Description
A comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Bake featuring tender cooked chicken, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for family dinners and serves 6.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
Vegetables
- 1 cup peas and carrots, mixed (can be frozen or fresh)
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cheese
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 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. This will be the base of the casserole.
- 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, diced onion, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper to taste to create a flavorful, creamy sauce.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the prepared soup mixture over the chicken and noodle mixture. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly coated and combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Spread the combined mixture evenly into the greased baking dish, ensuring a level surface for even baking.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheeses evenly over the top of the casserole. Dot small pieces of butter across the surface to promote browning and add richness.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden brown around the edges.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- You can substitute mixed frozen vegetables with fresh if available; just ensure they’re cooked or softened beforehand.
- For extra flavor, consider adding herbs such as thyme or parsley to the sauce.
- Use low-fat sour cream and milk for a lighter version of this bake.
- The paprika is optional but adds a subtle smoky depth to the dish.
- This dish can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add additional baking time if baking from cold.
