Three Cheese Chicken Casserole
Creamy and cheesy, this hearty chicken casserole combines tender noodles, vegetables, and three types of cheese for a comforting family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
- 3 qt. water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. salt
- 1 tsp. oil ⓘ
- 1 (5 oz.) pkg. wide noodles ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped green pepper ⓘ
- 1/2 c. chopped onion ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. melted margarine ⓘ
- 1 can cream of chicken soup (undiluted) ⓘ
- paprika ⓘ
- 1/2 c. milk ⓘ
- 1 (6 oz.) can sliced mushrooms, drained ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 (12 oz.) carton cottage cheese ⓘ
- 3 c. cooked chicken ⓘ
- 1 (10 oz.) pkg. Cheddar cheese, shredded ⓘ
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Bring water, salt, and oil to a boil in a large pot.
- Slowly add noodles, return to a boil, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, milk, melted margarine, cottage cheese, cooked chicken, chopped green pepper, chopped onion, drained mushrooms, black pepper, and shredded Cheddar cheese.
- Mix well until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish.
- Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and paprika on top.
- Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a little extra milk or cream to the mixture. If you prefer a different flavor profile, try using a mix of your favorite cheeses in place of Cheddar and Parmesan. You can also substitute the wide noodles with gluten-free pasta if needed. Don't forget to stir occasionally while boiling the noodles to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
This Three Cheese Chicken Casserole is best served hot, paired with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. You can also serve it alongside garlic bread for a delicious side. For a twist, try pairing it with the *Breasts Of Chicken Magnifique for a hearty dinner spread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick meal.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Three Cheese Chicken Casserole contains roughly 3702 calories, with 25g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 382g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (166% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (100% of the Daily Value), and iron (88% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2030mg per serving (88% 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 rotisserie chicken for this casserole?
Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken is a great time-saver and adds a wonderful flavor to the casserole. Just shred the chicken and mix it in as directed. This makes for a quick weeknight meal without sacrificing taste.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer a homemade option, you can make a simple white sauce with butter, flour, and chicken broth as a substitute for cream of chicken soup. You can also use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile while keeping it creamy.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well! To freeze, assemble the casserole but do not bake it. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and then aluminum foil. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then bake as directed.
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).