Introduction
Embrace the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly satisfying chicken casserole! It’s a beloved family classic, bringing together tender chicken, creamy sauce, hearty noodles, and a delightful crunchy topping. Forget bland, old-fashioned dishes; this recipe elevates a simple weeknight dinner into something truly special, yet remains wonderfully easy to prepare. You’ll love making these homemade chicken casserole recipes from scratch.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Casserole
- It’s incredibly easy to prepare, making it ideal for busy weeknights when time is short.
- This dish offers the ultimate comfort food experience, hearty and deeply satisfying for everyone.
- You can customize it effortlessly with various ingredients to suit your family’s taste.
- It’s perfect for feeding a crowd or for convenient meal prepping throughout the week.
- The homemade sauce delivers a delicious flavor profile that beats any canned alternative.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create one of the best creamy chicken casserole recipes your family will enjoy. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of delicious flavor and texture.
- Nonstick spray
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken, breasts or thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt, divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, divided
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms, sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces sour cream
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to adapt this chicken casserole to your pantry! For the chicken, use shredded rotisserie or any leftover cooked chicken. If you don’t have egg noodles, any short pasta, white rice, or even potato chunks work wonderfully. To save time, you can swap the homemade sauce for a can of cream of chicken soup. Omit mushrooms if preferred, or add other diced vegetables like bell peppers. Substitute sour cream with cream cheese or Greek yogurt for a similar creamy texture. For the topping, crushed breadcrumbs, potato chips, or fried onions offer a great crunch. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese, peas, or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
Equipment
Making this delightful chicken casserole is simple with just a few basic kitchen tools. You will need a standard 9×13-inch casserole dish for baking. A large skillet is essential for browning the chicken and making the creamy sauce. A large pot will handle cooking the egg noodles perfectly. Finally, a whisk helps create a smooth sauce, and a rolling pin is optional for crushing crackers.
Instructions: Making Your Favorite Creamy Chicken Casserole
Follow these step-by-step instructions to create a delicious and comforting chicken casserole that your family will love. This recipe ensures a creamy texture and a satisfying crunch with every bite.
Prep Oven & Dish: First, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or grease it with butter. This prevents sticking and ensures easy serving.
Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the egg noodles and cook them for two minutes less than the package directions suggest. They will finish cooking right in the casserole. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set them aside.
Brown Chicken: Season the cubed chicken pieces with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Sauté the chicken, turning to brown all sides, until lightly golden brown and no more pink color is visible, about 5 to 7 minutes. It will finish cooking fully inside the casserole. Remove the chicken from the pan to a plate and set it aside.
Cook Mushrooms: Use the same skillet and add another 1 tablespoon of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the sliced mushrooms and sauté them until they are tender, browned, and most of their juices have cooked away, approximately 4 to 5 minutes. Season the mushrooms with 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, then set them aside with the chicken.
Make Sauce: Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and 1 tablespoon of oil to the pan. Whisk in the flour and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture turns a light tan and smells slightly nutty, about 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth, then the milk, until the mixture just begins to thicken. Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the remaining 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, 1/4 teaspoon of pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder. Simmer the sauce, whisking occasionally, until it has thickened to your desired consistency, about 8 more minutes.
Assemble Casserole: Add the cooked noodles, browned chicken, and sautéed mushrooms to the pan with the creamy soup. Stir in the sour cream until everything is well combined. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Pour this delicious mixture into your prepared 9×13-inch baking dish.
Prepare & Add Topping: To make the crunchy topping, place the Ritz crackers in a zip-top bag. Use your hands or a rolling pin to crush them into coarse breadcrumbs. In a small bowl, combine the crushed crackers with the melted butter. Sprinkle this buttery cracker mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
Bake Casserole: Place the casserole in the preheated oven. Bake for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly around the edges. This baking time allows all the flavors to meld beautifully.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve the perfect creamy chicken casserole every time with these helpful tips.
- Prevent Soggy Noodles: Cook your egg noodles al dente initially; they will soften further in the oven.
- Flavor Boost: Ensure both the chicken and mushrooms are well-browned for deeper, richer flavor.
- Smooth Sauce: Whisk continuously when adding broth and milk to the roux to prevent any lumps.
- Crispy Topping: Do not cover the casserole during the final baking stage to ensure a crunchy topping.
- Internal Temperature: Verify the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer. According to the USDA, all poultry should reach a safe minimum internal temperature of 165°F (73.9°C) as measured with a food thermometer.
