Laura'S Chicken Casserole
Laura's Chicken Casserole is a comforting baked dish combining tender chicken, noodles, peas, and melted cheese, seasoned with onion and cream of chicken soup. Its creamy, cheesy flavor makes it perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings, offering hearty satisfaction in every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook noodles in salted water for about 5 minutes and drain.
- Set cooked noodles aside.
- Combine cream of chicken soup, milk, salt, pepper, chicken broth, chopped onion, and about 1/2 cup of cheese; mix well.
- Add cooked noodles, drained peas, and chicken to the mixture; stir to combine.
- Transfer the mixture into a buttered casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 to 35 minutes, adding more chicken broth if needed before baking.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamy texture, ensure the cream of chicken soup is fully blended with the milk before adding other ingredients. You can substitute the chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. If you prefer more flavor, consider adding garlic powder or herbs like thyme. For a twist, swap English peas for frozen broccoli florets, similar to the popular Creamy Chicken Broccoli Bake.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. It pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or crusty bread. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside Rice With Fried Chicken for a comforting dinner. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave or oven until warmed through. If the casserole appears dry, add a splash of chicken broth or milk before reheating to maintain moisture and creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Laura'S Chicken Casserole contains roughly 179 calories, with 5g protein, 31g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is a good source of calcium (11% of the Daily Value) and protein (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1537mg per serving (67% 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 instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but ensure it is fully thawed and cooked before adding it to the casserole. Cooking raw chicken in the casserole may not ensure it reaches a safe temperature. Shredded rotisserie chicken is a great, convenient option as well.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it is heated through.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use homemade white sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup as an alternative. Both will provide a similar creamy consistency and flavor profile, making them suitable substitutes in this recipe.
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).