Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Huntington Chicken Casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender shredded chicken, creamy mushroom sauce, and layers of pasta or rice, all baked to bubbly perfection. Perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week, this casserole delivers a delicious blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
cooked shredded chicken
egg noodles or cooked rice
cream of mushroom soup
cream of chicken soup
sour cream
onion (chopped)
green bell pepper (chopped)
shredded cheddar cheese
butter
salt and pepper
directions
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté chopped onions and green bell peppers until tender.
In a large bowl, combine the sautéed vegetables with shredded chicken, both soups, sour cream, salt, and pepper.
Fold in the cooked egg noodles or rice until evenly coated with the mixture.
Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 8 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Baking time: 25-30 minutes
Total time: 40-45 minutes
Variations
Add cooked bacon or ham for extra protein and flavor.
Mix in frozen peas or mushrooms for added texture and nutrition.
Use mozzarella or a cheese blend instead of cheddar for a different cheesy finish.
Top with crushed crackers or fried onions for a crunchy topping.
storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions or warm in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Freeze for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves prep time.
Is there a substitute for sour cream?
You can use plain Greek yogurt or cream cheese as a substitute.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of canned soup?
Yes, but you’ll need to sauté them and possibly make a homemade sauce to replace the condensed soup.
Is this dish freezer-friendly?
Absolutely, it freezes well. Just cover tightly and label with the date.
What type of pasta works best?
Egg noodles are traditional, but penne or rotini also work well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Substitute the chicken with beans or mushrooms and use cream of mushroom soup only.
Do I need to cook the pasta first?
Yes, the noodles should be cooked before combining with the other ingredients.
Can I use low-fat ingredients?
Yes, low-fat versions of sour cream and soup can be used with minimal flavor difference.
Does this casserole have a strong mushroom flavor?
The flavor is mild and creamy, balanced by the chicken and cheese.
Conclusion
Huntington Chicken Casserole is a cozy, crowd-pleasing dish that’s as easy to make as it is satisfying to eat. With its creamy base, tender chicken, and cheesy topping, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed family dinners. Once you try it, this casserole might just earn a permanent spot in your comfort food lineup.
PrintHuntington Chicken Casserole
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dinner, Casserole
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A comforting, creamy chicken and pasta casserole topped with crispy breadcrumbs, baked to bubbling perfection.
Ingredients
- 2–3 Tbsp olive oil
- 1½ lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut bite‑size
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 2 cups uncooked small pasta (elbows or small shells)
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp all‑purpose flour
- 1 cup milk (or half‑and‑half)
- 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar and/or gouda)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- 1 cup Italian‑seasoned breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 °F.
- In a pot, bring broth (with salt if using unsalted broth) to gentle boil. Add pasta and simmer until al dente; do not drain.
- Meanwhile, in a separate pot, heat oil over medium heat. Add chicken and sauté 4–6 min until cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and flour; cook 1–2 min stirring to form a roux.
- Slowly whisk in milk until smooth and thickened, about 2 min; don’t boil.
- Stir in pepper and garlic powder.
- Add cheese a handful at a time, stirring until each batch melts.
- Return pasta (with its broth) and chicken to sauce; stir well and taste, adjusting salt/pepper.
- Pour mixture into a 13×9‑inch baking dish; evenly top with breadcrumbs.
- Bake uncovered for ~25 min until sauce bubbles and breadcrumbs brown.
- Let rest 5 min before serving.
Notes
- Make ahead: assemble and refrigerate up to a day ahead; add breadcrumbs just before baking.
- Freezing not recommended—dairy may separate.
- Store leftovers in fridge up to 3–4 days.
- Use small shells or elbows for best pasta texture.
- Cheese blend can be swapped (Colby Jack, Monterey Jack, gouda).
- Breadcrumbs can be replaced with panko or crushed crackers.