Super Quick Chicken Noodle Casserole
A creamy, savory chicken noodle casserole with crunchy cashews and tender chicken, perfect for quick weeknight dinners or family gatherings seeking comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mix the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, diced celery, salted cashews, cooked diced chicken, and chow mein noodles in a bowl.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish.
- Bake uncovered at 325°F (163°C) for 1 hour until bubbly and heated through.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of milk or sour cream to the mixture. If you're out of chow mein noodles, you can substitute with regular egg noodles or even pasta. Feel free to add other vegetables like peas or carrots for extra nutrition. For a bit of spice, try adding a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
Serving Suggestions
This casserole is hearty on its own but pairs beautifully with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables like Oven Braised Whole Baby Carrots for a balanced meal. For a comforting touch, serve with warm bread or rolls. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings, making it a popular choice in American recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 20 minutes until warmed through. You can also microwave individual portions for about 2-3 minutes, ensuring it's heated evenly.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Super Quick Chicken Noodle Casserole contains roughly 665 calories, with 18g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (42% of the Daily Value) and protein (36% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and potassium. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 908mg per serving (39% 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?
It's best to use cooked chicken for this recipe to ensure even cooking and to save time. If you want to use raw chicken, consider sautéing or boiling it first before adding to the casserole mixture.
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance. Simply mix all the ingredients and store it covered in the refrigerator. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it's heated through.
What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?
If you don't have cream of mushroom soup, you can substitute it with cream of celery soup or a homemade roux-based cream sauce. This will still provide a creamy texture and flavor to the casserole.
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).