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- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 8 oz egg noodles - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (carrots, peas, corn) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs You need these main ingredients to create a tasty chicken noodle casserole. Each item adds flavor and texture. The shredded chicken serves as the protein, while egg noodles bring heartiness. The cream of mushroom soup adds a nice creaminess. Mixed vegetables give color and nutrients, and cheese makes it gooey and delightful. - Fresh herbs (like parsley or thyme) - Additional veggies (such as broccoli or bell peppers) - Different cheese types (like mozzarella or gouda) - Spices (like garlic powder or onion powder) You can swap in optional ingredients to suit your taste. Fresh herbs can brighten the dish. Using different vegetables can add a new twist. Changing cheese types changes the flavor profile. You can even add extra spices for a kick. - Large pot for boiling noodles - Large skillet for sautéing - Mixing bowl for combining ingredients - 9x13 inch casserole dish - Oven for baking Gather these cooking essentials before you start. A large pot helps cook the noodles. A skillet is great for softening onions and garlic. A mixing bowl is needed for combining everything. Finally, use a casserole dish for baking the meal. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by gathering all your ingredients. You need: - 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded - 8 oz egg noodles - 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of carrots, peas, and corn) - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese - 1/2 cup sour cream - 1 small onion, finely diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup breadcrumbs Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key to getting a nice, golden top. Next, boil a pot of salted water. Add the egg noodles and cook them according to the package directions. Aim for al dente, as they will cook more in the oven. Once done, drain the noodles well and set them aside. In a large skillet, heat a splash of oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and smell great. In a big mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen veggies, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, dried thyme, and paprika. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Transfer this mixture into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, covering it well. Then, in a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil for extra crunch. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese. Now it’s time to bake! Place the casserole in your preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes. Look for a golden brown top and bubbly edges. Once it’s done, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the casserole firm up a bit. Enjoy your warm, hearty chicken noodle casserole! For a creamy casserole, mix well. The key is to use the right amount of sauce. I blend the cream of mushroom soup and chicken broth. This mix keeps the dish moist but not watery. You want your noodles to soak up some sauce without drowning. Using al dente noodles helps them hold their shape and texture in the oven. Seasoning makes all the difference. I love using thyme and paprika for warmth. They bring out the chicken's taste and add depth. Don't forget salt and pepper to balance flavors. For an extra kick, try adding a dash of garlic powder or a hint of cayenne. Fresh herbs can also elevate the dish. A sprinkle of parsley before serving adds freshness. Achieving a golden top is easy with a few tricks. First, use shredded cheese evenly across the top. Then, mix breadcrumbs with a bit of oil for crunch. This combo gives a nice texture contrast. Bake at 350°F until golden brown. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. If the top browns too fast, cover it with foil for the last few minutes. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker preparation, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It saves time and adds a delicious flavor. Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the frozen mixed vegetables for your favorites like broccoli, green beans, or bell peppers for a personalized touch. Make It Ahead: This casserole can be assembled a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold. Cheese Variations: Experiment with different types of cheese such as mozzarella or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Mixing cheeses can also enhance the dish. {{image_4}} You can make this casserole healthier with a few swaps. Use whole wheat egg noodles instead of regular. They add fiber and nutrients. You can also replace cream of mushroom soup with a low-fat version or make your own. Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a protein boost. Adding more veggies can also help. Try spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra color and taste. To make a vegetarian casserole, skip the chicken and use plant-based protein. You can use chickpeas or tofu for added texture and protein. For the soup, choose a vegetable cream soup or a homemade blend of vegetable broth and cashews. Use almond milk or soy yogurt as a sour cream alternative. This way, you can enjoy a hearty meal without meat. Cheese can really change the taste of your casserole. While cheddar is classic, try mozzarella for a milder flavor. Parmesan adds a nice salty kick. For a tangy touch, use goat cheese. Mixing different cheeses can also create a unique flavor. Just remember to keep the total amount of cheese the same for best results. To store leftover chicken noodle casserole, let it cool first. Then, place it in an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. When you want to eat it again, just take it out and enjoy! For the best taste when reheating, use your oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the casserole in a baking dish and cover it with foil. Heat for about 20-25 minutes. This keeps it moist and warm. You can also use a microwave. Heat individual portions for 1-2 minutes. Stir in between to heat evenly. You can freeze chicken noodle casserole, too! First, let it cool completely. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Label it with the date. You can freeze it for up to three months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge, then reheat as explained above. This saves time for busy nights! Yes, you can use fresh vegetables. They add great flavor and color. Just chop them into small pieces. You can use carrots, peas, and corn, or any of your favorites. Cook them lightly before adding to the mix. This keeps them tender and tasty in your casserole. Making this dish ahead is easy. Prepare the casserole as usual but skip the baking step. Cover the dish and store it in the fridge. You can keep it for up to two days. When ready, just bake it straight from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. A fresh salad is a great side. You can also serve steamed broccoli or green beans. These add crunch and a nice color to your meal. For a heartier option, garlic bread works well too. The warm bread complements the creamy casserole. Absolutely! You can swap egg noodles for other pasta types. Penne or rotini are great choices. Just remember to adjust the cooking time. Cook them until they are al dente, so they hold up well in the casserole. This keeps the texture delightful and enjoyable. You learned about making a tasty Chicken Noodle Casserole. We covered the main ingredients and how to customize your dish. I shared steps to prep, cook, and bake your casserole perfectly. You also found tips to improve flavor and texture. Plus, we explored healthy options and storage methods. Enjoying this comforting meal can be fun and creative. Now, you can make it your way! Happy cooking!

Cozy Chicken Noodle Casserole

A comforting casserole filled with chicken, noodles, and vegetables, topped with cheese and breadcrumbs.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz egg noodles
  • 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables (a blend of carrots, peas, and corn)
  • 1 can cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 0.5 cup sour cream
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.5 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions
 

  • Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Meanwhile, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until they are just al dente; don’t forget to drain them well and set aside.
  • In a large skillet over medium heat, add a splash of cooking oil and sauté the diced onion and minced garlic for about 3-4 minutes, or until they are softened and fragrant.
  • In a spacious mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked noodles, frozen mixed vegetables, cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, dried thyme, paprika, and season generously with salt and pepper. Stir the mixture thoroughly until all ingredients are well-blended.
  • Transfer this hearty filling into a greased 9x13 inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Generously sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire top of the casserole, ensuring an even coverage.
  • In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a drizzle of olive oil—this provides extra crunch. Then, sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheddar cheese layer.
  • Bake the casserole in your preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until it is golden brown on top and bubbly around the edges.
  • Once baked, allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes so it firms up slightly before serving.

Notes

For an appealing presentation, serve the casserole hot directly from the dish, garnished with fresh chopped parsley.
Keyword casserole, chicken, comfort food, noodles