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Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe

Chicken and Noodles Casserole Recipe - Sweet Mama's Kitchen

Ah, the joy of a hearty chicken and noodles casserole! There’s something about the creamy texture mingled with tender chicken and soft egg noodles that strikes a chord. It's nostalgia on a plate; comfort at its finest. 
Growing up, my family made this dish during chilly winters. It warmed the house and our hearts. I remember the aroma wafting through the kitchen—each whiff promised warmth and satisfaction. Fast forward to today, and I find myself crafting this recipe for my own family. 
It's versatile, easy to prepare, and can feed a crowd or just a few.
Why does this dish resonate so much with me and many others? Well, let’s dive into why this chicken and noodles casserole is a standout.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 732
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz package of egg noodles, cooked and drained
  • 1 cup of mayonnaise
  • 1 cup of whole milk
  • 2 cans of condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cans of chunked chicken breast, drained or around 3 cups of cooked rotisserie chicken, chopped
  • 1 stick of salted butter, melted 1/2 cup
  • 1 1/2 cups of mixed frozen peas and carrots
  • 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 small onion, finely diced
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs

Method
 

Step 1: Cook the Noodles
  1. Begin with cooking the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. This step is crucial since it ensures that your noodles do not become mushy during baking.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
  1. Don’t forget this step! Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). A properly heated oven aids in even cooking of your casserole, ensuring it turns out perfectly every time.
Step 3: Prepare the Filling
  1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, mayonnaise, whole milk, cream of chicken soup, drained chicken, melted butter, peas, carrots, onions, garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Give it a good mix until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Transfer to a Baking Dish
  1. Pour the mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. You want to spread it out evenly to ensure thorough cooking.
Step 5: Cheese It Up
  1. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole. Do not hold back! In this dish, more cheese is always a good idea.
Step 6: Panko Crunch
  1. Finally, top your casserole with panko breadcrumbs. This will create a delightful, crunchy layer as it bakes.
Step 7: Bake
  1. Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges. The anticipation will be worth it.

Notes

  • For Extra Flavor: Add a splash of hot sauce for a hint of spice.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare this casserole a day in advance. Simply assemble it and store it in the fridge until you're ready to bake.
  • Customize: Use leftover Thanksgiving turkey instead of chicken for a fun twist.
  • Garnish: Fresh herbs, like parsley or chives, make a lovely finishing touch when serving.
  • Storage: Allow it to cool before storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.