Description
Hearty chicken noodle casserole delights dinner tables with comforting layers of creamy pasta and tender chicken. Rich, cheesy, and satisfying, this classic dish brings warmth to your evening meal and welcomes you to savor each delicious bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
- 1 cup frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 1 small onion, diced
Dairy and Soup Bases:
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
Noodles and Toppings:
- 8 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring optimal temperature for baking the casserole.
- Blend shredded chicken, cooked noodles, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk in a spacious mixing vessel, creating a creamy base for the dish.
- Gently fold in green peas and sharp cheddar cheese, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Transfer the entire mixture into a thoroughly greased rectangular baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Create a crispy topping by mixing breadcrumbs with melted butter until thoroughly combined and crumbly.
- Generously scatter the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the casserole surface, covering completely for a golden, crunchy finish.
- Slide the prepared casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a rich golden-brown top and bubbling edges.
- Remove from oven and allow to rest for 3-5 minutes, letting the ingredients settle and making the casserole easier to serve.
- Slice and plate the casserole while warm, ensuring each portion captures the creamy interior and crisp topping.
Notes
- Swap cream of chicken soup for a homemade version to reduce sodium and control ingredients for healthier eating.
- Toast breadcrumbs separately for extra crunch and golden color before sprinkling on top of casserole.
- Use rotisserie chicken for faster prep and deeper flavor profile without additional cooking time.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like gluten-free noodles and panko for those with wheat sensitivities.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 327 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 470 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 65 mg