Easy Chicken Casserole with Noodles - Delicious Comfort Food

There's nothing quite like a warm, comforting chicken casserole with noodles to bring family and friends together. This crowd-pleasing one-pot meal is not only delicious and hearty but also easy to make. Whether you're a home cook, a busy parent, or a cooking enthusiast, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create this classic dish.

Ingredients

Fresh Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great)
• 2 cups egg noodles
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
• 1 cup carrots, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Items:

• 1 can (10.5 oz) condensed cream of mushroom soup (Campbell’s recommended)
• 1 cup chicken broth (Swanson recommended)
• 1 cup sour cream (Daisy recommended)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)

Preparation

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Cook and Shred: If you're using raw chicken breasts, cook them in boiling water for 15-20 minutes or until no longer pink inside. Let the chicken cool, then shred it using two forks.
2. Shortcut: Rotisserie chicken is a great time-saving alternative. Simply shred the pre-cooked chicken.

Step 2: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil: Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat with a tablespoon of oil.
2. Add the onion, carrots, and broccoli: Cook for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften.
3. Add minced garlic: Cook for an additional minute.

Assembly

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix Wet Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the condensed cream of mushroom soup, chicken broth, sour cream, shredded chicken, and sautéed vegetables.
2. Season: Add salt, pepper, dried thyme, and paprika to the mixture.
3. Fold in Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked egg noodles until well combined.

Step 5: Layer the Casserole

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Layer: Spread the mixture evenly in a 9x13-inch baking dish.
3. Top: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. If desired, add breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.

Baking

Step 6: Bake the Casserole

1. Bake: Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
2. Golden Top: For a crispier top, turn on the broiler for the last 2-3 minutes of baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Serving

Step 7: Serve the Casserole

1. Portion: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. This makes it easier to cut and serve.
2. Side Dishes: Pair the casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
3. Garnishes: Top with fresh parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Storage and Reheating

Step 8: Store Leftovers

1. Refrigerate: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
2. Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole for up to 2 months.

Step 9: Reheat

1. Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
2. Microwave: For quicker reheating, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Conclusion

There you have it—a delicious and easy-to-make chicken casserole with noodles that’s perfect for any occasion. We hope you enjoy making (and eating) this comforting dish as much as we do! If you found this guide helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!