Description
Hearty chicken noodle casserole blends comforting pasta with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Simple ingredients create a classic midwest dinner that satisfies hunger and warms souls completely.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Noodles and Cheese:
- 4 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces/298 grams) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (optional):
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350F (175C) to ensure proper cooking temperature.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, thoroughly blend shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, creamy chicken soup, tangy sour cream, smooth milk, and rich cheese until ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Enhance flavor profile by carefully seasoning the mixture with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and gently transfer the combined mixture, spreading evenly across the surface.
- For an optional crispy topping, melt butter in a small skillet and thoroughly combine with breadcrumbs to create a golden, crunchy layer.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture uniformly over the casserole surface, ensuring complete coverage.
- Place the prepared dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and attractive golden-brown coloration.
- Once cooked, carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes, enabling the ingredients to settle and cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Swap traditional egg noodles with gluten-free or whole wheat noodles for dietary alternatives without compromising the casserole’s creamy texture.
- Boost protein content by adding extra shredded chicken or rotisserie meat for a more substantial meal.
- Create a lighter version by using low-fat cream of chicken soup, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
- Enhance flavor complexity by incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley into the breadcrumb topping for an elevated taste profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 620 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg