Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole: A Comfort Food Classic

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, creamy casserole, especially when it’s packed with tender chicken and savory mushrooms. This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole is the perfect dish for a chilly evening, a potluck gathering, or simply when you crave a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s easy to make, utilizes readily available ingredients, and is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into the recipe!

## Why This Recipe Works

This casserole stands out for several reasons:

* **Creamy and Flavorful Sauce:** The creamy mushroom sauce is the star of the show, providing a rich and savory base that coats every bite.
* **Tender Chicken:** Using pre-cooked chicken (rotisserie is ideal!) cuts down on prep time and ensures juicy, flavorful chicken in every serving.
* **Versatile Vegetables:** Mushrooms are the main vegetable, but you can easily customize the casserole with other vegetables like peas, carrots, or broccoli.
* **Easy to Assemble:** This recipe is straightforward and requires minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Freezable:** This casserole freezes beautifully, making it a great make-ahead meal option.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a list of the ingredients you’ll need to create this delicious Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole:

* **Chicken:** 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken is a great shortcut)
* **Mushrooms:** 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
* **Onion:** 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* **Garlic:** 2 cloves garlic, minced
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* **All-Purpose Flour:** 4 tablespoons
* **Chicken Broth:** 2 cups
* **Heavy Cream:** 1 cup
* **Dry White Wine:** 1/2 cup (optional, but adds great flavor)
* **Thyme:** 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste
* **Egg Noodles:** 1 pound egg noodles, cooked according to package directions
* **Shredded Cheese:** 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, or a blend (optional, for topping)
* **Bread Crumbs:** 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (optional, for topping)
* **Parsley:** 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

## Equipment

* Large skillet or Dutch oven
* 9×13 inch baking dish
* Large pot for cooking noodles
* Measuring cups and spoons
* Cutting board and knife

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these detailed instructions to make the perfect Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole:

**1. Prepare the Ingredients:**

* Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
* Shred or dice the cooked chicken.
* Slice the mushrooms and chop the onion.
* Mince the garlic.
* Grate the cheese (if using).

**2. Sauté the Vegetables:**

* Melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
* Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
* Add the sliced mushrooms and cook until they release their moisture and are browned, about 8-10 minutes.
* Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.

**3. Make the Creamy Mushroom Sauce:**

* Sprinkle the flour over the cooked vegetables and stir to coat. Cook for 1-2 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
* Slowly pour in the chicken broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
* Add the heavy cream and white wine (if using). Stir to combine.
* Stir in the dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook until the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.

**4. Assemble the Casserole:**

* In a large bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, and creamy mushroom sauce. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
* Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.

**5. Add Toppings (Optional):**

* If using, sprinkle the shredded cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
* In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter (optional). Sprinkle over the cheese.

**6. Bake the Casserole:**

* Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
* Bake the casserole for 20-25 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese is melted and bubbly (if using).

**7. Garnish and Serve:**

* Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
* Garnish with chopped fresh parsley.
* Serve warm and enjoy!

## Tips for Success

* **Use High-Quality Ingredients:** The better the ingredients, the better the flavor of the casserole. Choose fresh mushrooms and good-quality chicken broth.
* **Don’t Overcook the Noodles:** Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the casserole. Cook them al dente.
* **Adjust the Seasoning:** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or thyme.
* **Add More Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the casserole, such as peas, carrots, broccoli, or green beans.
* **Use Different Types of Cheese:** Experiment with different types of cheese, such as Gruyere, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free egg noodles and a gluten-free flour blend to make this casserole gluten-free.
* **Spice it Up:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

## Variations

Here are a few variations to try:

* **Chicken and Broccoli Casserole:** Add 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets to the casserole.
* **Chicken and Spinach Casserole:** Add 1 cup of wilted spinach to the casserole.
* **Chicken and Asparagus Casserole:** Add 1 cup of chopped asparagus to the casserole.
* **Chicken and Wild Rice Casserole:** Substitute cooked wild rice for the egg noodles.
* **Cheesy Chicken Casserole:** Add more cheese to the casserole, both inside and on top.

## Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole is a complete meal on its own, but here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Side Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or Caesar salad.
* **Steamed Vegetables:** Serve with steamed green beans, broccoli, or asparagus.
* **Garlic Bread:** Serve with garlic bread or crusty rolls to soak up the delicious sauce.
* **Fruit Salad:** Serve with a refreshing fruit salad.

## Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make-Ahead:** You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Add a few minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
* **Freezing:** To freeze the casserole, assemble it but do not bake. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking. You may need to add a few minutes to the baking time.
* **Storage:** Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave.

## Nutritional Information (Approximate)

(Note: Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

* Calories: 450-550 per serving
* Protein: 30-40g
* Fat: 25-35g
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g

## Recipe Card

**Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole**

A comforting and flavorful casserole with tender chicken, savory mushrooms, and a creamy sauce.

**Prep Time:** 20 minutes
**Cook Time:** 30 minutes
**Total Time:** 50 minutes
**Servings:** 6-8

**Ingredients:**

* 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
* 1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
* 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
* 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
* 2 cups chicken broth
* 1 cup heavy cream
* 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
* 1 teaspoon dried thyme
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 pound egg noodles, cooked
* 1 1/2 cups shredded cheese (optional)
* 1/2 cup panko bread crumbs (optional)
* 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
3. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened.
4. Add mushrooms and cook until browned. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
5. Sprinkle flour over vegetables and cook for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in chicken broth, whisking constantly.
6. Add heavy cream, white wine (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened, about 5-7 minutes.
7. In a large bowl, combine noodles, chicken, and sauce. Pour into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish.
8. Sprinkle with cheese and bread crumbs (if using).
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and cheese is melted.
10. Garnish with parsley and serve.

## Conclusion

This Creamy Mushroom Chicken Casserole is a timeless classic for a reason. Its comforting flavors, easy preparation, and versatility make it a go-to dish for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or simply looking for a satisfying meal, this casserole is sure to please. So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a delicious and heartwarming dish!