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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole (Easy Chicken Noodle Bake)

    Modified: May 8, 2026 · Published: Jun 19, 2024 by Sharon Rigsby · 2 Comments

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    Pinterest pin showing a serving of french Onion Soup Chicken Casserole with a fork.

    What is chicken and French onion soup casserole?

    Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole is a creamy baked chicken casserole made with shredded chicken, egg noodles, canned French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions. It's an easy comfort food dinner perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and make-ahead meals.

    Creamy egg noodles, savory French onion flavor, tender chicken, melted cheese, and crispy fried onions make this cozy casserole the kind of comfort food everybody goes back for seconds of.


    Quick look at the recipe

    ⏱ Ready in: 40 minutes | Serves: 8 | Difficulty: Easy | Make-ahead friendly: Yes

    If your family loves creamy chicken noodle casseroles and classic French onion soup flavors, this easy dump-and-bake casserole is about to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

    Chicken and French onion soup casserole with egg noodles and crispy fried onions on a plate with a fork.

    This easy Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, egg noodles, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy French fried onions in one cozy casserole dish.

    It's the kind of old-fashioned comfort food recipe that tastes like something straight from a church potluck or family supper table, but it's easy enough for busy weeknights thanks to pantry staples like canned French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, and rotisserie chicken.

    And unlike many French onion chicken casseroles made with rice, this version uses hearty egg noodles, making it extra creamy, and satisfying.

    Jump to:
    • What is chicken and French onion soup casserole?
    • Quick look at the recipe
    • Why you'll love this French onion chicken noodle casserole
    • Ingredient notes and easy substitutions
    • Easy variations to try
    • How to make chicken and French onion soup casserole
    • Serving suggestions:
    • Why egg noodles work so well in this casserole
    • Make-ahead, freezer, and storage tips
    • FAQs about French onion soup chicken casserole
    • Tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly
    • More easy chicken dinners and casseroles
    • Join the conversation
    • Recipe:

    Why you'll love this French onion chicken noodle casserole

    1. Easy prep: Like my Million Dollar Chicken Casserole, Baked Ravioli, and Chicken Taco Casserole, this one-pot chicken and noodle dinner requires minimal ingredients and simple steps, making it perfect for beginner cooks.
    2. Comforting and flavorful, this chicken and French onion soup casserole combines the rich, caramelized flavors of French onion soup and French fried onions with cheesy chicken and noodle goodness.
    3. Make-ahead friendly: Assemble it in advance and bake when you’re ready for an effortless meal.

    I tested this chicken casserole with onion soup mix, both with freshly cooked chicken and rotisserie chicken, and honestly, rotisserie chicken made this recipe much faster and even more flavorful for busy weeknight dinners.

    Ingredient notes and easy substitutions

    Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Bake including shredded cheese, egg noodles, and cream of chicken soup
    • Egg noodles form the base of the French onion soup noodle casserole. I recommend sticking with egg noodles, but you can substitute another sturdy pasta in a pinch.
    • Chicken – a rotisserie chicken will be your best friend here. True convenience. No muss, no fuss!
    • Canned French onion soup and cream of chicken soup – are old standbys and pantry staples that provide flavor and convenience.
    • Cheddar Cheese – I think there is a law that requires cheese in casseroles, and who am I to argue with that?
    • French fried onions – add crunchy bits of deliciousness. They are another pantry staple and a flavorful and easy-peasy topping.
    • Parsley – an optional garnish adds a pop of color and freshness.

    Easy variations to try

    • Before baking, you can add a cup or so of green beans, asparagus, english peas, mushrooms, or broccoli to the casserole.
    • You could also substitute homemade fried onion rings for canned ones.

    The recipe card below provides a complete list of all ingredients and measurements.

    How to make chicken and French onion soup casserole

    This is a summary of the steps; the complete directions are in the recipe card below.

    1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Cook the egg noodles according to the directions. Drain and add it to a 9×13 baking dish sprayed with nonstick cooking spray.
    A white baking dish full of cooked egg noodles.
    1. Add the chicken, soups, and one cup of cheddar cheese to the baking dish. Mix until combined.
    All of the ingredients for French Onion Soup Chicken Casserole in a white baking dish being mixed with a wooden spoon.
    1. Top with one cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
    A baking dish full of egg noodles topped with shredded cheese.
    1. Top the casserole with the French-fried onions. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
    A chicken casserole with noodles topped with French fried onions.
    1. Remove from the oven, top with parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.  
    A white baking dish full of baked French Onion Soup Chicken  Casserole topped with chopped parsley.

    Serving suggestions:

    I like to serve this creamy French onion chicken and noodles with a light side dish such as my classic house salad, cucumber and tomato salad, or broccoli salad. A slice of Texas toast garlic bread rounds out the meal nicely.

    Why egg noodles work so well in this casserole

    Most French onion chicken casseroles use rice, but I actually prefer egg noodles here because they soak up the creamy French onion sauce beautifully without becoming heavy or mushy.

    The noodles also make this casserole feel more like an old-fashioned chicken noodle bake, the kind of cozy comfort food recipe everybody goes back for seconds of.

    Make-ahead, freezer, and storage tips

    This chicken casserole with French onion soup is best eaten the day it is made. However, if you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.

