Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole – Cozy, Creamy, and Classic Family Comfort

When it comes to homestyle comfort food, few dishes can match the warm, wholesome goodness of Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole. Inspired by the cozy cooking style of Ree Drummond, this casserole captures everything people love about old-fashioned American comfort: creamy noodles, tender chicken, veggies, cheese, and a perfectly golden baked top.

This meal brings together pantry staples and turns them into a hearty, satisfying dinner that feels like something straight from a farmhouse kitchen. It’s the kind of recipe that gets passed around at potlucks, appears on weeknight dinner tables, and becomes a family classic after just one taste.

What makes this casserole timeless?
The flavors are simple, nostalgic, and deeply comforting — plus it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few ingredients and one baking dish, you can deliver a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal with minimal prep and maximum comfort.

Why This Chicken Noodle Casserole Works So Well

• Creamy and comforting: Perfectly cooked egg noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce.
• Cheesy topping: Melted, golden cheese adds the perfect finishing touch.
• Great for leftovers: Stores beautifully and reheats like a dream.
• Feed a crowd: One pan easily serves the whole family.
• Customizable: Add veggies, more seasoning, or even different proteins.

It’s the ultimate “set it and forget it” comfort meal.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole

Base Ingredients

• 4 cups cooked shredded chicken
• 12 oz wide egg noodles
• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• ¾ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Optional: ½ cup French-fried onions for topping
• Optional: parsley for garnish

How to Make Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole

1. Preheat the oven

Set oven to 350°F (175°C).

2. Cook the noodles

Boil egg noodles until just al dente (they will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and set aside.

3. Mix the creamy sauce

In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.

4. Add chicken and peas

Fold in shredded chicken and frozen peas.

5. Combine with noodles

Add cooked noodles to the mixture and gently fold until evenly coated.

6. Pour into baking dish

Spread evenly into a 9×13-inch casserole dish.

7. Add cheese topping

Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese. Add French-fried onions if desired.

8. Bake

Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.

9. Serve warm

Garnish with parsley and enjoy a perfectly creamy, cozy meal.

Pioneer Woman Chicken Noodle Casserole

A cozy, creamy chicken noodle casserole inspired by the Pioneer Woman, made with tender chicken, egg noodles, sour cream, peas, and melty cheddar cheese.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Dish

Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Calories: 420

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Chicken Noodle Casserole

• 4 cups shredded chicken cooked
• 12 oz egg noodles wide
• 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1.5 cups cheddar cheese shredded, divided
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 0.75 tsp salt or to taste
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 0.5 cup French-fried onions optional topping

Equipment

• 9×13 casserole dish
• Large pot
• Large mixing bowl
• Wooden spoon

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Cook egg noodles until al dente, then drain.
3. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Fold in shredded chicken and peas.
5. Add cooked noodles and stir gently to combine.
6. Spread mixture into a 9×13 casserole dish.
7. Top with remaining cheese and optional French-fried onions.
8. Bake for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles before baking. Add extra veggies for variety.

Tips for the Best Chicken Noodle Casserole

Don’t overcook the noodles

Slightly undercooked noodles hold up better during baking.

Use rotisserie chicken

It’s fast, easy, and extra flavorful.

Add more veggies

Peas, carrots, corn, broccoli — the casserole handles them all beautifully.

A crunchy top makes it special

French-fried onions, buttered breadcrumbs, or crushed Ritz crackers add wonderful texture.

Delicious Variations

Creamy Ranch Chicken Noodle Casserole

Add 1 tbsp ranch seasoning to the sauce.

Cheddar Bacon Version

Mix in cooked bacon and use sharp cheddar.

Chicken Alfredo Noodle Bake

Swap the sauce for Alfredo and parmesan.

Southwest Chicken Noodle Casserole

Add green chiles, corn, pepper jack, and cumin.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve with garlic bread
• Pair with a crisp green salad
• Add roasted vegetables
• Serve alongside steamed broccoli

This casserole is satisfying enough to stand alone but pairs beautifully with simple sides.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigerate:

3–4 days, covered tightly.

Freeze:

Freeze before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before baking.

Reheat:

Cover with foil and bake at 325°F for 15–20 minutes.