Why Make This Recipe
Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake with Golden Cheesy Crust is a comforting and hearty dish that brings back memories of home-cooked meals. It is perfect for families or when you are in need of a warming meal. This recipe combines tender chicken, creamy soup, and cheesy goodness, making it a favorite among both kids and adults. Plus, it’s simple to make and uses readily available ingredients, making it a great addition to your weekly dinner rotation.
How to Make Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked
- 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup crushed Ritz crackers (optional for topping)
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted (optional for topping)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, mixed vegetables, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
- If using, mix the crushed Ritz crackers with melted butter and sprinkle over the top of the casserole.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake
Serve the Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake warm right out of the oven. It goes well with a simple side salad or some crusty bread. For extra color and crunch, you can add steamed vegetables or a fresh side of green beans.
How to Store Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—wrap it tightly in foil and it should last for about 2-3 months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat in the oven.
Tips to Make Old-School Chicken Noodle Bake
- For added flavor, use leftover rotisserie chicken.
- Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables, such as peas or corn.
- If you want extra creaminess, add more cream of chicken soup or a bit of sour cream.
- Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for a burst of freshness.
Variation
You can easily turn this into a different dish by switching out the protein. Feel free to use cooked turkey or even a vegetarian protein like tofu. You can also try different cheeses, such as mozzarella or pepper jack, for a unique twist.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken instead of cooked chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to cook it first before shredding and adding it to the casserole.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the whole casserole, cover it, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just increase the baking time slightly if it’s cold from the fridge.
3. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Just replace the egg noodles with gluten-free noodles and check whether the cream of chicken soup and crackers are gluten-free.