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Chicken Noodle Casserole With Broccoli & Cheese

Chicken Noodle Casserole With Broccoli & Cheese

This easy Chicken Noodle Casserole With Broccoli & Cheese is a comforting and simple dinner perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. It combines tender shredded chicken, al dente egg noodles, fresh broccoli florets, and sharp cheddar cheese baked in a creamy mushroom sauce. With a crispy breadcrumb topping option, this hearty casserole brings warmth, cheesy goodness, and a healthy boost from broccoli to your table.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast
  • 8 ounces egg noodles
  • 2 cups broccoli florets (fresh or frozen)
  • 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
  • ¾ cup milk

Aromatics & Fat

  • 1 small onion, minced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter

Topping (Optional)

  • ½ cup bread crumbs or crushed crackers
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter

Seasonings

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente, then drain and set aside. Cook and shred the chicken breast. Chop broccoli into bite-sized florets. Grate the cheddar cheese. Mince the onion and garlic.
  2. Sauté Aromatics and Broccoli: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced onion and garlic and sauté until soft and fragrant. Stir in the broccoli florets and cook for 3-4 minutes until bright green but still crisp to maintain freshness during baking.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup and milk, stirring until smooth. Add shredded cheddar cheese, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to form a rich, cheesy sauce.
  4. Combine Everything: Add the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, and sautéed broccoli and onion mixture into the bowl with the sauce. Gently stir until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
  5. Assemble in Baking Dish: Grease a casserole dish and transfer the mixture evenly into it. If desired, sprinkle the top with bread crumbs or crushed crackers mixed with melted butter for a crunchy topping.
  6. Bake Until Bubbly: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 25-30 minutes or until hot and bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Let rest a few minutes before serving to set.

Notes

  • Avoid overcooking noodles as they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • If using frozen broccoli, thaw and drain well to prevent a watery casserole.
  • For extra richness, add a splash of cream or sour cream to the sauce.
  • Use sharp cheddar cheese for bold flavor or mix with milder cheeses to suit your taste.
  • Enhance flavor by adding a teaspoon of mustard, garlic powder, or smoked paprika to the cheese sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Chicken casserole, broccoli cheese casserole, chicken noodle casserole, easy dinner, comfort food, baked casserole, family-friendly meal