Description
This Cozy Country Farm Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy sauce baked with cheesy goodness. Perfect for a family dinner, this classic American casserole combines wholesome ingredients like egg noodles, peas, and a savory blend of seasonings to deliver a warm, satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cubed
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 yellow onion, chopped
- 2 carrots, peeled and diced
- 2 celery stalks, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup frozen peas
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided into 1 cup and 1/2 cup portions)
Carbohydrates and Topping
- 3 cups cooked egg noodles
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional topping)
- 1 tablespoon butter, melted (for topping)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Chicken: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the cubed chicken with salt, pepper, thyme, and garlic powder. Cook in the skillet for about 6–7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, diced carrots, and celery. Cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Create the Sauce: Sprinkle the flour evenly over the cooked vegetables and stir well to coat. Slowly pour in the chicken broth while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Add the milk and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, cooking until the sauce thickens.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the sour cream, frozen peas, cooked chicken, egg noodles, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until all ingredients are evenly combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour the mixture into it. Evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top. If using breadcrumbs, combine them with melted butter and sprinkle this over the cheese layer for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20–25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and has a golden, crispy top.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let the casserole cool for 5 minutes before serving to allow it to set and enhance the flavors.
Notes
- You can use leftover rotisserie chicken as a convenient shortcut to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute egg noodles with cooked rice or quinoa and omit the breadcrumbs or use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
- Add fresh herbs such as parsley or rosemary for an extra burst of aroma and depth of flavor.