Chicken Noodle Casserole

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Chicken Noodle Casserole

Introduction

Chicken Noodle Casserole is a timeless comfort food that combines tender chicken, hearty noodles, and vegetables, all baked in a creamy sauce with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. Perfect for busy weeknights or a family gathering, this dish satisfies cravings and brings everyone together around the dinner table.

Ingredients

For the Casserole:

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 3 cups cooked egg noodles
  • 1 ½ cups frozen peas (thawed)
  • 1 medium onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Topping:

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Preparation:

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  3. If not using leftover chicken, cook chicken until tender, then shred or cube.

Making the Filling:

  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix until smooth.
  2. Stir in the cooked chicken, noodles, peas, diced onion, garlic, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well to coat everything in the creamy sauce.

Assembling the Casserole:

  1. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared casserole dish.
  2. In a separate bowl, combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Baking:

  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
  2. Let cool for 5–10 minutes before serving.

Methods

  • Layering for Flavor: Mixing the creamy base with the chicken and noodles ensures every bite is packed with flavor. The breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch.
  • Customizing Ingredients: Swap peas for green beans, carrots, or corn to suit your preference. You can also use rotisserie chicken for added convenience.
  • Achieving the Perfect Crust: Broil the casserole for the last 2–3 minutes for an extra crispy topping.

1. Cooking the Ingredients:

  • Chicken Preparation: Use pre-cooked shredded chicken for convenience, or roast/bake chicken breasts seasoned with salt, pepper, and olive oil until tender. Shredding the chicken ensures even distribution throughout the casserole.
  • Noodles: Cook egg noodles al dente, as they will continue to cook in the casserole while baking. This prevents the noodles from becoming overly soft or mushy.
  • Vegetables: Use frozen peas, as they require no prep and blend perfectly into the creamy base. Thaw them ahead of time for even cooking.

2. Mixing the Filling:

  • In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Ensure the mixture is smooth for a uniform coating of the casserole ingredients.
  • Add the chicken, cooked noodles, peas, onion, and shredded cheese to the creamy base. Toss gently to avoid breaking the noodles but ensure everything is well-coated.

3. Creating the Topping:

  • Combine breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. This topping provides a crunchy, golden-brown crust.
  • Panko breadcrumbs are preferred for their light, crispy texture, but regular breadcrumbs also work well.

4. Assembling the Casserole:

  • Grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking. Spread the noodle mixture evenly in the dish to ensure every portion gets an equal mix of ingredients.
  • Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb topping over the filling, covering the entire surface for a perfect crust.

5. Baking to Perfection:

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • Bake the casserole uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the filling is bubbly.
  • For an extra crispy crust, broil the casserole for 2–3 minutes at the end of the baking time. Watch closely to avoid burning the topping.

6. Serving and Storing:

  • Let the casserole cool for 5–10 minutes before serving. This allows the filling to set and makes it easier to portion.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through.

These methods ensure a flavorful and perfectly textured Chicken Noodle Casserole that everyone will love

History

The concept of casseroles dates back to early European culinary traditions, where a single dish meal combined starches, proteins, and vegetables. Chicken noodle casserole, as we know it, became popular in mid-20th-century America as an easy-to-make, family-friendly meal, especially when canned soups became household staples

The origin of casseroles as a dish can be traced back to ancient times when people cooked a combination of ingredients in a single pot for simplicity and sustenance. The term “casserole” itself comes from the French word for a large saucepan, “casse,” which highlights its roots as a one-dish meal.

Chicken Noodle Casserole gained prominence in the mid-20th century in the United States, during a time when convenience became a hallmark of American home cooking. The widespread availability of canned soups, particularly cream-based ones like cream of chicken or mushroom, revolutionized casserole recipes, simplifying meal preparation. These canned soups acted as a quick and flavorful binder for many casserole dishes.

During the post-World War II era, this dish became a household favorite for its affordability and adaptability. Leftover chicken from a Sunday roast, combined with pantry staples like noodles, vegetables, and canned soup, made it a thrifty and filling option. The introduction of frozen vegetables in the 1950s further added to its convenience, allowing homemakers to incorporate nutritious ingredients without additional prep time.

Over time, Chicken Noodle Casserole evolved from being purely practical to a beloved comfort food. It became a staple at potlucks, church dinners, and family gatherings, symbolizing warmth and togetherness. The golden breadcrumb topping, added for texture and visual appeal, turned this dish into a classic that has stood the test of time.

Today, Chicken Noodle Casserole remains a symbol of nostalgic, hearty cooking and continues to be a versatile meal that bridges tradition with modern tastes.

Benefits

  1. Nutritional Value: This dish provides protein from the chicken, carbohydrates from the noodles, and essential vitamins from the peas.
  2. Ease of Preparation: A straightforward, one-dish meal that minimizes cleanup.
  3. Versatility: Perfect for meal prep, freezing, or customizing with leftover ingredients.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 380
  • Protein: 24g
  • Carbohydrates: 28g
  • Fat: 18g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sodium: 620mg

Conclusion

Chicken Noodle Casserole is the epitome of comfort food. Its creamy, cheesy, and crunchy layers make it irresistible to kids and adults alike. Whether you’re looking for a hearty dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish, this casserole checks all the boxes.

Lovers of Chicken Noodle Casserole

Families, potluck enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a nostalgic, cozy meal will love this dish. It’s especially adored for its flexibility and ability to feed a crowd with ease.

Let me know if you’d like to tweak the recipe

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