Next, fold in the cooked egg noodles gently so they don’t break apart too much. If you decide to add peas for extra nutrition and color, now’s the time to toss them in! Once everything is mixed, season with salt and pepper to taste. Pour this delightful mixture into your greased casserole dish and spread it out evenly. Top it with the remaining cheddar cheese and sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top. I can’t resist taking a moment to admire that cheesy, crunchy topping—it’s going to be delicious!
Now, place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for about 30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. The entire house will soon be filled with that comforting aroma of chicken and cheese, making it hard to resist peeking in every few minutes! Once the time is up, remove it from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. This waiting period is pure torture, but trust me, it makes a difference!
I love serving this casserole with a simple green salad or some roasted vegetables on the side. The combination of textures—creamy, crunchy, and fresh—makes for a well-rounded meal that you’ll find yourself craving.
Pro Tips for Best Results
I’ve tested this casserole a few different ways, and one of my top tips is to use leftover rotisserie chicken. Not only does it make the prep quicker, but it adds fantastic flavor! You can often find these at your local grocery store, and they taste delicious in this dish.
Also, don’t skip the bread crumbs on top. I experimented without them once, thinking it would still be good, but the delightful crunch adds a whole new layer of texture that complements the creamy filling beautifully.
Lastly, if you want to spice things up a bit, try adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture. It’s such a fun twist, and it adds a little kick that spice lovers will appreciate!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One mistake I made the first time I made this casserole was cooking the noodles too long. I thought they needed to be super soft, but they will continue to cook in the oven. Cooking them to al dente is the perfect way to ensure they don’t turn mushy! (See the next page below to continue…)