Chicken Noodle Casserole Royale
A hearty chicken noodle casserole with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and crunchy bread crumbs, perfect for family dinners and comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bake chicken breast halves at 350° for 45 minutes to 1 hour or until done.
- Remove chicken from bones and discard skin.
- Cut meat into bite-sized pieces, yielding about 1 1/2 to 2 cups of chicken.
- Combine in a 1 1/2-quart casserole the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and thyme.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, diced pimento, and chicken meat.
- Top with bread crumbs mixed with poppy seed.
- Bake at 375° for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cream of chicken soup and cream cheese. If you want to reduce calories, opt for low-fat sour cream. You can also substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for the chicken breast halves to save time. Experiment with adding vegetables like peas or carrots for added nutrition and flavor, which is common in many American recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this comforting casserole with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. It pairs beautifully with Scrumptious Taters for a filling dinner. For a more casual option, consider serving it with crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce, making it a great family-friendly dish.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, ensuring they are heated evenly, but the oven will help maintain the crispiness of the bread crumb topping.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Noodle Casserole Royale contains roughly 247 calories, with 4g protein, 51g carbohydrates, and 3g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (19% of the Daily Value), iron (18% of the Daily Value), and calcium (11% 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 make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Assemble it without baking, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and add about 10-15 minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through.
What type of noodles work best for this recipe?
Egg noodles are traditionally used in chicken noodle casseroles, but you can also use rotini or penne for a different texture. Ensure they are cooked al dente, as they will continue to cook while baking in the casserole.
Can I freeze this chicken noodle casserole?
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed.
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).