Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole

Recipe Introduction: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole, Your New Best Mate

Ever have one of those days? you know, when everything just feels a bit…blah? honestly, that's when this creamy chicken noodle casserole is an absolute lifesaver.

It is truly the ultimate chicken noodle casserole !

This recipe ain't just food; it's a warm hug in a dish, and this specific recipe brings that to another level.

Where Does the Easy Chicken Casserole Recipes Come From?

Casseroles are a bit of americana, aren’t they? a staple for potlucks and family dinners. this classic chicken noodle casserole takes that tradition and gives it a little zhuzh.

Think midwestern comfort meets a touch of modern flavour. ready in under an hour, it's proper easy. it should serve about 6 people!

Main Benefits

This is a champion of the best comfort food casserole , no doubt. it's hearty, satisfying, and actually packs a decent amount of protein thanks to the chicken.

Perfect for a midweek meal or a chilled weekend with friends. what makes this recipe special is the creamy sauce.

It’s decadent without being too heavy. i personally think it's absolutely mint.

Okay, let's get down to brass tacks and talk about what you'll need to make this chicken egg noodle casserole a reality.

First things first, grab 2 tablespoons of butter – real butter, mind you! this is the foundation of the flavour.

Okay, let's dive into what you'll need for the ultimate chicken noodle casserole . this isn't just any casserole; we're talking proper best comfort food casserole material, you know? think hearty, creamy, and utterly satisfying.

I want you to feel like you are eating grandma's recipe but even better.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe Card

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Preparation time:20 Mins

Cooking time:35 Mins

Servings:6 servings

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (30g)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (approx. 1 cup)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 300g)
• 8 ounces egg noodles (about 225g), cooked and drained
• 1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom soup (305g)
• 1/2 cup chicken broth (120ml)
• 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml)
• 1/4 cup milk (60ml)
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup frozen peas (150g), thawed
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (100g)
• 1/2 cup crushed Ritz crackers (about 40g)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter (30g)

Instructions:

• Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth.
• Add the cooked chicken, egg noodles, thawed peas, and sautéed onion and garlic to the sauce mixture. Stir well to combine.
• Pour the chicken noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
• In a small bowl, combine the crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the cheese.
• Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly golden brown.
• Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:450 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:American

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Sorted

Main Ingredients: The Core of the Casserole

Right, so here’s what you'll need. It's pretty straightforward.

• Butter: 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) unsalted. This is for our flavour base.
• Onion: 1 medium yellow, finely chopped. About 1 cup, you know?
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Don't be shy with the garlic!
• Cooked Chicken: 2 cups (about 300g ), shredded or diced. Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver, honestly.
• Egg Noodles: 8 ounces (about 225g ), cooked and drained. Don’t overcook them!
• Cream of Mushroom Soup: 1 (10.75 ounce) can ( 305g ). Yes, the condensed stuff.
• Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). Adds that extra bit of chickeny goodness.
• Sour Cream: 1/2 cup ( 120ml ). The secret to creaminess. You know?
• Milk: 1/4 cup ( 60ml ). Just a splash!
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon . Essential!
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon . To taste.
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon . Also, to taste.
• Frozen Peas: 1 cup ( 150g ), thawed. A touch of green.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup ( 100g ). Because cheese makes everything better.
• Ritz Crackers (Optional): 1/2 cup (about 40g ), crushed. For that classic chicken noodle casserole with Ritz cracker topping .
• Melted Butter (Optional): 2 tablespoons ( 30g ). To bind the topping.

For the chicken, look for meat that's moist, not dry. if you're using leftover roast chicken, even better! the cooked egg noodles should be slightly underdone, because they will continue cooking in the oven.

Seasoning Notes: Flavour Town, Population: You

Thyme is key here. it’s that subtle something that makes this classic chicken noodle casserole sing. a little goes a long way.

If you're feeling adventurous, a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce is gorgeous. honestly, trust me on this.

Don’t have thyme? poultry seasoning is a decent sub. for a bit of a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Just a pinch ! we are trying to make the easy chicken casserole recipes after all.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

You don’t need a fancy kitchen for this. Just the basics.

• 9x13 inch baking dish. A must-have.
• Large skillet or pot. For the onion and garlic.
• Large mixing bowl. For mixing everything together.
• Measuring cups and spoons. Obvs.

Don’t have a 9x13 dish? a slightly smaller one will work. it might just take a bit longer to bake.

Honestly, don't stress it. now, lets get to cooking this creamy chicken noodle casserole !

This homemade chicken noodle casserole recipe makes a quick dinner or is perfect to bring to a chicken noodle casserole for potluck .

Alright, let's dive into making this creamy chicken noodle casserole . it's the ultimate comfort food, honestly! i grew up on casseroles, but this one's a game-changer.

It's easy, and everyone loves it – even the fussy eaters.

