If you're looking for a comforting, all-in-one meal that brings warmth to your table, this Hearty Chicken and Noodle Bake is your go-to recipe. It's a satisfying dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauces, and hearty noodles in a bake that's both simple and indulgent.
Cooked chicken breast is the star of this dish, providing protein and heartiness. You can use leftover chicken or a store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience. Egg noodles offer a soft, comforting texture that pairs well with the creamy sauces. The cream of mushroom soup and cream of chicken soup act as the base of our creamy sauce, bringing richness and flavor. Sour cream adds a tangy creaminess that balances the dish. Frozen peas and carrots offer a pop of color and a touch of sweetness. Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully over the top, adding a gooey, cheesy layer. Milk helps to thin out the sauce to the perfect consistency. Breadcrumbs provide a crunchy topping, while olive oil helps them brown nicely. Finally, garlic powder and onion powder infuse the dish with depth and flavor, and salt and pepper bring everything together.
This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad on the side for a complete meal. A warm, crusty baguette is also a great addition to soak up any extra sauce. If you're serving a crowd, consider adding a light dessert like fruit salad to finish off the meal.
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F. While that's heating up, cook your egg noodles according to the package directions until they're al dente. You don't want them too soft since they'll continue cooking in the oven. Once the noodles are done, drain them and set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and milk. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good mix until everything's well incorporated. Now, add your cubed cooked chicken, the noodles, and the thawed peas and carrots. Stir until everything is nicely coated in the creamy mixture.
Next, take a 9x13 inch baking dish and grease it lightly to prevent sticking. Pour your chicken and noodle mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top, making sure it covers the whole surface.
For the final touch, mix the breadcrumbs with the olive oil in a small bowl. This helps them get that lovely golden brown color. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
Pop the dish into your preheated oven and bake for 30 to 35 minutes. You'll know it's ready when the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbly. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving, as this will help the bake set a bit more.