Chicken noodle casserole is the ultimate comfort food. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful noodles, and creamy sauce, it’s a dish that’s as filling as it is delicious. With ingredients that are simple yet nutritious, this casserole provides protein, carbohydrates, and vitamins, making it a balanced meal for the entire family. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or prepping it for a gathering, chicken noodle casserole is an easy-to-make dish that’s always a hit.

Ingredients

• 2 cups of cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
• 12 oz of egg noodles (cooked and drained)
• 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz)
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 small onion (chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots
• ½ cup of chicken broth
• 1 tbsp of olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
• 1 tbsp of melted butter (for topping)

How to Make

1. Preheat the Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that the casserole will bake evenly and develop a nice golden crust.

2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot, bring water to a boil, and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, they will need about 7-8 minutes to become tender but firm. Once done, drain the noodles and set them aside.

3. Prepare the Chicken: If you haven’t already, cook and shred or cube the chicken. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or quickly sauté some chicken breasts in a pan with a bit of olive oil, salt, and pepper until fully cooked.

4. Sauté the Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until they become fragrant and slightly translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

5. Make the Casserole Base: In the same skillet, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Stir well until everything is well mixed and the sauce is creamy. Add in the peas and carrots, and stir again to ensure the vegetables are evenly distributed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Assemble the Casserole: In a large casserole dish, spread the cooked noodles evenly across the bottom. Pour the chicken and vegetable mixture over the noodles, spreading it evenly so that all the noodles are coated in the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top.

7. Prepare the Topping (Optional): If you’d like a crunchy topping, mix the crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the casserole. This step gives the casserole a delicious crispy finish.

8. Bake the Casserole: Place the assembled casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the topping is golden brown.

9. Serve: Once done, let the casserole cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This will help the layers settle, making it easier to scoop out servings.

Adjustments

• Swap out the frozen peas and carrots for fresh vegetables like broccoli or spinach for a more colorful dish.

Tips

• Use Leftovers: This recipe is perfect for using up leftover chicken from another meal, whether it’s baked, grilled, or even fried.
• Add More Vegetables: To boost the nutritional value, feel free to add more vegetables such as diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Cheese Options: For a twist, try using other cheeses like mozzarella, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack for different flavor profiles.
• Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day ahead of time and refrigerated. When ready to bake, simply take it out of the fridge and pop it into the oven—just add a few extra minutes of baking time.
• Topping Alternatives: If you don’t have crackers or breadcrumbs, you can use crushed potato chips or French fried onions for a crunchy topping.

How to Store

After serving, allow any leftover casserole to cool to room temperature. Transfer it to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place a portion of the casserole in the microwave or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid freezing this casserole, as the noodles may become mushy when thawed.

Conclusion

Chicken noodle casserole is the perfect meal for those who crave warmth, comfort, and simplicity. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and hearty noodles, this dish is a complete meal in one, offering rich flavors and textures that everyone will enjoy. Ideal for busy weeknights or family gatherings, this casserole brings deliciousness and comfort to your table.