Cooking Method: From Prep to Plate Perfection

This classic chicken noodle casserole isn't just chucking ingredients together. We're talking flavour layering, you know? Trust me, it makes all the difference.

Prep Steps: Getting Your Ducks in a Row

Essential mise en place is your best friend here. chop your onion, mince the garlic. get that chicken shredded or diced.

Rotisserie chicken is a godsend, especially on busy weeknights. having everything prepped saves time and makes cooking stress-free. this homemade chicken noodle casserole recipe is easy.

I've learned the hard way – read the entire recipe before you start. this helps prevent those "oh my gosh, i forgot the thyme!" moments.

Safety-wise, watch those fingers when chopping, yeah? no one wants a casualty in their casserole.

Step-by-Step Process: Casserole Construction 101

Right then, here's how we build this masterpiece:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F ( 190° C) . It’s the magic number, innit?
2. Sauté your chopped onion and minced garlic in butter until soft. It’s about 5 minutes over medium heat. The smell alone is worth it.
3. In a big bowl, whisk together cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, milk, thyme, salt, and pepper.
4. Add cooked chicken, egg noodles, thawed peas, and the sautéed onion and garlic to the sauce. Mix well.
5. Pour into your baking dish.
6. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese. You can use a lot of cheese as you want!.
7. (Optional) Mix crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle on top. It brings a nice crunch to the chicken noodle casserole with Ritz cracker topping .
8. Bake for 25- 30 minutes , until bubbly and golden. Don't overbake it!

Pro Tips: Secrets to Casserole Success

Honestly, a lot of it comes down to these little things:

• Don't overcook the noodles! Slightly undercook them, because they will cook more in the oven.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning of the sauce before baking. This is crucial. Is the soul bland? add salt and pepper.
• If the topping browns too quickly, cover loosely with foil. No one likes a burnt topping!

A common mistake is using bland chicken. flavourful chicken is the key!. want to make it ahead? assemble the casserole but don't bake it.

Cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours . add about 10 minutes to the baking time when you're ready to cook it.

This chicken noodle casserole for potluck recipe can be assembled ahead for up to a day and store it properly in the fridge and ready to bake it!

This recipe is great if you're looking for easy chicken casserole recipes . it's quick, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. enjoy!.

This best comfort food casserole will sure bring a smile and warm your heart.

Recipe Notes for the Ultimate Chicken Noodle Casserole

Alright, so you're about to embark on making this creamy chicken noodle casserole . ace! before you dive headfirst, let's chat about a few extra bits and bobs that'll make your homemade chicken noodle casserole recipe even better.

Honestly, these are the little things that elevate it from 'meh' to 'omg, this is amazing!'

Serving Suggestions: Presenting Your Masterpiece

Right, so you’ve just pulled the ultimate chicken noodle casserole from the oven. Golden brown, bubbly, the works! Now what? Well, presentation matters, innit?

• Plating: I like to serve it straight from the baking dish (cosy vibes), but you could totally dish it up onto individual plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if you're feeling fancy.
• Sides: A simple green salad cuts through the richness perfectly. Think crisp lettuce, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette. Steamed green beans work wonders too.
• Drinks: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio is chef's kiss . If you’re not drinking, a sparkling elderflower cordial is equally lush.

Storage Tips: Keeping It Fresh

So, you’ve made this chicken egg noodle casserole , and by some miracle, there are leftovers. Don't let them go to waste!

• Refrigeration: Pop the cooled casserole into an airtight container. It'll keep happily in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Yep, you can freeze it! Wrap it well in foil and then place it in a freezer bag. It's good for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Oven's best for this one. Preheat to 350° F ( 175° C), cover with foil, and bake for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can microwave it if you're in a rush, but it might lose some of its lovely texture.

Variations: Make It Your Own

Fancy getting a bit creative? Here are a few ways to tweak this classic chicken noodle casserole .

• Dietary Adaptations: Swap out the regular egg noodles for gluten-free ones if you're avoiding gluten. Easy peasy!
• Seasonal Swaps: In the autumn, chuck in some roasted butternut squash for a bit of sweetness. In summer, try adding some fresh sweetcorn.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite

Okay, I'm not a nutritionist, but here's a simplified look at what you're getting in each serving of best comfort food casserole :

• It's got a decent amount of protein (about 25g) from the chicken, which is great for muscles and keeping you feeling full.
• There's about 25g of fat per serving, which gives it that lovely richness and flavour.
• Carbs come in at around 35g.
• Don’t panic about the sodium, it’s around 800mg which is not too bad.

Remember, this is just an estimate. It'll vary depending on your exact ingredients and portion sizes.

So, there you have it! your chicken noodle casserole for potluck is gonna be a smash hit, i promise. don't be afraid to experiment and make it your own.

Honestly, cooking should be fun! get stuck in and enjoy! you got this!