Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. This creamy casserole combines tender chicken, egg noodles, and vegetables topped with a crispy cheesy breadcrumb crust. It’s a satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dry egg noodles (about 8 oz)
- 2 cups cooked chicken (diced)
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas or veggie medley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain them well.
- Step 2: In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, diced chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen peas or veggie medley, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter until well combined.
- Step 4: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Step 5: Bake the casserole for 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. If desired, broil for 1 minute to brown the topping.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut and extra flavor.
- Try swapping peas with other veggies such as broccoli or carrots for variety.
- For extra creaminess, add a dollop of sour cream or cream cheese to the mixture before baking.
- Substitute cheddar with mozzarella or a cheese blend for a different taste.
- Gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs can be used to make this dish gluten-free.
Storage
Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions. Adding a splash of milk before reheating can help retain creaminess.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely! Fresh peas or other vegetables can be used. Just blanch or cook them briefly before adding to the casserole to ensure they’re tender after baking.
PrintChicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender egg noodles, diced cooked chicken, creamy soup, and vibrant vegetables baked to perfection under a cheesy breadcrumb topping. A quick and easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups dry egg noodles (about 8 oz)
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced
- 10.5 oz condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup frozen peas or veggie medley
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tbsp breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat and cook noodles: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente, then drain them well to avoid excess moisture in the casserole.
- Combine casserole ingredients: In a 2-quart baking dish, combine the cooked noodles, diced chicken, condensed cream of chicken soup, milk, frozen peas or vegetable medley, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Prepare topping: In a small bowl, mix together shredded cheddar cheese, breadcrumbs, and melted butter until well combined. This will create a crispy, golden crust when baked.
- Assemble casserole: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture evenly over the top of the combined casserole ingredients in the dish.
- Bake and broil: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the casserole is hot and bubbling. For a nicely browned topping, optionally broil for an additional 1 minute, watching closely to prevent burning. Remove from oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Feel free to substitute the frozen peas with other vegetables such as carrots or corn.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and breadcrumbs.
- To add flavor, consider sprinkling some paprika or garlic powder into the casserole mixture.
- Broiling the topping is optional but adds a nice golden crunch.
Keywords: Chicken noodle casserole, easy casserole, baked chicken noodles, creamy chicken casserole, family dinner recipe
