Pat'S Easy Chicken Casserole
A hearty chicken casserole combining tender chicken, noodles, crispy bacon, and vegetables, topped with cheese and onions for a comforting, flavorful family meal.
Ingredients
- 1 cooked, deboned, cubed chicken ⓘ
- 1 package noodles or pasta of choice, cooked in chicken broth ⓘ
- 6 to 10 slices bacon, fried crisp and crumbled ⓘ
- 1 cup sour cream ⓘ
- salt and cayenne pepper to taste (optional) ⓘ
- 1 onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 to 3 thin slices onion for topping ⓘ
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 can cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup ⓘ
Instructions
- Combine cooked, cubed chicken, cooked noodles in chicken broth, crumbled bacon, sour cream, chopped onion, shredded Cheddar cheese, garlic powder, cream of mushroom or chicken soup, and frozen oriental vegetables in a large baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with additional cheese and reserved onion slices or French fried onions.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45 to 50 minutes until hot and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider using homemade chicken broth instead of store-bought. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for the sour cream for a healthier option. If you prefer a bit of spice, add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese instead of Cheddar. If you want to save time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in this dish.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty casserole is perfect on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. For a comforting side, serve with crusty bread or rolls to soak up the creamy sauce. It also makes for great potluck fare or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions, but be sure to cover them to retain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pat'S Easy Chicken Casserole contains roughly 688 calories, with 17g protein, 110g carbohydrates, and 20g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (38% of the Daily Value), protein (35% of the Daily Value), and calcium (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1699mg per serving (74% 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 vegetables instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen vegetables can be a great time-saver. Just add them directly to the casserole without thawing. They will cook through during baking and add nice color and nutrition to the dish.
Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I substitute for the cream of mushroom soup?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can substitute with cream of chicken soup or even make a homemade white sauce for a fresher taste. This flexibility allows you to customize the dish to your liking.
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).