Delicious Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe for Dinner
My dear reader, there’s nothing like a warm and hearty casserole to bring comfort and satisfaction to the soul. When it comes to southern-style cooking, chicken noodle casserole is a true star. This easy-to-make recipe has been passed down from generation to generation, becoming a family favorite in countless homes.
What makes this dish so special? Well, let me tell you: tender shredded chicken, silky egg noodles, creamy sauce, and just the right amount of seasoning mix together beautifully to create a symphony of flavors that will leave you craving more.
This recipe is what I like to call old school chicken casserole. It’s hearty, filling, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a winter gathering or just wanting to make a cozy dinner at home with family and friends, this chicken noodle casserole is going to be your go-to recipe.
So get ready to dive into a big spoonful of comfort, and let’s make some delicious southern-style chicken noodle casserole!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Well now, listen up y’all! I reckon this Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe is just what the doctor ordered for your dinner tonight. Why, you ask? Let me tell you!
Firstly, it’s plain and simple to make. Ain’t no hoity-toity ingredients or techniques needed here! Just some good old fashioned chicken noodles, flour, milk, butter, and a bunch of other staples you probably already have in your kitchen. It’s easy peasy to whip up in no time at all.
Secondly, it’s perfect for feeding a whole great big family (or just having yummy leftovers for days). This casserole is plenty big enough to feed 6-8 people without even breaking a sweat. And let me tell you – every single person around that dinner table will be hankerin’ for seconds!
Thirdly, this dish hits all the right notes when it comes to flavor. The chicken is juicy and tender, with just the right amount of tangy pimiento and sharp parmesan thrown in for good measure. And the egg noodles – well, they soak up all those delicious flavors like nobody’s business! Trust me when I say this is one meal that’ll tickle your taste buds like nothing else.
And lastly, it’s versatile as get out. You can enjoy it as a standalone main dish or pair it with some greens or bread rolls for a full spread. Plus, there are plenty of substitutions and variations you can try if you’re feeling a bit adventurous – think buffalo chicken or broccoli noodle!
All things considered my friends, Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole is exactly the kind of recipe you need in your life right about now. It’s easy, feeds a crowd with ease, tastes delectable to boot and provides options aplenty to try your own take on things. So what are y’all waiting for – tie on that apron and let’s get cooking!
Ingredient List
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 8 ounces wide egg noodles, uncooked
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, divided
The Flavor Enhancers
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 jar (4 oz) chopped pimientos
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp pepper
The Add-Ons
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
This old-school chicken noodle casserole recipe includes the base of any good southern spread–chicken and noodles. In addition to a family favorite, the recipe includes a few flavor enhancers such as sour cream, pimientos, and cream of chicken soup that come together for a creamy casserole with a slightly spicy zing. You’ll also want to add some shredded Parmesan cheese on top for that extra layer of ooey-gooey goodness.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get down to the nitty-gritty of making this Southern chicken noodle casserole! Follow these easy steps and before you know it, you’ll have a family favorite ready to go.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup butter, divided
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 jar (4 ounces) chopped pimiento
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 bay leaves
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat Oven and Cook Noodles
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken and Roux
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt half of the butter (1/4 cup) and add in 1 cup of all-purpose flour to make your roux. Stir frequently for 5 minutes until it turns golden brown.
Step 3: Add Broth and Milk
Slowly whisk in your chicken broth and milk. Continue stirring constantly until the mixture has thickened.
Step 4: Melt Cream Cheese
Add in the remaining butter, softened cream cheese, cream of mushroom soup, chopped pimientos, sour cream, salt, pepper and bay leaves. Stir well until all ingredients are well combined.
Step 5: Prepare the Casserole
Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and egg noodles. Mix until evenly coated with the roux mixture.
Step 6: Bake the Casserole
Pour your prepared chicken noodle mixture into a lightly greased 9×13 inch casserole dish. Sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese on top. Place it in the center of the oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve and Enjoy!