- Sauce Too Thin: If your sauce is too thin, simmer it longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch mixed with 1 tsp cold water) until thickened.
- Casserole Dry: If the assembled casserole seems dry, add a little more chicken broth or milk before baking.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
This versatile chicken and noodle casserole is a fantastic family meal.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your creamy chicken bake with a crisp, fresh green salad for balance. Steamed vegetables like green beans, broccoli, or asparagus also make excellent side dishes. Don’t forget some crusty bread to soak up all that delicious sauce.
Storage
Allow the casserole to cool completely before storing. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. This makes meal prep a breeze!
Freezing
You can easily freeze the baked casserole for longer storage. Once cooled, wrap it tightly or place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating, covered, until heated through.
Variations
- Cheesy Delight: Stir in 1-2 cups of shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend directly into the casserole mixture before baking.
- Vegetable Boost: Add frozen peas, corn, or steamed broccoli florets during the assembly for extra veggies.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes mixed into the sauce adds a subtle warmth.
- Herbaceous: Fresh chopped parsley, thyme, or chives can brighten the flavors.
- Different Toppings: Experiment with Panko breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, or even savory crushed stuffing mix.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the entire casserole, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Nutrition Information
Enjoying delicious chicken casserole recipes can also be part of a balanced diet. Here’s an estimated nutritional breakdown per serving, based on the ingredients listed. Please note that these values are approximations and can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 429 kcal |
| Total Fat | 29 g |
| Saturated Fat | 12 g |
| Cholesterol | 134 mg |
| Sodium | 770 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 22 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
| Protein | 22 g |
Disclaimer: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary.
FAQ
Can I use leftover or rotisserie chicken in this chicken casserole?
Yes, absolutely! Using pre-cooked chicken, like shredded rotisserie or leftover chicken, is a fantastic time-saving shortcut for this dish. Just skip the browning step and add it directly to the mixture.
Can I prepare this chicken casserole ahead of time?
You can definitely assemble the entire casserole up to 24 hours in advance. Simply cover it tightly and refrigerate until you are ready to bake.
Can I freeze chicken casserole?
Yes, this chicken casserole freezes beautifully. Once baked and cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight, freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What can I substitute for egg noodles in this chicken casserole?
If you don’t have egg noodles, short pasta shapes like penne or rotini, white rice, or even diced boiled potatoes work well as substitutes. Choose your favorite for a hearty meal.
Can I add other vegetables to this chicken casserole?
Absolutely! Adding more vegetables is a great idea. Frozen peas, corn, or even steamed broccoli florets are excellent additions to boost flavor and nutrition.
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken in a casserole?
The ideal internal temperature for cooked chicken is 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken casserole is safely cooked through.
Conclusion
This ultimate creamy chicken casserole truly delivers on its promise of an easy, delicious, and deeply comforting family meal. Its customizable nature, combined with straightforward steps, makes it perfect for both busy parents and beginner cooks. Dive into the warmth and flavor of this homemade favorite tonight and enjoy the simple pleasure of a satisfying, fuss-free dinner.
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Ultimate Creamy Chicken Casserole
Equipment
- 9×13-inch casserole dish
- Pot
- Large Skillet
- whisk
- Zip-top bag
- Rolling Pin
- Small Bowl
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Nonstick spray
- 8 ounces egg noodles cooked
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt divided
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper divided
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil divided
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter divided
- 8 ounces cremini or white mushrooms sliced
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 8 ounces sour cream
Topping
- 1 sleeve Ritz Crackers
- 2 tablespoons butter melted
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick spray or grease it with butter.
- Bring water to a boil, add egg noodles, and cook two minutes less than package directions; then drain and set aside.
- Season cubed chicken with salt and pepper, then sauté in butter and oil in a large skillet until lightly golden brown and no longer pink; remove chicken to a plate and set aside.
- In the same pan, add more butter and oil, then sauté sliced mushrooms until tender and browned, seasoning with salt and pepper before setting them aside with the chicken.
- Add butter and oil to the pan, whisk in flour until lightly tan and nutty, then slowly stir in chicken broth and milk until slightly thickened. Reduce heat, stir in remaining seasonings, and simmer until the soup thickens, about 8 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles, chicken, mushrooms, and sour cream to the soup in the pan, mixing until combined; taste for seasoning, adjust if needed, then pour into the prepared casserole dish.
- Crush Ritz crackers and combine with melted butter in a small bowl, then sprinkle this mixture over the casserole. Bake until the topping is browned and the casserole is bubbly, 30 to 40 minutes.