Company Chicken Casserole

 

🍗✨ This elegant yet easy casserole turns simple ingredients into a showstopping meal perfect for entertaining. Tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a golden crispy topping come together in this make-ahead wonder that'll have guests begging for the recipe!

✨ Why This Recipe Shines

✔ Impressive enough for special occasions but simple enough for weeknights
✔ Creamy without canned soup - scratch-made sauce elevates the flavor
✔ Crispy, buttery topping adds irresistible texture
✔ Feeds a crowd - easily doubles for potlucks
✔ Make-ahead friendly - assemble hours before baking

🧑‍🍳 Ingredients

Main Components

• 3 cups cooked chicken (rotisserie works great)

• 8 oz wide egg noodles

• 2 tbsp butter

• 1 small onion, diced

• 8 oz mushrooms, sliced

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

Cream Sauce

• 3 tbsp butter

• 3 tbsp flour

• 2 cups whole milk

• 1 cup chicken broth

• ½ cup sour cream

• 1 tsp Dijon mustard

• 1 tsp thyme

• ½ tsp paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

Topping

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

• ½ cup grated Parmesan

• 2 tbsp melted butter

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep Components

1. Cook noodles 1 minute less than package directs, drain

2. Sauté onion and mushrooms in butter until golden, add garlic

2. Make the Sauce

1. Melt butter, whisk in flour to make a roux

2. Gradually whisk in milk and broth until smooth

3. Simmer until thickened, then stir in sour cream and seasonings

3. Assemble

1. In greased 9x13" dish, combine noodles, chicken, mushrooms, and sauce

2. Mix topping ingredients and sprinkle evenly over casserole

4. Bake & Serve

• Bake at 375°F for 25-30 mins until bubbly and golden

• Let rest 5 mins before serving

💡 Chef's Secrets

✅ For extra richness - swap ½ cup milk for heavy cream
✅ Make ahead - refrigerate assembled casserole up to 24 hours (add 10 mins baking)
✅ Freezer tip - freeze before baking (thaw overnight before cooking)
✅ Crispier topping - broil last 2 minutes (watch carefully!)