Second Best Casserole In The World
A hearty, creamy casserole featuring tender chicken, noodles, and savory sauces, topped with crunchy bread crumbs and melted butter. Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, it combines comforting flavors with a crispy topping to satisfy everyone at the table.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil chicken; skin and debone.
- Cut meat into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook noodles in chicken broth; drain.
- Combine chicken, noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and salt.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
- Pour melted butter over the bread crumbs.
- Bake at 375°F for 30 to 45 minutes until golden and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a cup of shredded cheese to the mixture before baking. You can substitute the noodles with rice or quinoa for a gluten-free option. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well in this recipe. To enhance the flavor, add garlic powder or sautéed onions to the chicken mixture.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread or a slice of Old-Fashioned Corn Bread Dressing. It's perfect for family gatherings or potlucks, making it a staple in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in the oven at 350°F for about 20 minutes or until heated through. You can also microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes, ensuring they are evenly heated.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Second Best Casserole In The World contains roughly 619 calories, with 11g protein, 112g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (25% of the Daily Value) and protein (21% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1265mg per serving (55% 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 cooked?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it will need to be cooked thoroughly before adding it to the casserole. Boil or bake the chicken until it's fully cooked, then shred or chop it into bite-sized pieces. This ensures that the chicken is tender and flavorful in the final dish.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you don't have cream of chicken soup, you can use cream of celery or a homemade white sauce as a substitute. Just mix equal parts of butter, flour, and chicken broth, cooking until thickened. This will maintain the creamy texture while providing a different flavor profile.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider mixing in diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce into the chicken and noodle mixture. You can also top it with crushed red pepper flakes before baking to give it an extra kick. Adjust the spice level according to your preference.
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).