This Southern-style chicken noodle casserole makes for a comforting and satisfying one-dish meal for any occasion. Serve it hot, straight out of the oven, paired with your favorite greens, veggies or salad. This recipe also makes great leftovers and can be reheated in the microwave or oven.
Substitutions and Variations
Well, y’all know how I love to experiment with my cooking, so let me tell you about some substitutions and variations to try with this Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe.
First of all, if you don’t have any cooked chicken on hand, don’t fret! You can substitute it with canned or shredded rotisserie chicken. As for the egg noodles, you can also use wide or even curly noodles to add a fun twist. Want to switch up the protein? Try making a buffalo chicken version by tossing some cooked shredded chicken with hot sauce before adding it to the casserole.
For those of y’all who aren’t big fans of cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery or even cream of broccoli soup for an extra veggie boost. And if you want to make it a little cheesier, top the casserole with some shredded cheddar cheese during the last 10-15 minutes of baking.
Finally, for a fancier version, try adding in some diced carrots and French onions or broccoli florets to make a creamy chicken broccoli casserole. Or swap out the cream of mushroom soup for a cream of chicken or homemade chicken broth with flour-water mixture–the old school way.
There are endless possibilities with this recipe, so go ahead and get creative in the kitchen!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have made this sumptuous southern chicken noodle casserole, let’s talk about how to serve and pair it with other dishes to create a perfect meal. This dish is hearty and filling, making it an ideal entrée for dinner or lunch.
When serving this chicken noodle casserole, I recommend pairing it with a side salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. The ideal beverage to go with this dish is a chilled glass of sweet tea or a crisp white wine like Chardonnay.
If you’re looking for an indulgent treat, serve it with garlic bread or cornbread muffins. This will add a nice crunch and flavor that complements the casserole well.
This recipe also makes great leftovers, making it perfect for meal-prepping. You can store the leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the microwave or oven until heated through before serving.
Overall, this southern chicken noodle casserole is a versatile dish that pairs well with many different sides and options. It’s perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potlucks, so enjoy and savor every bite!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Now, let’s talk about the real kitchen hacks: making this casserole ahead of time or reheating it for leftovers. I’ll keep it simple and straight to the point, just like us folks down here in the South.
If you want to make this casserole ahead of time, there are two ways you can do it. You can either assemble everything per instructions, minus the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese topping, and store it in the fridge up to a day before baking. Or you can bake it completely, let it cool, wrap it tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate up to three days before reheating.
To reheat the leftovers, simply take out the casserole from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for around 30 minutes before reheating. This way, you avoid any sudden temperature changes that could affect the texture of the casserole.
You can reheat this chicken noodle casserole either in the oven or in the microwave. In the oven, simply preheat your oven to 350°F, cover the casserole with foil or a lid, and bake until heated through (about 25-30 minutes). If you’re reheating a sliced portion in the microwave, place it on a microwave-safe plate and heat for about 2-3 minutes on high power.
One more thing: if you want to freeze leftovers for a later date or store any leftover shredded chicken separately for future use (because you know we Southern folk love our chicken), go right ahead. Just wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap, label it with what’s inside and when you stored it, and freeze.
And that’s all folks! With these tips on make-ahead, storing and reheating this easy chicken noodle casserole recipe, you’ll be ready to impress your guests or feed your family without breaking a sweat.
Tips for Perfect Results
Now, let me give you my two cents on how to achieve absolute perfection when making this classic Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole. These tips are the result of years of cooking and tasting, so trust me, they’re worth considering.
First off, shred your chicken instead of cubing or chopping it, as it blends better with the rest of the ingredients. You don’t want large chunks of chicken in your casserole that overpower every other flavor.
Next, don’t skimp on the seasoning. A little bit of pepper and salt makes all the difference in the world when it comes to bringing out the tastiest flavors of each ingredient. However, be careful not to overdo it, as too much salt or pepper can easily turn a delicious meal into an inedible one.
Even though it may be tempting to add extra cheese on top or an additional creamy layer, try not to do so. Too many rich and heavy ingredients can make your casserole taste absolutely divine but also risk making you feel overwhelmingly full.
