Description
Dive into the ultimate Southern comfort with Paula Deen’s Chicken Casserole. This hearty dish features shredded chicken, tender noodles, and a creamy, cheesy base, topped with a crispy cornflake crust. It’s a warm, nostalgic meal perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion when comfort food is the order of the day.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- Cooked chicken (shredded): 3 cups
- Cream of chicken soup: 1 (10.5 oz) can
- Cream of mushroom soup: 1 (10.5 oz) can
- Sour cream: 1 cup
- Mayonnaise: 1 cup
- Shredded cheddar cheese: 1 cup
- Egg noodles (cooked and drained): 2 cups
- Diced tomatoes (optional): 1 (14.5 oz) can
- Garlic powder: 1 tsp
- Onion powder: 1 tsp
- Salt and pepper: To taste
For the Topping
- Crushed cornflakes: 1 cup
- Butter (melted): 2 tbsp
Instructions
Prepare Ingredients
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook and shred the chicken. Boil egg noodles according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
2. Mix the Creamy Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and diced tomatoes (if using). Mix until smooth.
3. Combine the Base
- Add the shredded chicken and cooked egg noodles to the creamy mixture.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste and mix until evenly coated.
4. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken and noodle mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish.
5. Make the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix crushed cornflakes with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the cornflake mixture over the top of the casserole.
6. Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30–35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
7. Serve
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- Rotisserie Chicken Shortcut: Use store-bought rotisserie chicken for convenience and added flavor.
- Al Dente Noodles: Cook noodles until just tender to avoid mushiness during baking.
- Customize the Topping: Swap cornflakes for Ritz crackers, panko breadcrumbs, or crushed potato chips for a different crunch.
- Boost the Flavor: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, sautéed mushrooms, or frozen peas for extra layers of flavor.
- Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole without the topping, refrigerate, and add the topping just before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Southern