Chicken With Noodles Casserole
A comforting chicken and noodle casserole packed with cheesy, savory flavors, perfect for family dinners and easy to prepare ahead of time.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in boiling salted water until tender.
- Drain and set aside.
- Mix condensed cream of chicken soup, evaporated milk, and salt in a saucepan, heat while stirring constantly.
- Add cheddar cheese and stir until melted.
- Add cooked, diced chicken, sliced celery, green pepper, and half of the slivered almonds to the sauce, mixing well.
- Pour the mixture over the cooked noodles.
- Top with bread crumbs and the remaining slivered almonds.
- Bake uncovered at 400°F for 20 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier casserole, consider adding a dollop of sour cream to the sauce before mixing in the noodles. You can substitute the Cheddar cheese with Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a different flavor profile. If you prefer a lighter dish, opt for whole grain noodles or zucchini noodles. Always taste and adjust seasoning, especially if you use low-sodium soup.
Serving Suggestions
This Chicken With Noodles Casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For an extra crunch, serve with toasted garlic bread on the side. A light vinaigrette can complement the richness of the casserole. It also makes a great dish for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Noodles Casserole contains roughly 939 calories, with 23g protein, 119g carbohydrates, and 43g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (46% of the Daily Value), iron (44% of the Daily Value), and calcium (44% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2482mg per serving (108% 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 chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Just ensure it is fully thawed and diced before adding it to the casserole mixture. This saves time and makes it easier to prepare, especially if you have leftover chicken from recipes like Wonder Chicken.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with cooked mushrooms or a blend of your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli and bell peppers. You can also use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup to maintain the creamy texture without meat.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator. Just be sure to bake it for a few extra minutes if it's coming straight from the fridge. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
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).