Aunt Peg'S Chicken Noodle Casserole
A comforting chicken noodle casserole featuring tender chicken, crunchy croutons, and fresh vegetables, perfect for family dinners and quick weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix chopped onion, chopped celery, cream of celery soup, cooked noodles, chopped broccoli, butter, milk, and cooked diced chicken together in a large casserole dish.
- Sprinkle croutons tossed with melted butter over the top of the mixture.
- Bake at 350°F for 30 minutes or microwave for 8 minutes, then microwave browner for 4 1/2 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cream of celery soup and substituting whole wheat noodles. If you don’t have croutons, crushed crackers or breadcrumbs can work as a topping. Adding a sprinkle of cheese before baking can enhance the flavor. Experiment with different vegetables like peas or carrots for variety, similar to other chicken recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own but pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up any sauce. For a comforting dinner, it nicely complements other American recipes like Halibut And Rice or Chicken Breast Creamy Baked.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Aunt Peg'S Chicken Noodle Casserole contains roughly 1583 calories, with 16g protein, 133g carbohydrates, and 111g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value), protein (31% of the Daily Value), and calcium (30% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1522mg per serving (66% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen broccoli works well in this recipe. Just ensure it's thawed and drained of excess water before mixing it into the casserole to avoid a soggy texture.
What can I substitute for the cream of celery soup?
If you don't have cream of celery soup, you can use cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup as a substitute. You can also make a homemade version using heavy cream, chopped celery, and seasonings if preferred.
Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the croutons before baking to keep them crispy. When ready to bake, allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).