Leftover Chicken And Noodles
A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, noodles, and vegetables in a creamy sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs—perfect for a quick, hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a 1 1/2-quart casserole, blend the cream of chicken soup and milk.
- Stir in the diced cooked chicken, cooked noodles, corn, peas, chopped onion, pepper, and paprika.
- Top with bread crumbs.
- Bake in a 350°F oven for 30 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For creaminess, use a higher fat milk or add a dollop of sour cream. You can substitute the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom for a different flavor or even make a homemade version. If you prefer, add more vegetables like bell peppers or carrots to enhance nutrition. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish as a comforting main course, complemented by a fresh salad or steamed vegetables. It pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread or a light soup. For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes or a grain dish like quinoa. Explore more chicken recipes for variety.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and cover, heating in short intervals until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying out.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Leftover Chicken And Noodles contains roughly 978 calories, with 26g protein, 230g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (314% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (92% of the Daily Value), and iron (59% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 978mg per serving (43% 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 raw chicken instead of cooked chicken in this recipe?
It's best to use cooked chicken to ensure even cooking and flavor. If you have raw chicken, consider cooking it first, shredding it, and then adding it to the casserole. This will ensure the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat.
What can I substitute for frozen peas?
If you don't have frozen peas, you can use fresh peas, green beans, or even broccoli florets. These alternatives will add color and nutrition, while still complementing the dish nicely. Just ensure they are cooked to your desired tenderness before mixing them in.
Is there a way to make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using a dairy-free cream of chicken soup and substituting the milk with a plant-based alternative like almond or oat milk. Check labels to ensure they fit your dietary needs, and enjoy a creamy, comforting casserole without dairy.
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).