Description
This Homemade Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, hearty dish combining tender shredded chicken, wide egg noodles, and a medley of mixed vegetables in a creamy, flavorful sauce. Topped with melted Colby Jack cheese and baked to golden perfection, it’s an easy and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners.
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
- 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.
- Sauté aromatics: Heat butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened, about 4 minutes, to build flavor.
- Make roux: Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux that will thicken the sauce.
- Add liquids: Gradually whisk in chicken broth and milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens to creamy consistency.
- Season sauce: Stir in lemon juice, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, enhancing the flavor profile of the creamy base.
- Combine casserole ingredients: Add cooked shredded chicken, frozen mixed vegetables, and cooked egg noodles to the skillet. Mix well to evenly coat everything with the sauce.
- Transfer to baking dish: Pour the 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 surface of the casserole for a melty, golden crust.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
- Garnish and serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for color and freshness, then serve warm.
Notes
- Cook the egg noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy during baking.
- You can substitute Colby Jack cheese with cheddar or mozzarella based on preference.
- Feel free to use fresh or frozen mixed vegetables depending on availability.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- To add extra flavor, consider sprinkling paprika or crushed red pepper on top before baking.
