Description
Hearty chicken noodle casserole delivers comfort with creamy pasta and tender chicken nestled under a golden, crispy topping. Savory layers blend perfectly, promising a satisfying meal that warms hearts and brings families together around the dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 cups cooked chicken (shredded or cubed)
Noodles and Dairy:
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 0.5 cup milk
Seasonings and Sauce:
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping (Optional):
- 0.5 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350F (175C) to create an ideal baking environment for the casserole.
- Blend the pre-cooked chicken, tender egg noodles, creamy condensed soup, tangy sour cream, and smooth milk in a spacious mixing bowl, ensuring thorough incorporation of ingredients.
- Enhance the mixture’s flavor profile with aromatic garlic powder, zesty onion powder, and balanced seasoning of salt and pepper.
- Generously coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- Carefully transfer the seasoned mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly to create a uniform layer.
- Artfully scatter the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a golden, melty surface.
- For added crunch, melt butter in a small skillet and toss with crispy breadcrumbs until fully coated.
- Delicately sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture over the casserole, providing a textural contrast.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and rich golden-brown coloration.
- Remove from oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5-10 minutes, enabling flavors to settle and making serving easier.
Notes
- Customize breadcrumb topping by using gluten-free panko or crushed crackers for those with gluten sensitivities.
- Create a lighter version by substituting low-fat cream of chicken soup and reduced-fat cheese to cut down on calories.
- Enhance protein content by adding extra shredded rotisserie chicken or mixing in diced cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
- Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 329 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 511 mg
- Fat: 17 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg