Description

A comforting and creamy chicken noodle bake featuring tender shredded chicken, sautéed onions and garlic, and a rich blend of cream of mushroom soup and sour cream. Topped with melted cheddar cheese and baked to golden perfection, this dish makes an easy, satisfying meal that feels just like home.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Noodles

2 cups cooked shredded chicken (boneless and skinless)
12 ounces egg noodles (cooked al dente)

Sauce and Flavorings

1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup chicken broth
1 medium onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons butter
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon paprika

Topping

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and butter a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and help with even browning.
Cook Noodles: Boil the egg noodles in salted water for about 5 minutes until al dente, then drain thoroughly and set aside to avoid overcooking in the bake.
Sauté Aromatics: In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until soft and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes, to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
Prepare Sauce: Stir into the skillet the cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth. Season with dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine, allowing the sauce to become smooth and flavorful.
Combine Ingredients: Fold in the cooked shredded chicken and drained egg noodles carefully into the sauce mixture, ensuring an even coating of the creamy sauce over all ingredients.
Assemble Bake: Transfer the chicken noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, smoothing the top evenly to promote uniform baking.
Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the cheddar cheese topping is bubbly and golden brown, indicating the bake is hot and the flavors have melded.
Rest and Serve: Allow the bake to rest for 5 to 10 minutes after removing it from the oven to set and cool slightly for easier serving and to enhance the texture.

Notes

You can substitute cream of chicken soup if preferred for a different flavor.
For extra veggies, add cooked mushrooms or peas before baking.
Use sharp cheddar for a more pronounced cheese flavor.
Make sure not to overcook the noodles initially, as they will soften further while baking.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: creamy chicken noodle bake, chicken casserole, comfort food, baked chicken recipe, easy family dinner