Chicken And Green Noodle Casserole
A hearty chicken and green noodle casserole packed with vegetables, cheesy goodness, and savory flavors, perfect for family dinners or gatherings that enjoy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 3 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 (5 oz.) packages green noodles (spinach)
- 1 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup butter or oleo
- 1 (8 oz.) package Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can cream of mushroom soup ⓘ
- 1 (3 oz.) jar sliced green olives ⓘ
- 1 (4 1/2 oz.) jar sliced mushrooms ⓘ
- 1 cup crushed Cheddar cheese crackers ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook chicken in salted water for 30 minutes or until tender. Drain and reserve the stock.
- Bone the chicken and cut into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Cook noodles in the reserved chicken stock until tender; drain and set aside.
- Optional: Add a pat of butter to the noodles to prevent sticking.
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked chicken, noodles, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, chopped celery, cubed Velveeta cheese, cream of mushroom soup, sliced green olives, sliced mushrooms, melted butter, and crushed Cheddar cheese crackers.
- Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to the mixture before baking. If you want a little heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can substitute the green noodles with regular egg noodles or any pasta of your choice. Using leftover rotisserie chicken can save you prep time, making this a great Make Ahead Chicken Supreme variation.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken And Green Noodle Casserole pairs wonderfully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread for a comforting dinner. For a twist, consider serving alongside bacon, chicken, or even a rich creamy soup to round out the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken And Green Noodle Casserole contains roughly 593 calories, with 20g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 45g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (57% of the Daily Value), protein (40% of the Daily Value), and vitamin D (34% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 803mg per serving (35% 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 a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! You can substitute Velveeta with cream cheese for a richer flavor or use shredded cheddar, mozzarella, or a combination of your favorites. Just keep in mind that different cheeses may alter the texture slightly, so adjust accordingly.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole in advance. Simply assemble all the ingredients and cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it's coming straight from the fridge.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider incorporating fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for added freshness. You could also include spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
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).