Welcome to a comforting classic — the Homestyle Casserole. This dish combines tender chicken, hearty vegetables, and a creamy sauce, all topped with a golden, cheesy crust. Perfect for family dinners, it's a warm hug in a dish!
Chicken breast is the star protein, providing a lean and tender bite. Carrots, celery, and onions form the flavorful base, with garlic adding a fragrant kick. Chicken broth and cream of mushroom soup create the creamy sauce, while shredded cheddar cheese adds a rich, melty topping. Frozen peas bring a pop of color and sweetness, and cooked egg noodles offer satisfying texture. For a crunchy finish, breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top. Seasoned with olive oil, salt, black pepper, and dried thyme, this casserole is bursting with homestyle goodness.
This casserole pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside some crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. A glass of chilled white wine or a light beer complements the flavors nicely.
First, preheat your oven to 350°F. This ensures it's hot and ready when the casserole is assembled. Then, grab a large skillet and heat some olive oil over medium. Toss in the chopped onions, carrots, celery, and minced garlic. Sauté these until they're soft and aromatic, which should take about 5 minutes.
Next, add the diced chicken breast to the skillet. Cook it until it's nicely browned, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking. Once the chicken is browned, stir in the chicken broth, cream of mushroom soup, salt, pepper, and thyme. Let this mixture come to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Now, fold in the cooked egg noodles and frozen peas, along with half of the cheddar cheese. Stir everything until well combined, then transfer this delicious mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and breadcrumbs over the top, creating that irresistible crust.
Finally, bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the cheese is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to settle.