Description
How to make hearty Amish Winter Bliss Casserole with tender chicken, creamy noodles and savory vegetables that brings cozy comfort to cold nights.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 12 oz wide egg noodles
- 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts, cubed
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 celery stalks, chopped
Creamy Foundation
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of mushroom soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Flavor Builders
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup frozen mixed vegetables
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Prep Noodles: Cook egg noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well and set aside – they’ll finish cooking in the oven, so slightly underdone is perfect.
- Brown Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add cubed chicken and cook until golden brown on all sides, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper while cooking.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add diced onion and celery to the chicken pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender and fragrant. The onions should be translucent and aromatic.
- Make Sauce: In large bowl, whisk together both cream soups, sour cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, thyme, and pepper. Mix until completely smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked noodles, chicken mixture, frozen vegetables, and half the cheese to the sauce. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
- Assemble Casserole: Transfer mixture to greased 9×13 baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. Cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 30 minutes.
- Finish Baking: Remove foil and bake 10-15 minutes more until cheese is golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving – this helps it set up perfectly.
Notes
- Don’t overcook the noodles initially as they’ll continue cooking in the oven and may become mushy.
- Store covered in refrigerator up to 4 days; flavors improve overnight for even better taste.
- Substitute rotisserie chicken for quicker prep – use about 3 cups shredded meat.
- Add extra chicken broth when reheating if the mixture seems too thick.
- Freeze assembled casserole up to 3 months; thaw completely before baking.
- Let rest 5 minutes after baking to allow the casserole to set properly before serving.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Eggs, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 385 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Protein: 28g