Hearty Chicken and Noodle Bake

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 35 min
🍽 Serves: 6
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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.

Ingredients for Hearty Chicken and Noodle Bake

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.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you're short on time, use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep.
  • Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a varied flavor.
  • Make sure to thaw the peas and carrots before adding them to ensure even cooking.
  • For a crispier topping, broil the dish for the last 2 minutes of baking.

Serving Suggestions

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate. Just bake it when you're ready to serve.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Definitely! Just let it cool completely before wrapping it tightly and freezing. Reheat in the oven until heated through.
Can I use fresh vegetables instead of frozen?
Absolutely, just make sure they're cooked or steamed before adding to the mixture.

Hearty Chicken and Noodle Bake Recipe Walkthrough

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.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy prep with minimal cleanup.
  • Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends.
  • Utilizes pantry staples you likely have on hand.
  • Customizable to suit your family's taste preferences.
  • A hit with both kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

2 lbs cooked chicken breast, cubed
8 oz egg noodles
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup milk
1/2 cup breadcrumbs
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
2. Cook egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente and drain.
3. In a large bowl, combine cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the cooked chicken, noodles, and thawed peas and carrots to the mixture and stir well.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9x13 inch baking dish and spread evenly.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
7. In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle evenly on top of the cheese layer.
8. Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
9. Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.

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