Additionally, feel free to make this recipe your own by experimenting with different types of cheese or using different shaped pasta noodles. It’s all about finding what works best for your taste preferences!
Lastly, if you have leftover chicken noodle casserole (unlikely as that may seem), store it in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Just reheat small portions at a time in a 350-degree Fahrenheit oven or microwave until thoroughly warm. And voilà! Your next amazing dinner is ready to be served!
FAQ
Now that you’ve learned how to make this mouth-watering Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole, I’m sure you have questions about preparing the dish. Fear not, my dear readers! In this section, I will provide answers to some of the most common concerns and queries about the recipe. So, let’s dive into the FAQ section and clear up any doubts or uncertainties you might have.
How do you spice up a bland chicken casserole?
When preparing a savory casserole, it’s easy to give it some extra zing by incorporating some lively chili and coriander. To add depth to the dish, include sturdy, fresh herbs like bay leaves and rosemary in the initial stages of cooking. In contrast, softer herbs like parsley and tarragon should be added near the end of the process so that they retain their aromatic essence.
How do you thicken chicken and noodles sauce?
When it comes to thickening the broth, I suggest mixing 1/2 cup of flour and 1/2 cup of water until the mixture is smooth. Start by adding only 1/4 cup of the mixture to the broth at a time. While stirring gently, be cautious not to break up the noodles. Gradually increase the amount of the flour/water mixture until the desired consistency is reached.
What do you serve with a chicken casserole?
As a chef specializing in southern-style cuisine, preparing a variety of side dishes is a vital part of my profession. From the tangy Cowboy Baked Beans to the delectable Cheesy Cornbread, there is no end to the sumptuous accompaniments I can offer to elevate a meal. In this article, I will provide a detailed guide on how to create some mouthwatering sides, including Garlic Green Beans, Roasted Beet Salad, Roasted Broccoli, Butter Swim Biscuits, Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables, Oven Roasted Acorn Squash, and more. So, whether you are a newlywed looking to impress your spouse, a homemaker seeking to spice up your family meals, or a culinary enthusiast searching for new recipes to try out, these side dishes are sure to give a burst of flavor to any meal.
Does chicken noodle casserole freeze well?
Looking to store your chicken and noodle casserole for later use? You’re in luck! This make-ahead dish is perfect for freezing as all of its individual ingredients hold up well in the freezer. You can make the casserole ahead of time and store it in the freezer until you’re ready to cook it.
Bottom Line
So there you have it, folks! My recipe for the delicious and hearty Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole. I hope this has inspired you to whip up something comforting, easy to make, and budget-friendly for dinner tonight.
Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner in the kitchen, this noodle casserole recipe is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a classic Southern-style meal without breaking a sweat. You can easily adapt the dish to your own preferences by adding different veggies or proteins, like broccoli or canned chicken, depending on what’s in your pantry.
If you’re looking for a homemade meal that will satisfy your cravings and feed a hungry crowd, then this casserole recipe is perfect for you. So go ahead and give it a try! I guarantee it will become a family favorite that you will want to make again and again.
Don’t forget to share your experience and tips in the comments below, and if you have any questions about the recipe, just let me know. I’m always here to help!
In conclusion, let’s celebrate old school soul food with this dish that is easy-peasy lemon squeezy but still packs enough flavors to wow everyone at the dinner table. Give my Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe a spin and enjoy good times with good company!
Southern Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces egg noodles, uncooked
- 1/2 cup butter (8 ounces)
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms (about 4 ounces)
- 1/3 cup flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup pimiento, chopped (2 ounce jar , drained)
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 2 cups cooked diced chicken
- 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package directions and drain. Meanwhile , in a large skillet , melt butter iover low heat. Saute mushrooms . Blend in flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually add broth, milk , pimiento, salt and pepper, stirring constantly until sauce is thickened. In a buttered ( or pammed) 2 1/2 quart casserole , combine noodles, chicken and sauce. Sprinkle parmesan cheese over top . Bake chicken noodle casserole 20 to 25 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.