Chicken Noodle Dish(To Freeze)
A hearty chicken noodle casserole with creamy cheese, broccoli, and savory herbs, perfect for freezing and convenient baking for a satisfying family meal.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup butter ⓘ
- 1/2 cup flour ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried leaf basil ⓘ
- 3 1/4 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 4 ounces mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ⓘ
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 5 cups diced, cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 pound creamed cottage cheese ⓘ
- 1 egg, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 8 ounces broad egg noodles, cooked and drained
- 10 ounces frozen chopped broccoli, thawed ⓘ
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large saucepan.
- Blend in flour, salt, and dried leaf basil.
- Stir in chicken broth and cook, stirring constantly, until mixture thickens and comes to a boil.
- Remove from heat.
- Add diced, cooked chicken to the sauce.
- Mix cottage cheese with the slightly beaten egg.
- Line a 3-quart casserole with heavy-duty foil and lightly grease it.
- Place one-third of the chicken mixture at the bottom of the casserole.
- Top with half of the cooked noodles, half of the cottage cheese mixture, half of the thawed chopped broccoli, and slices of mozzarella cheese.
- Repeat layers with remaining ingredients: noodles, cottage cheese mixture, broccoli, and chicken mixture.
- End with the last third of the chicken mixture on top and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese.
- Tightly cover with foil and freeze.
- To cook, place the frozen casserole in a 350°F oven and bake for 2 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding garlic or onions to the butter when melting. For a lighter version, substitute low-fat cottage cheese and use less mozzarella. You can swap the chicken for turkey or even a plant-based protein for a vegetarian option. If you prefer, use fresh broccoli instead of frozen for a crunchier texture.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty dish with a simple side salad or garlic bread to complement the creamy flavors. A light vinaigrette can cut through the richness of the casserole. It also pairs beautifully with Chicken-Crouton Casserole for a satisfying meal. Consider offering a selection of fresh herbs on the side for added brightness.
Storage & Reheating
Once fully cooled, tightly wrap the casserole in the foil and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To reheat, simply remove the foil and place it back in a preheated 350°F oven for about 2 hours, or until heated through. Individual portions can also be microwaved.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Noodle Dish(To Freeze) contains roughly 674 calories, with 33g protein, 93g carbohydrates, and 18g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (66% of the Daily Value), iron (28% of the Daily Value), and calcium (22% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1622mg per serving (71% 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
What can I use instead of egg?
If you're looking for an egg substitute, consider using a flax egg (1 tablespoon ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons water) or unsweetened applesauce (1/4 cup) to bind the cottage cheese. This is a great option for those avoiding eggs, ensuring the casserole stays creamy and flavorful.
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).