minutes, and then drained.
• You can use any other type noodle or pasta that you prefer.  This is a good way to use partial boxes that are taking up space in the cabinet.

Chicken Noodle Casserole Variations

• You could lighten up this Chicken Noodle Casserole from scratch recipe by using fat free cream soup mix and fat free milk.
• Another way to change it up is to use Cream of Mushroom or Cream of Celery soup instead of Cream of Chicken soup (or a combination).
• The diced pimentos and peas are completely optional! We like the color it adds to the simple casserole, and the veggies are small enough that the kids don’t complain too much.
• This version is a no cheese chicken noodle casserole.  But, if you are a cheese loving family (like Megan’s), add a cup or two of your favorite shredded cheese for some added goodness.

How to Make Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Step by Step Instructions

1. In a bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken, partially cooked wide egg noodles, milk, frozen peas, drained and diced, drained pimentos.
2. Pour into a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
3. Sprinkle with crushed potato chips.
4. Bake for 45 minutes at 350 degrees F until cooked through.

For the full Chicken Noodle Casserole with Potato Chips recipe, see below.

Recipe Variations

• Use cooked chicken breasts or chicken thighs, canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, etc.
• Omit pimentos.
• For a tangy tasty, stir in some sour cream to the soup mixture.
• Cooked onions and garlic make a flavorful addition.
• Stir in your favorite shredded cheese such as cheddar cheese to the soup mixture.
• Substitute cream of mushroom soup for cream of chicken.
• Instead of potato chips, use panko bread crumbs or crushed butter crackers such as ritz crackers as a topping.
• Replace chicken for leftover ham for a whole new casserole.
• Instead of peas, use green beans, carrots or mixed vegetables.

Family Pleasing Casseroles

If you are looking for some more family-pleasing casseroles for the weeknight, try our favorites!

Mom’s Tuna Noodle Casserole

Grandma’s Chicken Rice Casserole

Cheesy Smoked Sausage and Vegetable Casserole

French Onion Rice Casserole

Ground Beef Noodles Bake

 Cheesy Broccoli Rice Casserole

Can I freeze a casserole with egg noodles?

Yes, you can freeze a casserole with egg noodles. It’s important to ensure that the casserole has cooled completely before freezing and to use airtight, freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil to wrap the casserole securely. This will help maintain the texture and quality of the egg noodles when you reheat the casserole.

Can you make chicken noodle casserole ahead of time?

Yes, prep it ahead but do not top with potato chips or bread crumbs. Before cooking, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or a tight fitting lid. Store in the refrigerator until ready to cook. Be sure to remove the plastic wrap or lid before baking. It might take longer to cook since the casserole is cold when it goes in the oven. Adjust the time accordingly.