Introduction
Comfort food doesn’t get much better than a creamy chicken noodle casserole. This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make, utilizing leftover chicken and simple pantry staples. It’s perfect for a cozy family dinner or a potluck dish that will impress your friends.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– Egg Noodles: Medium to wide egg noodles, about 12 ounces
– Cooked Chicken: 3-4 cups of leftover baked, boiled, grilled, or rotisserie chicken (or canned chicken)
– Soups: One 10.5 oz can each of cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup
– Sour Cream: 1 cup for added flavor and creaminess
– Frozen Mixed Vegetables: 2 cups, a mix containing corn, green beans, and carrots
– Milk: 1 cup, whole milk preferred, but 2% milk works as well
– Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 to 2 cups, freshly grated for better melting
– Topping: 1 cup of bread crumbs combined with 4 tablespoons of melted butter
– Optional Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: Serves 6 to 8 people
This chicken noodle casserole is a straightforward dish that combines tender elements with creamy goodness, making it a meal that is sure to satisfy. Perfect for using up leftovers, it’s versatile and can be tailored to your taste preferences. Enjoy sharing this comforting meal with your loved ones!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat the oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare a 9″x13″ baking pan by coating it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Egg Noodles
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the medium to wide egg noodles according to the package directions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and pour them into the prepared casserole dish.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken (shredded or diced), one can of cream of chicken soup, one can of cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, frozen mixed vegetables, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir the ingredients together until they are well mixed and evenly combined.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Filling
Pour the filling mixture over the cooked egg noodles in the baking pan. Using a spatula or spoon, gently mix everything together until the noodles are coated with the filling.
Step 5: Add Topping
Sprinkle a layer of bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Then, drizzle melted butter over the bread crumbs to enhance flavor and achieve a golden-brown crust.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20 minutes or until the bread crumbs are toasty and the casserole is bubbly around the edges.
Notes
Leftover Chicken
Feel free to use any leftover cooked chicken you have on hand, such as baked, boiled, grilled, or rotisserie chicken. Canned chicken is also a convenient option.
Vegetable Mix
You can use a frozen mixed vegetable blend that includes corn, green beans, and carrots, or customize it with your preferred vegetables.
Cheese Options
For optimal melting and flavor, freshly grated cheddar cheese is recommended. Pre-packaged shredded cheese can be used, but it may not melt as well.
Seasoning Variations
Optional seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika can be added to the filling mixture for extra flavor. Adjust the amounts to your taste preference.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs well with a simple green salad or crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Cook techniques
Cooking Egg Noodles
To achieve the perfect texture, cook egg noodles according to the package instructions, ensuring they are al dente. This means they should be tender but still firm to the bite, as they will continue cooking in the oven.
Making Casserole Mixture
Combine cooked chicken with cream soups, sour cream, milk, and shredded cheese in a large mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly to ensure even distribution of ingredients, creating a creamy base for the casserole.
Layering the Casserole
After mixing, pour the casserole mixture over the cooked noodles in the baking pan. Gently mix the two components together in the pan to ensure that the noodles are well coated with the sauce.
Creating a Crunchy Topping
To create a crunchy topping, combine bread crumbs with melted butter, then sprinkle it evenly over the casserole before baking. This will create a tasty, golden-brown crust.
Baking the Casserole
Bake the assembled casserole in a preheated oven at 350ºF for about 20 minutes. The goal is to achieve a bubbling filling and a toasted topping, enhancing the overall texture and flavor.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute egg noodles with other pasta types, but cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for cooked chicken?
You can use canned chicken, rotisserie chicken, or other cooked poultry as a substitute.
Is there a vegetarian version of this casserole?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and use a variety of beans or additional vegetables for a vegetarian option.
Can I use different vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any frozen or fresh vegetables you have on hand, such as peas, broccoli, or bell peppers.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, the casserole can be assembled in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Conclusion
This creamy chicken noodle casserole is not only a comforting and delicious meal, but it’s also a fantastic way to utilize leftover cooked chicken and pantry staples. The combination of flavors and textures, from the tender egg noodles to the crispy breadcrumb topping, makes it a dish that the whole family will enjoy. With minimal prep time and quick baking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.
Classic Tuna Casserole
Swap out chicken for canned tuna and add peas instead of mixed vegetables for a traditional twist on the casserole.
Vegetable & Cheese Bake
Omit the chicken and increase the amount of frozen mixed vegetables, adding in some extra cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
Spicy Chicken Mexican Bake
Mix in some diced jalapeños and replace the cream soups with a spicy salsa, using pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a kick.
Barbecue Chicken Casserole
Use shredded barbecue chicken and mix in diced bell peppers for a smoky, tangy flavor profile. Top with colby cheese.
Italian Chicken Noodle Bake
Incorporate Italian seasoning, marinara sauce, and mozzarella cheese for a dish that brings classic Italian flavors to the table.
