Baked Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole combines a creamy cheese sauce with tender chicken, bright broccoli, and a crunchy breadcrumb and fried onion topping. It’s an easy weeknight dinner, a smart way to use leftovers, and freezes well for meal prep.

It’s officially casserole season, and this Cheesy Chicken and Broccoli Noodle Casserole is a cozy, family-friendly dish that’s simple to prepare. The casserole delivers protein, vegetables, dairy, and pasta in one comforting bake, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings or for turning leftover turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken into a new meal. The recipe is forgiving: use the cooked meat you have on hand and fresh or frozen broccoli.

🥘 Ingredients Needed

• 2 – 2½ cups egg noodles (about half a bag; any short pasta will work)
• 4 cups broccoli florets (fresh preferred; frozen OK)
• 3 tablespoons butter (for the roux)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour (or gluten-free 1:1 substitute)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1½ cups milk (2% or whole for creamier sauce; dairy-free milk can be used)
• 1½ cups chicken stock or broth (homemade or store-bought)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (about ½ cup Parmesan + ½ cup Gruyère or sharp cheddar)
• 2 cups cooked, diced chicken (breast, thigh, rotisserie, or leftover turkey)
• ⅓ cup crispy fried onions (optional mixed into the casserole)

For the Topping

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons butter, melted
• ½ cup fried crispy onions (for extra crunch)

🍽 Equipment Needed

• 13 x 9 baking dish or an oven-safe skillet to bake the casserole directly
• Large pot to cook the noodles and blanch the broccoli
• Small skillet for toasting breadcrumbs and combining the topping
• Whisk and spatula for making the sauce and mixing the casserole

🥣 How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole

This casserole is straightforward: cook the pasta and broccoli, make a simple roux-based cheese sauce, combine with the chicken, then bake with a crunchy topping. Follow these steps for reliable results.

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Add the broccoli florets to the boiling pasta for the final 3 minutes. Drain both and set aside.
• Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
• In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Stir in 3 tablespoons flour, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper to form a roux. Cook for about 3–5 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
• Slowly whisk in 1½ cups milk, then add 1½ cups chicken stock a little at a time, whisking until smooth. Continue cooking until the mixture becomes a thick, creamy sauce (about 5 minutes). If lumps form, whisk until smooth.
• Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup shredded cheese until melted and smooth.
• Add the cooked noodles, broccoli, and 2 cups diced cooked chicken to the sauce and fold gently to combine. If desired, stir in ⅓ cup crispy fried onions for flavor and texture.
• Transfer the mixture to a 13 x 9 baking dish or leave it in the oven-safe skillet. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
• While the casserole bakes, combine ½ cup panko, ½ cup fried crispy onions, and 2 tablespoons melted butter in a small bowl. Mix until the crumbs are coated.
• After the initial 15 minutes, remove the casserole and stir gently, then evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture across the top. Return to the oven and bake 7 more minutes, or until the topping is golden and crisp.
• Let the casserole rest for a few minutes before serving. A light sprinkle of additional grated Parmesan is a nice finishing touch.

🍱 Recipe Yield

This recipe yields approximately 8 servings, depending on portion size. For smaller households, it will provide several meals; for larger families you can double or bake in a larger pan.

🙋‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

🍳 What to Serve with This Casserole

This casserole is a complete meal, but you can round it out with simple sides such as:

• Sweet cornbread or savory biscuits
• A crisp green salad with blue cheese and bacon
• Steamed green beans or a light vinaigrette slaw

🥫 How to Store Leftover Casserole

Cool leftovers to room temperature, then cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 3 days. If your baking dish is too large for refrigeration, transfer portions to airtight containers. To freeze, cool completely, wrap tightly in plastic and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Reheat Leftover Casserole

Reheat covered in the oven at 325°F for 20–30 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. Covering during reheating helps keep the casserole moist.

✏️ Helpful Tips

• Use an oven-safe skillet to make fewer dishes and transfer straight from stove to oven.
• Don’t overcook the broccoli in the boiling water — you want it tender-crisp so it holds up during baking.
• Customize the cheese to your taste: Gruyère, cheddar, or a mix with Parmesan all work well.
• Leftover meats are ideal: turkey, ham, or rotisserie chicken all make excellent substitutions.

Other Tasty Recipes

• One Pot Pasta e Fagioli
• Cheesy Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole
• Instant Pot Creamy Chicken and Noodles
• Paleo Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
• Slow Cooker White Bean and Ham Soup