Description
A comforting and easy-to-make Chicken Noodle Bake featuring tender chicken, egg noodles, mixed vegetables, and a creamy cheese sauce baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole combines shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses with a savory blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and spices for a flavorful family-friendly meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz egg noodles, cooked according to package instructions
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1 cup peas and carrots, mixed (can be frozen or fresh)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup onion, finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Combine Main Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, peas and carrots, and half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese. This mixture creates the hearty base of the bake.
- Make the Sauce: In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, milk, and sour cream until smooth. Stir in the minced garlic, diced onion, and paprika. Season with salt and pepper according to your taste to build a rich and flavorful sauce.
- Mix Everything Together: Pour the soup mixture over the chicken and noodle mixture and stir thoroughly until evenly combined, ensuring each bite is creamy and delicious.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly across the dish for uniform cooking.
- Top with Cheese and Butter: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar and mozzarella cheese evenly over the top of the noodle mixture. Dot small pieces of unsalted butter over the cheese layer to help the surface brown nicely and add a rich flavor.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the edges turn a golden brown, indicating it’s cooked through.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the bake to cool for 5 minutes. This resting time helps the dish set for easier serving and enhances the flavors.
Notes
- You can substitute frozen peas and carrots with fresh vegetables for a fresher taste.
- For an extra crispy top, broil the bake for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking but watch carefully to avoid burning.
- This recipe can be prepared a day in advance; refrigerate before baking and increase the baking time slightly.
- To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free egg noodles and gluten-free cream of chicken soup.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
