Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Packed with tender chicken, creamy soup, and a crispy onion topping, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

Ingredients

• 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup (10 oz each)
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (cheddar or any type)
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3/4 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with cooking spray.
2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, corn, milk, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, cooked bacon, and salt and pepper. Mix well to evenly distribute all ingredients.
3. Step 3: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole for a crispy topping.
5. Step 5: Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, until hot and bubbly and the onions are golden brown.
6. Step 6: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Enjoy your comforting chicken casserole!

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the mixture before baking.
• Swap out the corn for peas or green beans if you prefer another vegetable.
• Use leftover rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
• Top with extra cheese before baking for an even cheesier casserole.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave individual portions until hot. The crispy topping may soften after refrigeration but will still taste delicious.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if needed.

Can I freeze the chicken casserole?

Yes, this casserole freezes well. Freeze it in an airtight container before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking, then bake as directed.

Ultimate Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 56 reviews

This Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, sweet corn, and cheesy goodness, topped with crispy French fried onions. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, it blends simple ingredients into a deliciously baked casserole that’s easy to prepare and sure to please all ages.

• Author: Sienna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups egg noodles, cooked
• 2 cups chicken, cooked and shredded
• 2 cups corn (frozen or canned)
• 1 cup milk
• 2 cans (10 oz each) cream of chicken soup
• 1 onion, diced
• 1 tbsp garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup cheese, shredded (cheddar or any preferred type)
• 1/2 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• 3/4 cup French fried onions
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, add the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, corn, milk, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and season with salt and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined.
3. Transfer Mixture: Pour the combined casserole mixture evenly into the prepared greased baking pan, spreading it out to fill the pan.
4. Add Topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to achieve a crunchy topping.
5. Bake: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving warm. Enjoy your comforting chicken casserole!

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different flavor profile.
• For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cheese and milk.
• Make sure to cook and drain the egg noodles and bacon thoroughly before mixing.
• French fried onions add a delightful crunch but can be omitted or replaced with breadcrumbs if preferred.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add 10 extra minutes to the baking time if baking cold.
• Feel free to add vegetables like peas or bell peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.

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