Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole (Print version)
Creamy casserole with tender chicken, egg noodles, vegetables, and a buttery crumble topping. Family-friendly comfort food.
# What you'll need:
→ Casserole Base
01 - 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
02 - 12 ounces egg noodles
03 - 1 cup frozen peas
04 - 1 cup frozen carrots
05 - 1 small onion, finely chopped
06 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 can (10.5 ounces) condensed cream of chicken soup
08 - 1 cup sour cream
09 - 1 cup whole milk
10 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
11 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
12 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
13 - 1 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
→ Crumble Topping
15 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
16 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
17 - 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
18 - 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional
# How to make it:
01 - Preheat oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish with butter or cooking spray.
02 - Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
04 - Add frozen peas and carrots to the skillet. Cook for an additional 3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, shredded chicken, sautéed vegetable mixture, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, cheddar cheese, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Stir until evenly combined.
06 - Spread the noodle and chicken mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch casserole dish.
07 - In a separate bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and fresh parsley. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
08 - Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the casserole surface, covering completely.
09 - Bake for 30-35 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
10 - Remove from oven and allow casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
# Expert suggestions:
01 -
- The contrast between the creamy, savory filling and the crispy, buttery topping creates a texture experience that makes you close your eyes with each bite.
- Its the kind of dish that transforms leftover chicken into something everyone crowds around the table for, no phones in sight.
02 -
- Slightly undercooking the noodles prevents them from turning mushy during baking, a mistake I made the first three times I tried this recipe.
- Letting the casserole rest for those five full minutes after baking allows the sauce to thicken to the perfect consistency, otherwise youll end up with a delicious but very runny dinner.
03 -
- If your topping isnt browning as much as youd like, switch the oven to broil for the final 2 minutes, but stand guard with the oven door cracked open so it doesnt burn.
- Stirring a tablespoon of Dijon mustard into the creamy mixture adds a subtle depth most people cant identify but everyone appreciates.