Delight in the cozy, comforting flavors of “Comfort Classic: Chicken Noodle Casserole.” This beloved dish combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a satisfying meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Simple to prepare and wonderfully indulgent, this casserole is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
Why You’ll Love Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Hearty and Satisfying: A complete meal with chicken, noodles, and vegetables in one dish.
- Creamy and Cheesy: Rich and comforting with a deliciously creamy sauce.
- Easy to Prepare: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this casserole a breeze to put together.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
Ingredients Notes For Chicken Noodle Casserole:
- Chicken: Use cooked, shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Egg Noodles: Wide egg noodles work best, but any pasta can be substituted.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor to the sauce.
- Milk: Helps to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese for a rich, cheesy flavor.
- Vegetables: Frozen peas and carrots add color and nutrition.
- Seasonings: Garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
- Topping: Crushed crackers or breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat and Prepare:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the Noodles:
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook 12 ounces of egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix until well combined.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Add the cooked noodles, 3 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, and 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots to the bowl with the sauce. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 cup of crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with 1/4 cup of melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Serve:
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.
- Freeze: Freeze the unbaked casserole for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
INGREDIENTS
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
- 4 cups egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
INSTRUCTIONS
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce:
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir until well mixed.
- Combine Ingredients:
- Add the cooked chicken, cooked noodles, peas and carrots, Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to the sauce mixture. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
- Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers or bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
- Serve:
- Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, before serving.