Amazing Chicken Casserole Bake

This hearty chicken casserole combines creamy textures with a satisfying crunch that will have your family asking for seconds. It's my go-to recipe when I need comfort food that feeds a crowd without hours in the kitchen.

I first made this casserole during a particularly busy holiday season when I needed something substantial yet simple. Three years later, it's become our Sunday dinner tradition, with my children helping crush the cornflakes while telling me about their week.

Ingredients

• Cooked shredded chicken: the foundation of our casserole, use rotisserie chicken for extra flavor and convenience
• Cream of chicken soup: provides rich flavor and creamy texture without extra work
• Cream of mushroom soup: adds depth and earthiness to balance the dish
• Sour cream: brings tanginess that cuts through the richness
• Mayonnaise: creates silky texture and helps bind ingredients together
• Shredded cheddar cheese: forms that irresistible golden top, use medium or sharp for best flavor
• Cooked egg noodles: the perfect vehicle for soaking up creamy sauce, cook them al dente
• Diced tomatoes (optional): add brightness and color, choose fire-roasted for extra flavor
• Garlic and onion powder: provide aromatic depth without the work of chopping fresh
• Cornflake topping: creates the signature crunchy contrast that makes this casserole special

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat Oven:

Set your oven to 350°F and allow it to fully preheat while preparing the casserole. This ensures even cooking from the moment it goes in. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.

Create The Base Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, combine both cans of soup with the sour cream and mayonnaise until completely smooth. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. The mixture should be uniform in color with no streaks of white.

Add Protein And Pasta:

Fold in the shredded chicken and cooked egg noodles using gentle movements to prevent breaking the pasta. If using diced tomatoes, add them now. Ensure every noodle gets coated with the creamy mixture for maximum flavor in every bite.

Assemble The Casserole:

Transfer the mixture to your prepared baking dish, using a spatula to spread it evenly into all corners. An even thickness ensures consistent cooking throughout the dish.

Create The Topping:

Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the entire surface. In a separate bowl, thoroughly mix the crushed cornflakes with melted butter until every piece is glistening. Distribute this topping evenly over the cheese layer.

Bake To Perfection:

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes. Look for bubbling around the edges and a golden brown topping. Allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving to let the molten interior settle.

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The crushed cornflakes are truly what elevate this dish from good to memorable. I discovered this trick from my grandmother, who always said a casserole needs something crunchy to be truly complete. When my daughter was small, she would stand on a stool beside me, carefully sprinkling the topping with such concentration you would think she was assembling fine jewelry.

Make-Ahead Options

This casserole is perfect for busy families because you can prepare it entirely the day before. Simply assemble everything except the cornflake topping, cover tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate overnight. When ready to bake, remove from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off, add the prepared cornflake topping, and bake as directed, adding about 5 extra minutes to the cooking time.

Freezer Instructions

The entire casserole freezes beautifully for up to three months. For best results, assemble without the cornflake topping, wrap tightly in foil, and freeze. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then add the freshly prepared cornflake topping just before baking. Alternatively, portion leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners on busy days.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile casserole pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus alongside. While it stands perfectly on its own, a basket of warm dinner rolls will help soak up every last bit of the creamy sauce. For special occasions, consider serving with a chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?

Yes, simply cook the chicken beforehand by boiling, baking, or sautéing, then shred it before adding to the mixture.

→ What can I substitute for cream of mushroom soup?

You can use another can of cream of chicken soup or even cream of celery for a different flavor profile.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

→ Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole without baking, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it straight from the fridge.

→ Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free egg noodles and confirm that the soups and toppings you use are gluten-free alternatives.