Are you craving a dish that wraps you in warmth and nostalgia? Look no further than this irresistible Chicken Noodle Casserole that promises to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary comfort food experience! Imagine a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece packed with tender chicken, perfectly cooked noodles, and a medley of vegetables that will have your family racing to the dinner table. This isn't just a recipe – it's a culinary hug that combines simplicity, flavor, and pure comfort in every single bite!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken, uncooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, frozen mixed vegetables, and milk. Mix thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
- Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the mixture. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings and create a uniform flavor profile.
- Transfer the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, ensuring complete coverage.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to help retain moisture and prevent the cheese from burning.
- Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, until the noodles are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of baking to allow the cheese to develop a light golden color.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh chopped parsley if desired, and enjoy your comforting chicken noodle casserole.
Tips
- For maximum flavor, use leftover roasted or rotisserie chicken instead of plain boiled chicken. The additional depth of flavor will elevate your casserole.
- Don't overcook the noodles before baking – they'll continue to cook in the casserole and absorb the delicious sauce.
- For a crispy top, consider adding breadcrumbs or crushed crackers over the cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking.
- If you want to make this dish ahead of time, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add an extra 10 minutes to the cooking time.
- For a lighter version, substitute the cream of chicken soup with a homemade white sauce and use low-fat cheese.
- Always let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to allow the sauce to set and make serving easier.
- Feel free to customize your vegetables – frozen peas, carrots, or even diced bell peppers work wonderfully in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 85mg
