This recipe provides instructions for making a comforting and hearty Ultimate Chicken Casserole, a classic dish that combines egg noodles, cooked chicken, corn, and cheese in a creamy sauce, topped with crispy French fried onions. This casserole is a convenient and satisfying one-pan meal that is easy to assemble and bake, making it a popular choice for family dinners and potlucks. The creamy sauce is typically made with condensed cream of chicken soup and milk, creating a rich and flavorful base for the other ingredients. The addition of onion and garlic powder enhances the savory taste, while bacon adds a smoky and salty element. The melted cheese adds a gooey and delicious layer throughout the casserole. The crispy French fried onions on top provide a delightful textural contrast to the creamy interior. The image shows a rectangular glass baking dish filled with a creamy, yellow-tinged casserole. Visible within the casserole are egg noodles, pieces of cooked chicken, and kernels of corn. The top of the casserole is generously covered with golden-brown, crispy French fried onions. A black serving spoon is scooping out a portion of the casserole, revealing the creamy texture and the mix of ingredients.
The base of the casserole includes egg noodles, which provide a comforting and slightly chewy texture.
Cooked chicken, shredded or diced, is the primary protein, making the casserole a substantial and filling meal.
Corn adds sweetness and a bit of texture to the casserole. Canned, frozen (thawed), or fresh corn can be used.
A creamy sauce binds all the ingredients together. Cream of chicken soup provides a rich and savory base for the sauce. Milk is added to thin the soup and create a smoother consistency.
Onion contributes a savory flavor to the casserole. It is typically chopped and sautéed before being added.
Garlic powder enhances the savory flavor profile with a hint of garlic.
Cheese, often shredded cheddar or a blend, is mixed into the casserole for a gooey and cheesy element.
Bacon, cooked and crumbled, adds a smoky and salty flavor throughout the dish.
The signature topping is French fried onions, which provide a crispy and flavorful contrast to the creamy casserole.
The preparation involves first cooking the egg noodles until al dente. While the noodles are cooking, the onion is chopped and sautéed until softened. In a large bowl, the cooked noodles, cooked chicken, corn, sautéed onion, cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, cheese, and crumbled bacon are combined and mixed well. This mixture is then transferred to a greased baking dish. Finally, the French fried onions are sprinkled evenly over the top of the casserole. The casserole is then baked in a preheated oven until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crispy.
Ultimate Chicken Casserole is best served hot, right out of the oven, to enjoy the creamy interior and the crispy topping.
The texture is a comforting mix of soft egg noodles, tender chicken, slightly chewy corn, and a creamy sauce, all topped with crunchy French fried onions. The melted cheese adds a gooey element.
The flavor is savory and creamy, with the taste of chicken, sweet corn, and a hint of onion and garlic, enhanced by the smoky bacon and the salty, crispy French fried onions. The cheese adds a rich, melty flavor.
Ultimate Chicken Casserole is a creamy and comforting baked dish made with egg noodles, cooked chicken, corn, cheese, and a crispy French fried onion topping.
The preparation involves cooking noodles, sautéing onion, mixing all ingredients in a creamy sauce, topping with French fried onions, and baking until bubbly and golden.
Ingredients (as listed in the image):
- 2 cups egg noodles
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 2 cups corn (canned, frozen thawed, or fresh)
- 1 cup milk
- 2 cups cream of chicken soup (2 standard 10.75 oz cans)
- ¾ cup French fried onions
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ cup shredded cheese (cheddar, Colby, or a blend)
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
Equipment:
- Large pot (for cooking noodles)
- Skillet (for sautéing onion and cooking bacon, if not already cooked)
- Large mixing bowl
- 9×13 inch baking dish (or similar size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spoon or spatula
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- Cook Egg Noodles: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain well.
- Sauté Onion: While the noodles are cooking, chop the onion and sauté it in a skillet over medium heat until softened and translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
- Cook Bacon (if needed): If the bacon is not already cooked, cook it in the same skillet until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet, crumble it, and set aside. Drain any excess grease.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, cooked chicken, corn, sautéed onion, milk, cream of chicken soup, garlic powder, shredded cheese, and crumbled bacon. Stir everything together until well mixed and evenly combined.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
- Add Topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly around the edges and the French fried onions are golden brown and crispy.
- Cool Slightly and Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve hot as a complete and satisfying meal.
Enjoy your Ultimate Chicken Casserole!