Snowbound Casserole
A hearty casserole blending chicken, noodles, and vegetables with savory seasonings, perfect for a comforting family meal that satisfies with rich flavors and easy preparation.
Ingredients
- 1 to 2 (6 oz.) cans chicken or leftovers ⓘ
- 1 small can evaporated milk ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 can chicken noodle soup ⓘ
- 2 cans Chinese rice noodles or chow mein noodles ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 1/2 cup celery, chopped ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon margarine ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- cooked rice ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon curry powder ⓘ
- 1/8 teaspoon pepper ⓘ
- 1 cup green pepper, chopped ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large skillet or electric frying pan, sauté onion and celery until soft.
- Stir in tomato sauce, salt, curry powder, pepper, and green pepper.
- Add hot sauce to taste if desired.
- Combine cooked chicken, evaporated milk, cream of chicken soup, chicken noodle soup, and noodles in a casserole dish.
- Mix in the sautéed vegetable mixture.
- Add cooked rice and stir well.
- Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes until heated through and bubbly.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using half-and-half instead of evaporated milk. If you don't have chicken on hand, shredded rotisserie chicken or even tofu can be great substitutes. Adding some peas or carrots can enhance the veggie profile. For a bit of heat, try incorporating a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes into the sautéed vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it alongside crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. For an extra touch, garnish each serving with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to brighten the flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover the casserole with foil and warm it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15-20 minutes. Alternatively, individual portions can be microwaved for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Snowbound Casserole contains roughly 1041 calories, with 24g protein, 144g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (260% of the Daily Value), iron (155% of the Daily Value), and calcium (57% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1740mg per serving (76% 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 different types of noodles in this casserole?
Absolutely! While the recipe calls for Chinese rice noodles or chow mein noodles, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as egg noodles or even whole wheat pasta for a healthier option. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes, you can easily make a vegetarian version by substituting the chicken with cooked lentils or chickpeas. Replace the chicken soups with vegetable soup and the meat-based broth with vegetable broth. This will maintain the casserole's flavor while keeping it plant-based.
How can I make this casserole spicier?
To amp up the spice level, consider adding diced jalapeños or crushed red pepper flakes to the sautéed vegetables. You can also mix in a few dashes of hot sauce directly into the casserole mixture before baking. Adjust the heat 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).