Warm, hearty, and bursting with comforting flavors, this Country Chicken Casserole is the ultimate family-friendly dinner that delivers a taste of home in every bite. Perfectly tender shredded chicken is combined with vibrant diced vegetables, soft egg noodles, and a creamy, thyme-infused sauce, then topped with melty cheddar cheese and a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb crust. Ready in just an hour, this oven-baked classic is an easy and satisfying meal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. Serve it straight from the dish and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a rustic, comforting touch. Ideal for fans of warm casseroles and creamy chicken recipes, this dish is sure to become a household favorite!
Preheat your oven to 375Β°F (190Β°C). Grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish lightly with olive oil or cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced carrots, celery, and onion, and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw taste. Slowly whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream, creating a smooth sauce.
Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and dried thyme. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Turn off the heat and fold in the shredded chicken, frozen peas, and cooked egg noodles, mixing everything until well-coated.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese evenly on top.
In a small bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer.
Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Calories |
718 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 37.4 g | 48% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.4 g | 97% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 188 mg | 63% | |
| Sodium | 908 mg | 39% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 41.7 g | 15% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.3 g | 15% | |
| Total Sugars | 5.6 g | ||
| Protein | 48.2 g | 96% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.4 mcg | 2% | |
| Calcium | 206 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 3.9 mg | 22% | |
| Potassium | 652 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.