Casserole loves you ❤️ ...
Chicken casserole with noodles
Chicken + noodles = weeknight heroes unite!
🥕 Ingredients
📋 Complete List
💡 Click on items to check them off
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced into bite-sized pieces
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions until just al dente
- 2 cups cream of chicken soup, homemade or canned
- 1 cup sour cream, for creamy texture and tangy flavor
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed and drained of excess moisture
- 1 cup shredded carrots, for subtle sweetness and added nutrition
- 1/2 cup diced onion, sauted until translucent for depth of flavor
- 2 cloves garlic, minced for a pungent aromatic base
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme, for earthy undertones
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika, for a hint of smokiness and color
- Salt and pepper to taste, for seasoning balance
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, for a cheesy crust on top
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs, mixed with melted butter for a crispy topping
📝 Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375F and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray or butter
In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, thawed peas, shredded carrots, sauted onion, minced garlic, dried thyme, paprika, and a generous pinch of salt and pepper
Mix the ingredients until they are evenly distributed, ensuring that every bite will have a balance of flavors and textures
Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and smooth the top with a spatula
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the casserole, followed by the panko breadcrumbs tossed in melted butter for a golden, crunchy topping
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown
💡 Chef's Tips
For best results, slightly undercook the noodles as they will continue to absorb liquid and soften in the oven
Let the casserole sit for 10 minutes after baking to allow the layers to set, making it easier to serve
Using a glass baking dish can help you monitor the browning of the bottom of the casserole
📊 Nutrition Facts
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds fantastic flavor to the casserole.
Use gluten-free noodles and substitute the cream of chicken soup with a gluten-free alternative.
Yes, cooking the noodles beforehand ensures they will be tender by the time the casserole is done baking.
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
Yes, allow the casserole to cool completely before wrapping and freezing for up to 2 months.
Certainly! Using low-fat sour cream and cheese, along with reduced-sodium soup, can lighten the recipe.