Description
Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole is a creamy, comforting family-friendly dish that combines shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, flavorful soups, and a crunchy cornflake topping. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, this casserole bakes to golden perfection and offers a deliciously cheesy and creamy texture that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Mixture
- 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of chicken soup
- 1 (10.5 oz) can cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Noodles and Vegetables
- 2 cups cooked and drained egg noodles
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained (optional)
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crushed cornflakes
- 2 tbsp melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it’s ready when your casserole mixture is prepared.
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded cooked chicken with the cream of chicken soup and cream of mushroom soup. Add sour cream, mayonnaise, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Incorporate Noodles and Tomatoes: Gently fold in the cooked and drained egg noodles along with the drained diced tomatoes if using. Take care not to over-stir to keep the noodles intact.
- Assemble in Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray. Spread the chicken and noodle mixture evenly inside the dish.
- Add Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole mixture to create a cheesy crust when baked.
- Prepare Crunchy Topping: In a small bowl, combine the crushed cornflakes with the melted butter, mixing well. Sprinkle this buttered cornflake mixture evenly over the cheese layer.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly, and the cornflake topping turns a golden brown crisp.
- Let Rest and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle and prevent burns.
Notes
- You can substitute the canned soups with homemade cream sauces to reduce sodium content.
- For a dairy-free version, replace sour cream, mayonnaise, and cheese with plant-based alternatives.
- Using fresh cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken works well for quick preparation.
- Optional diced tomatoes add a slight acidity and moisture; omit if you prefer a creamier casserole.
- Ensure egg noodles are well drained to prevent a soggy casserole.
