Elevate your comfort food experience with this delectable Chicken Noodle Casserole. It’s a perfect harmony of tender chicken, hearty noodles, and a creamy, flavorful sauce, all topped with a crunchy breadcrumb topping. This casserole is a delightful twist on the classic chicken noodle soup, bringing all the warmth and coziness to your table. Let’s dive into creating this comforting masterpiece!
Ingredients:
For the Casserole:
- 8 oz (about 225g) egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup carrots, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup onion, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Topping:
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook Noodles:
- Cook the egg noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables:
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add chopped onions, carrots, and celery. Sauté until the vegetables are softened.
- Make Roux:
- Sprinkle flour over the sautéed vegetables and stir to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste.
- Prepare Sauce:
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, ensuring a smooth mixture. Add dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. Simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, frozen peas, and the creamy sauce. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to Baking Dish:
- Transfer the mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the casserole.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Scoop out a comforting portion, and relish in the cozy goodness of Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Enjoy the heartwarming flavors of Chicken Noodle Casserole, a modern take on a classic comfort food. This casserole combines the comforting flavors of chicken noodle soup with a creamy sauce and crispy breadcrumb topping. Share this comforting dish with family and friends to make it a new favorite in your repertoire of cozy meals. 🍗🍜🥦✨