Description
This easy Chicken Noodle Casserole combines tender chicken breast, creamy cheese sauce, and egg noodles, all topped with a crispy, buttery panko breadcrumb crust. Perfect for a comforting American main course that's simple to prepare and sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
Chicken Mixture
- 2 (12.5 ounce) cans chunk chicken breast, drained or about 3 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
- 2 (10.5 ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 cup milk
- ½ onion, finely diced (optional) or 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots
- 12 ounce package egg noodles, cooked and drained
Topping
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 stick salted butter (½ cup), melted
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained chunk chicken breast, cream of chicken soup, mayonnaise, milk, finely diced onion (or dried onion flakes if using), shredded cheddar cheese, and frozen peas and carrots. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Add Egg Noodles: Gently fold in the cooked and drained egg noodles into the chicken mixture, ensuring noodles are evenly coated without breaking them.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the mixture evenly into the prepared 9x13-inch baking dish, spreading it out to form an even layer.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the panko bread crumbs evenly over the top of the casserole. Drizzle the melted salted butter evenly over the bread crumbs to create a golden, crispy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole uncovered in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the breadcrumb topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from oven, let it rest for a few minutes if desired, then serve warm and enjoy your comforting Chicken Noodle Casserole.
Notes
- For a quicker variation, use rotisserie chicken instead of canned chicken for more flavor and texture.
- If you prefer, substitute the ½ diced onion with 1 tablespoon dried onion flakes for convenience.
- Feel free to swap frozen peas and carrots with other vegetables like corn or green beans.
- Ensure egg noodles are cooked al dente to avoid a mushy casserole.