Easy Chicken Casserole Recipe
This easy Chicken Casserole recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any night of the week. Packed with flavors from tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheese, it's a crowd-pleaser that's both satisfying and simple to make. Perfect for meal prep!
Ingredients
- 3 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups shredded chicken
- 1 can chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese
- salt and pepper
- ½ cup crumbled bacon
- ¼ cup fried shallots
- 2 tablespoons green onions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 355°F/180ºC.
- Bring a pot of salted water to boil and boil the noodles 2-3 minutes short of the time indicated in the package. Reserve.3 cups egg noodles
- In a large bowl, combine the noodles, shredded chicken, chicken soup, 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ cups of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.2 cups shredded chicken, 1 can chicken soup, 1 cup milk, 2 cups cheddar cheese, salt and pepper
- Grease a baking pan and transfer the mixture. Top with the rest of the cheese.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly.
- Top with the crumbled bacon, shallots and green onions.½ cup crumbled bacon, ¼ cup fried shallots, 2 tablespoons green onions
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and flavorful shortcut.
- Other Proteins: While chicken is a staple in this recipe, turkey, ham, or even a plant-based protein can be great substitutes.
- Cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like parmesan cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella for varied flavors and textures.
- Soup: Replace the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup if desired.
- Add a Crunch: For an extra crunch, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers or breadcrumbs on top before baking.
- Spice It Up: A dash of garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper can significantly enhance the flavor.
- Creamier Sauce: Mix in a bit of sour cream with the chicken mixture.
- Make it Lighter: Try using whole wheat noodles, low-fat cheese, and a homemade low-sodium chicken soup.
- Veggie Boost: Sneak in some veggies like broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, peppers, or even peas for added nutrition and flavor.
- Leftovers Renewed: This recipe is great for using up leftovers – try leftover chicken thighs, rice, or potatoes.
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the fridge. Just bake it when you're ready to eat. It's a great time-saver!
- Picky Eaters: Try topping the casserole with something they love, like crushed potato chips or their favorite cheese. It's a great way to get picky eaters interested in trying new foods!
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator Storage: Cool to room temperature and then store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They'll keep well for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This casserole freezes beautifully. Just wrap it tightly with foil or store in a freezer-safe container. It'll last for a couple of months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.
- Reheating Tips: You can reheat the casserole in the microwave or oven. If it seems a bit dry, just add a splash of chicken broth or milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Avoid Soggy Toppings: If you're planning to freeze the casserole, add the crunchy toppings (like crumbled bacon or fried shallots) only when you're about to serve it after reheating. This keeps the texture perfect!
Nutrition
Calories: 370kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 29gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0.01gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 586mgPotassium: 282mgFiber: 1gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 495IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 334mgIron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!