    To reheat leftovers, add a teaspoon or so of water or chicken broth, cover with foil, and warm in a 350°F oven for about 15 minutes. I also like adding a handful of fresh fried onions to the top.

    FAQs about French onion soup chicken casserole

    What is the best cheese to use in this recipe?

    This recipe calls for cheddar cheese, but Gruyère pairs beautifully with French onion flavors and mozzarella or Swiss work, too.

    Can this recipe be made ahead?

    This recipe for French Onion Soup Chicken Casserole can be prepped, up to the point of adding the cheddar cheese, and stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours or stored in an airtight container and frozen for up to three months.

    If the casserole is frozen, let it thaw in the fridge overnight before baking and adding the French-fried onion topping.

    Can I make this casserole with Lipton Onion Soup Mix instead of canned French onion soup?

    Yes. If you don't have canned French onion soup, you can substitute a packet of Lipton onion soup mix combined with about 1¼ cups of beef broth. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

    Can I make French onion soup chicken casserole ahead of time?

    Yes. Assemble the casserole up to 24 hours ahead, cover, and refrigerate. Wait to add the French-fried onions until just before baking, so they stay crispy.

    What kind of noodles work best in French onion chicken casserole?

    Egg noodles work best because they hold up beautifully in creamy casseroles and absorb the savory French onion flavor without becoming mushy.

    Can I freeze chicken and French onion soup casserole?

    Yes. Freeze the casserole before baking for the best texture. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and add the crispy onion topping just before baking.

    Tips to ensure this recipe turns out perfectly

    Because it’s just my husband and me when I make chicken and French onion soup casserole, I usually divide the chicken and noodle mixture in half or thirds, bake one, and then freeze the rest to serve another time.

    Be sure to wait to add your French fried onion topping until you are ready to bake the casserole.

    More easy chicken dinners and casseroles

    • Million Dollar Chicken Casserole topped with Ritz Cracker crumbs in a white baking dish.
      Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
    • A plate full of Chicken and Broccoli Pasta covered in a creamy sauce.
      Easy Chicken and Broccoli Pasta (Creamy and Cheesy)
    • A white ceramic baking dish filled with baked chicken taco casserole, garnished with cilantro.
      Easy Chicken Taco Casserole (Ready in 30 Minutes!)
    • A white baking dish full of baked chicken cordon bleu casserole topped with sauce.
      Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (Easy, No-Rolling Recipe)

    If you need more menu ideas, check out all of my chicken recipes here.

    Join the conversation

    Did you make this Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole? I'd love to hear how you served it! Did you stick with egg noodles, or did you try your own twist? Leave a comment and star rating below, your feedback helps other readers and always makes my day.

    And if your family loves cozy comfort food casseroles, be sure to check out more easy Southern-style dinner recipes here on Grits and Pinecones.

    Southern Comfort with a Side of Simplicity

    For over a decade, Grits and Pinecones has been serving up delicious recipes with a Southern flair-simple, flavorful, and perfect to share with family and friends

    Southern comfort food made easy and shareable.

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    Chicken and French onion soup casserole with egg noodles and crispy fried onions

    Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole

    Sharon Rigsby
    This easy Chicken and French Onion Soup Casserole is made with tender chicken, egg noodles, canned French onion soup, cream of chicken soup, cheddar cheese, and crispy fried onions. It's a cozy comfort food casserole perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, and make-ahead dinners.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 35 minutes mins
    Course Main Dish
    Cuisine American
    Servings 8 servings
    Calories 474 kcal

    Equipment

    • 9×13 inch baking dish

    Ingredients
      

    • 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked
    • 1 pound cooked chopped chicken I use a rotisserie chicken
    • 10.5 ounces can French onion soup
    • 10.5 ounces can Cream of Chicken Soup
    • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
    • 1½ cups French fried onions
    • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional garnish

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat oven to 350ºF.
    • Cook the pasta according to the directions. Drain and add the pasta to a 9×13 baking dish sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.
    • Add the chicken, soups, and one cup of cheddar cheese to the baking dish. Mix until combined.
    • Top with one cup of cheddar cheese. Bake for 20 minutes.
    • Top the casserole with the French-fried onions. Bake for an additional 10 minutes.
    • Remove from the oven, top with parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides.

    Notes

    Because it’s just my husband and me, I usually divide the chicken and noodle mixture in half, bake half, and then freeze half to serve another time

    Nutrition

    Calories: 474kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 21gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 11gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 97mgSodium: 762mgPotassium: 387mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 515IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 231mgIron: 2mg
    Loved this recipe? Leave a rating & review!Click the stars ⭐️ below to let me know what you think or leave a comment. I'd love to hear how it turned out for you!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 1 vote

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Brenda Godfrey

      July 01, 2024 at 9:47 am

      5 stars
      Hi Sharon, I made this casserole and Jim and I really enjoyed it. I divided it like you said and have a second one in the freezer. 😊

      Reply
      • Sharon Rigsby

        July 01, 2024 at 10:02 am

        Hey Brenda, I’m so glad y’all enjoyed it, and thank you, too, for taking the time to let me know. I hope you and Jim are doing well and surviving this summer heat!
        All the best,
        Sharon

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, content creator, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

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