Introduction
Today, we’re whisking up a cozy, comforting meal perfect for any day of the week: Chicken Noodle Casserole. This dish is a hearty blend of tender noodles, creamy sauce, vegetables, and chicken, all baked to golden perfection.
Why Make This Recipe
Chicken Noodle Casserole is a fantastic choice when you need a filling meal that the whole family will enjoy. It’s easy to make, requiring simple ingredients and straightforward steps. Plus, it’s great for using up leftover chicken!
How to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces egg noodles
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 10.75 ounces cream of celery soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 12 ounces frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
- 2 teaspoons spicy brown mustard
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon cracked pepper
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Toss in the egg noodles and cook them as the package directs. Once done, drain and transfer them to a big mixing bowl.
- While your noodles bubble away, chop up the onion and garlic.
- Melt the butter in a small skillet over medium heat. Sauté the onion until it’s soft, which should take about 5-10 minutes. Add the garlic and let it cook for another minute.
- Take the onion and garlic off the heat and add them to your bowl of noodles. Now, toss in the cooked chicken, cream of celery soup, sour cream, peas and carrots, mustard, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until it’s nicely mixed.
- Scoop the mixture into a 9×13 baking dish and pop it into the oven. Bake for about 15 minutes or until everything is bubbly and heated through.
How to Serve Chicken Noodle Casserole
Scoop out hearty portions of this warm casserole onto plates and enjoy as is, or pair it with a crisp salad and some crusty bread to round out the meal. It’s delicious fresh from the oven but can also be served cooled.
How to Store Chicken Noodle Casserole
Cool any leftovers to room temperature before covering them or transferring to an airtight container. You can refrigerate this casserole for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Tips to Make Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Ensure your pasta is not overcooked in the boiling stage, as it continues to cook in the oven.
- For a less creamy casserole, reduce the sour cream to 1/2 cup.
- You can add a breadcrumb or cheese topping for extra flavor, adding it before baking the casserole.
Variation (If Any)
Add different veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, or bell peppers for a twist, or use a different type of soup such as mushroom or chicken soup to change the base flavor.
FAQs
Can I use any type of noodles?
Yes, while egg noodles are traditional, you can use any pasta like rotini or penne.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the casserole, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is there a dairy-free alternative?
Yes, use a dairy-free sour cream alternative and a cream of celery soup that is dairy-free to make this casserole dairy-free.
Chicken Noodle Casserole is the epitome of homemade comfort food, easy enough for weekday dinners and loved by all family members. Give it a try tonight!