Looking for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank? Cheap Chicken Noodle Casserole is the ultimate comfort food for families on a budget. With tender noodles, shredded chicken, and a creamy sauce, this dish delivers rich flavour and satisfaction at a low cost. It’s easy to make, filling, and uses simple pantry staples that you probably already have at home.
Cheap Chicken Noodle Casserole:
Perfect for weeknights or meal prep, this budget-friendly casserole combines convenience with comfort. It’s the kind of meal that feels homemade, cozy, and wholesome without taking much time or money to prepare.
History of Noodle Casserole:
The Chicken Noodle Casserole gained popularity in the mid-1900s as an affordable, comforting dish during hard economic times. Families needed to stretch ingredients, and casseroles became a practical way to make hearty meals using inexpensive components like canned soup, pasta, and leftover chicken. Today, it remains a go-to classic for home cooks everywhere.
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Cheap Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken (or canned chicken)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- ½ cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- In a large bowl, mix soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir in chicken, noodles, vegetables, and half the cheese.
- Pour mixture into the prepared dish and top with remaining cheese.
- Combine breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden brown.
- Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover rotisserie or canned chicken for extra savings.
- Any short pasta like penne or rotini can replace egg noodles.
- Add a can of cream of mushroom soup for richer flavour.
- For extra crunch, use crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tips for Cheap Chicken:
- Stretch the meal by adding more vegetables or pasta.
- Mix in a little sour cream for added creaminess.
- Use store-brand ingredients to reduce cost.
- Double the batch and freeze one for later.
- Pair with a simple side salad or garlic bread.
FAQ’s for Casserole:
Q: Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, assemble it and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Q: Can I freeze Cheap Chicken Noodle Casserole?
Yes, freeze it before baking for up to 2 months.
Q: Can I skip the cheese?
Yes, though it adds extra flavor and creaminess.
Q: How can I make it healthier?
Use low-fat milk, reduced-sodium soup, and whole-grain noodles.
Q: What can I use instead of canned soup?
Make a quick white sauce using butter, flour, and chicken broth.
Conclusion:
Cheap Chicken Noodle Casserole is the perfect blend of simplicity, comfort, and savings. With basic ingredients and minimal prep, it delivers creamy, home-cooked flavour everyone loves. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, this dish proves that good food doesn’t have to be expensive.