Chicken Noodle Casserole
User Reviews
5
Chicken Noodle Casserole
Description
Chicken Noodle Casserole presents a hearty blend of wide egg noodles and shredded chicken surrounded by a smooth, slightly thickened sauce enriched with butter, flour, milk, and savory chicken broth. The sautéed mix of carrots, celery, onion, and garlic gently softens and infuses the dish with aromatic depth. Fresh thyme introduces a subtle herbal essence. As it bakes in the oven, the egg noodles finish cooking in the sauce to achieve a tender bite without becoming mushy. Frozen peas are stirred in while still frozen to maintain their bright green color and slight snap. The casserole features a final topping of sharp cheddar cheese melted into the mixture and a layer of cracker crumbs that toast to a crunchy golden crust during baking, bringing contrasting texture to the creamy interior.
This dish can be served as a comforting main meal, combining familiar flavors and textures that make it satisfying and homey. The balance of tender noodles, mild chicken, vegetables, and melted cheese creates a well-rounded one-dish dinner suitable for family meals.
For best results, cook noodles until just al dente since they will cook further in the oven sauce. There's no need to thaw the peas beforehand, which helps them retain their color and firmness. Adjust salt and pepper to taste in the sauce before combining all ingredients.
Ingredients
- 2 cups wide egg noodles uncooked
- 6 tablespoons butter divided, salted
- ½ cup carrot diced
- ½ cup onion diced
- ½ cup celery diced
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 ½ teaspoons thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme, fresh leaves
- 2 cups chicken shredded, cooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese grated sharp
- 1 cup peas do not thaw, frozen
- ¾ cup cracker crumbs about 15 whole crackers, Ritz
- kosher salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a 9 x 9-inch baking dish (or other 2 - 2 ½ -quart baking dish) with cooking spray and set aside. Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions, just until al dente. Drain.
- Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon of the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the carrots, celery, onion, and garlic; sauté until soft (about 5-7 minutes).
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until the butter melts. Add the flour and whisk until blended. Gradually add the milk and the chicken broth, whisking constantly. Continue whisking and cooking until the sauce bubbles and thickens. Stir in the thyme and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat.
- In a large bowl (or in the same pot if it’s large enough), combine the sauce with the cooked noodles, chicken, cheese, and frozen peas. Transfer to the prepared dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Combine the melted butter with the Ritz cracker crumbs. Sprinkle buttered crumbs over top of the casserole.
- Bake the casserole (uncovered) for about 20-25 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Cook noodles just until al dente; they will continue cooking in the oven sauce, preventing mushiness.
- Stir frozen peas in without thawing to preserve their bright green color and texture.
- Use fresh thyme leaves when possible for deeper flavor, or dried thyme if unavailable.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 624 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 1/4 of the casserole | |
| Calories | 624kcal | 31% |
| Carbohydrates | 40g | 13% |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 36g | 55% |
| Saturated Fat | 19g | 95% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4g | 24% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 10g | 50% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 149mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 963mg | 40% |
| Potassium | 568mg | 12% |
| Fiber | 4g | 16% |
| Sugar | 9g | 18% |
| Vitamin A | 3954IU | 79% |
| Vitamin C | 19mg | 21% |
| Calcium | 342mg | 34% |
| Iron | 3mg | 17% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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