Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Bake combining tender cooked chicken, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden, bubbly perfection. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this casserole is easy to make and packed with flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup peas and carrots, mixed (can be frozen or fresh)
Cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce and Seasoning
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Other
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, finely diced onion, and paprika if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the creamy soup mixture over the chicken and noodle mixture. Stir carefully until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spoon the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Dot the surface with small pieces of unsalted butter to encourage browning and add extra richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges are golden brown.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the bake from the oven and allow it to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. This resting time helps the casserole set and improves flavor melding.
Notes
- You can substitute the peas and carrots with other vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or corn as preferred.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and sour cream, and low-fat milk.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Adding some fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can brighten the flavor.
- Ensure the noodles are not overcooked before baking to prevent them from becoming mushy.
