Description
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish perfect for family dinners. Featuring tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a flavorful creamy sauce with mixed vegetables, all topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and baked to bubbly perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 12 ounces wide egg noodles, cooked al dente
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
Vegetables
- 2 cups frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, green beans)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup milk
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Topping and Garnish
- 2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for baking the casserole later.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant.
- Make Roux: Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes, allowing the flour to absorb the fats and form a roux which will thicken the sauce.
- Add Liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Season Sauce: Stir in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, adjusting the flavor of the sauce to complement the casserole.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until all components are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined casserole mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole to create a creamy, melted crust when baked.
- Bake Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy a comforting meal.
Notes
- Use freshly shredded chicken from rotisserie or boiled chicken breast for best texture and flavor.
- Cooking noodles al dente prevents them from becoming mushy during baking.
- You can substitute mixed vegetables with fresh or other frozen veggies such as broccoli or mushrooms.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute milk and cheese with suitable alternatives.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven for best results.
