Looking for a comforting, hearty dish that’s full of rich flavors? This French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole combines the savory goodness of French onion soup with tender chicken and noodles for the ultimate cozy meal. 🧅🍗🍲
This casserole is a delicious blend of classic French onion flavors—sweet, caramelized onions, a rich broth, and gooey melted cheese—paired with tender chicken and noodles. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or when you’re craving a warm and filling dish that’s easy to make and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
This dish is the perfect comfort food, combining the deep, savory flavors of French onion soup with the heartiness of a noodle casserole. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with tender chicken, making it a satisfying meal for any night of the week. Plus, it’s easy to make ahead and perfect for leftovers!
Main Ingredients for French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
Each ingredient in this recipe brings rich, savory flavors and hearty textures that make this casserole so comforting and delicious:
- Chicken Breast (2 cups, cooked and shredded): Tender shredded chicken adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
- You can also use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Egg Noodles (12 ounces, cooked): The noodles provide the base for the casserole, soaking up all the rich flavors from the sauce.
- Wide egg noodles work best, but you can substitute with any pasta you prefer.
- Yellow Onions (2 large, thinly sliced): Onions are caramelized to bring out their natural sweetness, which is key to the French onion flavor.
- Slow cooking the onions until they’re golden and sweet is essential for the depth of flavor.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, unsalted): Butter helps caramelize the onions and adds richness to the dish.
- Beef Broth (1 ½ cups): The broth brings a savory depth to the casserole, mimicking the classic French onion soup taste.
- You can substitute with chicken or vegetable broth if preferred.
- Cream of Chicken Soup (1 can, 10.5 ounces): Adds creaminess and helps bind the casserole together.
- You can use a homemade cream of chicken soup if you prefer.
- Gruyère Cheese (1 ½ cups, shredded): This classic cheese adds a rich, melty layer to the casserole.
- If Gruyère isn’t available, Swiss cheese is a great substitute.
- French Fried Onions (1 cup, for topping): Adds a crispy, crunchy topping that brings texture and more onion flavor.
Benefits of Ingredients
- Onions are rich in antioxidants and provide a natural sweetness that balances the savory flavors.
- Chicken is a lean source of protein that adds heartiness to the casserole.
How to Make French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole: Step-by-Step Instructions
- Caramelize the Onions: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced onions and cook, stirring occasionally, for 20-25 minutes until they are golden brown and caramelized. Be patient—caramelizing the onions slowly brings out their natural sweetness and creates the base flavor for the dish.
- Lower the heat if the onions start to brown too quickly; they should cook slowly to develop the best flavor.
- Prepare the Noodles and Chicken: While the onions are caramelizing, cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside. If your chicken isn’t already cooked, cook and shred it at this point.
- Make the Sauce: Once the onions are caramelized, stir in the beef broth and cream of chicken soup. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- The broth adds depth to the sauce, while the cream of chicken soup adds creaminess and richness.
- Assemble the Casserole: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, and the onion sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Top with Cheese and French Fried Onions: Sprinkle the shredded Gruyère cheese evenly over the top of the casserole, followed by the crispy French fried onions for a crunchy topping.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the top is golden brown.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs, like parsley or thyme, if desired, and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
- Caramelize the Onions Slowly: Don’t rush the process of caramelizing the onions. Cooking them low and slow brings out the best flavor.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience: If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great option to speed up the preparation.
- Make Ahead: This casserole can be assembled ahead of time and baked just before serving. It also freezes well for a quick weeknight meal.
Frequently Asked Questions About French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s coming straight from the fridge.
What can I serve with this casserole?
This casserole is hearty enough to serve on its own, but it pairs well with a light green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! Gruyère is traditional for French onion dishes, but Swiss, mozzarella, or even sharp cheddar can work if you prefer a different flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven until warmed through.
Can I freeze this casserole?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Assemble it without the fried onion topping, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, add the topping, and bake as directed.
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