This French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food. It brings together tender chicken, caramelized onion flavor, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles baked to golden perfection. It’s cozy, satisfying, and one of those dishes I find myself making again and again whenever I want a simple yet crowd-pleasing dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this casserole combines the flavors of classic French onion soup with the creaminess of a baked noodle dish. It’s perfect for busy weeknights because I can prepare it ahead of time and just pop it in the oven when I’m ready. The combination of savory chicken, rich sauce, and crispy topping makes it feel indulgent, yet it’s still easy enough for everyday cooking.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Egg noodles
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Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
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French onion soup mix or canned French onion soup
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Cream of chicken soup
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Sour cream
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Shredded cheese (Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar all work)
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Crispy fried onions (for topping)
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Butter
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Salt and pepper
directions
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I cook the egg noodles according to the package directions, making sure to leave them slightly undercooked since they will continue baking.
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In a large bowl, I mix the cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, and seasonings until smooth.
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I stir in the shredded chicken and noodles, coating everything evenly in the creamy mixture.
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I transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish and sprinkle shredded cheese on top.
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I bake uncovered until the casserole is bubbly and golden.
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Just before serving, I add crispy fried onions on top for that irresistible crunch.
Servings and timing
This French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole serves 6 people generously. It usually takes me about 15 minutes to prepare and 30–35 minutes to bake, making it ready in under an hour.
Variations
I like switching up the flavors by using different cheeses—Swiss for a more authentic French onion taste, cheddar for sharpness, or mozzarella for gooey meltiness. Sometimes I add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy flavor or stir in spinach for a veggie boost. For a lighter version, I swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.
storage/reheating
When I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I usually cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through. It also reheats nicely in the microwave, though the crispy onion topping is best added fresh.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, I often assemble the casserole up to a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. When I’m ready, I bake it, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
Can I freeze French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole?
I can freeze it before baking by wrapping it well in foil and plastic wrap. It will keep for up to 2 months. I thaw it overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
What type of chicken works best?
I like using leftover rotisserie chicken because it’s quick and flavorful, but any cooked shredded or diced chicken works perfectly.
Can I use homemade French onion soup?
Absolutely. I’ve used homemade caramelized onion soup before, and it makes the casserole even richer in flavor.
How do I keep the noodles from getting mushy?
I undercook the noodles slightly before mixing them into the casserole, so they don’t over-soften during baking.
Conclusion
French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole is a hearty, comforting meal that combines all the best flavors of creamy casseroles and savory French onion soup. I love that it’s easy to make, versatile with ingredients, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and family gatherings. Every bite feels like pure comfort, making it a recipe I always keep on repeat.
Print
French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
A cozy and creamy casserole that combines the rich flavors of French onion soup with tender chicken, egg noodles, and a crispy onion topping. Perfect for weeknight dinners and family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz egg noodles
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 packet French onion soup mix or 1 can French onion soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheese (Swiss, mozzarella, or cheddar)
- 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook egg noodles according to package directions until slightly undercooked. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, French onion soup, sour cream, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add cooked chicken and noodles to the bowl, stirring to coat everything evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheese evenly over the top.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
- Top with crispy fried onions just before serving for added crunch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Under-cook noodles slightly to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- Can be assembled a day ahead and baked when ready.
- Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrition.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of casserole
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg