Cheesy Chicken Noodle Bake with Fried Onion Crust 🍗🍜

This hearty and comforting dish combines tender chicken, creamy noodles, and a crispy fried onion topping that will satisfy everyone around the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend gathering, this Chicken Noodle Bake is simple to prepare and packed with flavor. Serve it with a side of mixed greens for a complete meal! 🥗✨

Ingredients

For the bake

• 3 cups of cooked egg noodles
• 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
• 1 cup of frozen peas and carrots (thawed)
• 1 can (10.5 oz) of cream of chicken soup
• 1 cup of sour cream
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping

• 1 cup of crispy fried onions
• 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese (optional for extra gooeyness)
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, thawed peas and carrots, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.

🍲 Make sure to taste the mixture before baking! Adjust the seasoning to your liking with additional salt, pepper, or even some hot sauce for a kick!

• Pour the chicken noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.

• Sprinkle the crispy fried onions over the top. If you're feeling extra cheesy, add the mozzarella cheese before the fried onions for a bubbly layer of goodness!

• Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the mixture is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

• Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

🥄 For a flavor twist, consider adding ranch seasoning or even some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick!

Variations

• Healthier: Substitute whole wheat noodles and low-fat sour cream for a lighter version. You can also add more vegetables like broccoli or spinach to boost the nutrient content! 🥦
• Creamy: Replace the cream of chicken soup with homemade white sauce or a cheese sauce for a more luxurious mouthfeel.
• Protein-packed: Add cooked bacon or ham for an extra layer of flavor. Use different proteins based on your preference!
• Make-ahead: Prepare the dish the night before and store it in the fridge until ready to bake. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.

With its comforting flavors and easy prep, this Cheesy Chicken Noodle Bake with Fried Onion Crust is sure to become a family favorite! Enjoy! 🍽️❤️