What can I use instead of canned chicken in a creamy chicken noodle casserole?

You can replace canned chicken with cooked, shredded chicken from a rotisserie chicken, leftover roasted chicken, or boiled chicken breast. Simply cook and dice the chicken before adding it to the casserole. This option often provides a fresher taste and better texture.

Are there any good alternatives to cream of chicken soup for this casserole?

Yes, you can substitute cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup if you don’t have cream of chicken. Both options offer a similar creamy texture and flavor. You can also make your own simple cream sauce using butter, flour, and milk for a homemade touch.

How can I replace panko bread crumbs for the casserole topping?

If you don’t have panko bread crumbs, use regular bread crumbs, crushed Ritz crackers, or crushed saltine crackers. These alternatives provide a crunchy topping and can be seasoned with a bit of garlic powder or paprika to add extra flavor.

Can I freeze creamy chicken noodle casserole before baking?

Yes, you can freeze the casserole unbaked. Assemble it as directed, cover tightly with plastic wrap and foil, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, partially defrost in the refrigerator and increase the baking time by around 10-15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

What’s the best way to store leftover creamy chicken noodle casserole?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best texture, cover the casserole lightly while reheating to prevent drying out.

Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe With Crispy Topping

Name: Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 55 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 3 cups diced chicken breast (canned or rotisserie); – 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery as alternatives); – 1 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream/plain Greek yogurt); – 1 cup milk (whole or 2%); – ½ onion finely diced or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes (optional); – 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese mix); – 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots (or preferred frozen vegetables); – 12-ounce package cooked, drained egg noodles; – 1 cup panko or regular bread crumbs (or crushed crackers) for the topping; – 1 stick (½ cup) melted salted butter for the topping

Description

🍗 Enjoy a comforting and hearty Chicken Noodle Casserole with creamy sauce and a crispy golden topping, perfect for family dinners.
🧀 This recipe combines tender chicken, savory vegetables, and cheesy goodness for a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and delicious to serve.

Ingredients

– 3 cups diced chicken breast (canned or rotisserie)

– 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup (or cream of mushroom/celery as alternatives)

– 1 cup mayonnaise (or sour cream/plain Greek yogurt)

– 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)

– ½ onion finely diced or 1 tablespoon dried minced onion flakes (optional)

– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a cheese mix)

– 1 ½ cups frozen peas and carrots (or preferred frozen vegetables)

– 12-ounce package cooked, drained egg noodles

– 1 cup panko or regular bread crumbs (or crushed crackers) for the topping

– 1 stick (½ cup) melted salted butter for the topping

Instructions

1-Getting started: with this Creamy Chicken Noodle Casserole is straightforward and fun. Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F to ensure even baking. This step sets the stage for a dish that’s bubbly and golden in about 35 minutes.

2-First, prep your ingredients by shredding or dicing the chicken and cooking the egg noodles until they’re just right. In a large bowl, mix the chicken, soups, mayonnaise, milk, onion, cheese, and veggies together gently. This combination creates the creamy base that makes the casserole so tasty.

3-Next, fold in the cooked noodles to coat them evenly without breaking them apart. Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish for even cooking. Top it with bread crumbs and drizzle on the melted butter to get that crispy finish.

4-Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes until it’s hot and golden. Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to about 6 people. The total time is around 45 minutes, including a 20-minute prep, making it perfect for weeknights.

Notes

🍗 Substitute chicken with leftover turkey or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
🧅 Sauté fresh onions before adding to soften flavor.
❄️ Freeze assembled casserole before baking for up to 3 months; thaw completely before cooking.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 745 kcal
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 1050 mg
Fat: 51 g
Saturated Fat: 20 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 29 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 40 g
Cholesterol: 100 mg

Keywords: Chicken Noodle Casserole,Creamy Chicken Casserole,Crispy Topping Casserole,Comfort Food