Three Cheese Chicken Bake
A comforting, cheesy baked chicken casserole featuring tender noodles, succulent chicken, and a flavorful mushroom and pimiento sauce, topped with crunchy bread crumbs. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish combines rich cheeses and aromatic herbs for a satisfying, hearty meal that appeals to all ages.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup chopped onion ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 3 tablespoons margarine ⓘ
- 1 (10 3/4 oz.) can condensed cream of chicken soup ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1 (2 oz.) jar chopped pimentos, drained ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) package noodles, cooked and drained ⓘ
- 3 cups cooked diced chicken
- 2 cups cottage cheese ⓘ
- 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs ⓘ
Instructions
- In a skillet, sauté chopped onion and green pepper in margarine until tender.
- Remove from heat.
- Stir in condensed cream of chicken soup, drained sliced mushrooms, drained chopped pimentos, and dried basil; set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked and drained noodles, cooked diced chicken, cottage cheese, shredded Cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Add the mushroom sauce mixture to the bowl and mix well.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9 x 13-inch baking pan.
- Bake uncovered at 350°F (175°C) for 40 to 45 minutes or until bubbly.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly over the top.
- Bake for an additional 15 minutes until golden and crispy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter version, consider using low-fat cottage cheese and reducing the amount of Cheddar cheese. You can also substitute the noodles with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta. If you're short on time, pre-cooked rotisserie chicken works well. Adding some chopped spinach or kale can also boost the nutritional value. For more inspiration, check out Easy Veggie Quiche.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Cheese Chicken Bake pairs beautifully with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Consider serving it with some crusty bread to soak up any delicious sauce. For a heartier option, you might enjoy it alongside Potatoes Cheese Broccoli Soup. A light drizzle of balsamic glaze on the salad can add a fresh touch.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover it with a damp paper towel to keep it moist. Heat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, or until warmed through. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes until hot.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Chicken Bake contains roughly 370 calories, with 9g protein, 14g carbohydrates, and 31g fat. It is a good source of protein (19% of the Daily Value) and calcium (12% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 571mg per serving (25% 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 fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Simply cook the chicken breast first, then dice it before adding it to the mixture. Ensure it’s fully cooked to avoid any food safety issues. This will also allow you to season the chicken to your liking, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
What can I substitute for the cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can substitute the cream of chicken soup with a mixture of 1 cup of chicken broth and 1 tablespoon of flour, thickened over low heat. Alternatively, use a can of cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile, or explore dairy-free options if needed.
Can I freeze the Chicken Bake?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled Chicken Bake before baking. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and it can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as instructed. This makes it a great option for meal prep!
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).