Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Casserole
This Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Casserole is a comforting, all-in-one meal perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights. The tender pieces of chicken, paired with flavorful, sautéed onions and celery, blend beautifully with creamy soup and savory broth, while the noodles absorb all the delicious flavors. This dish is not only simple to prepare and cook but also offers an excellent way to enjoy the warmth of homemade cooking. Complete with mushrooms for an earthy touch, this casserole will become a beloved staple in your kitchen.
6
Servings
120
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Onion, minced
1 teaspoon (minced)
Celery, chopped
1/4 cup (chopped)
Butter
3 tablespoons (melted)
Cooked chicken, cubed
2 cups (cooked and cubed)
Noodles, uncooked
6 ounces (uncooked)
Cream of chicken soup
1 can (standard can size)
Chicken broth
2 1/4 cups (liquid)
Lemon juice
1 teaspoon (fresh)
Pepper
1/4 teaspoon (ground)
Canned mushrooms with juice
4 ounces (standard can size)
Instructions
1
In a Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced onion and chopped celery; sauté for about 5 minutes or until they are tender and fragrant.
2
Stir in the cooked, cubed chicken. Once well combined, spread the uncooked noodles evenly over the chicken layer.
3
In a separate bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, lemon juice, and pepper until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the noodles, ensuring all the noodles are moistened.
4
Add the entire contents of the canned mushrooms (including juice) on top of the noodle mixture.
5
Cover the Dutch oven and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer.
6
Cook for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are tender and the flavors have melded together wonderfully.
7
Serve hot and enjoy the deliciousness of this one-pan meal!
Nutrition Information
15g
Carbs
9g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hearty Dutch Oven Chicken Noodle Casserole?
It is a comforting, all-in-one meal featuring tender chicken, sautéed vegetables, and noodles cooked in a creamy soup and savory broth.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
Do I need to cook the noodles before adding them to the Dutch oven?
No, you use 6 ounces of uncooked noodles which will cook in the broth and soup mixture.
How long does it take to sauté the vegetables?
The minced onion and chopped celery should be sautéed in butter for about 5 minutes or until tender and fragrant.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The dish uses 2 cups of cooked, cubed chicken, providing 9g of protein per serving.
Should I drain the canned mushrooms?
No, you should add the entire contents of the 4-ounce can of mushrooms, including the juice.
How long is the total simmering time?
The casserole should simmer for about 15-20 minutes after reaching a boil.
What kind of soup is required?
This recipe requires one standard-sized can of cream of chicken soup.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 120 calories.
Can I substitute the chicken broth?
While the recipe calls for 2 1/4 cups of chicken broth, you could use vegetable broth if needed, though it will alter the flavor profile.
Why is lemon juice added to the recipe?
A teaspoon of fresh lemon juice is added to the soup mixture to brighten the flavors and add a touch of acidity.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is designed as a one-pan meal cooked entirely in a Dutch oven.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?
It is important to stir the mixture occasionally while it simmers on low heat to prevent sticking.
What seasoning is used in this casserole?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of ground pepper, along with the natural flavors from the broth and cream soup.
What is the carbohydrate content?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use fresh celery and onion?
Yes, the recipe specifically calls for 1 teaspoon of minced onion and 1/4 cup of chopped celery.
How much butter is needed?
The recipe requires 3 tablespoons of butter for sautéing the vegetables.
Is this recipe good for beginners?
Yes, it is described as an easy recipe and a simple way to enjoy homemade cooking.
Can I use rotisserie chicken?
Yes, rotisserie chicken is an excellent choice for the 2 cups of cooked, cubed chicken.
What temperature should I cook the casserole at?
Start by melting butter over medium heat, bring to a boil over medium-high, and then simmer on low.
Is there a specific way to layer the ingredients?
Yes, sauté veggies first, add chicken, then spread noodles evenly before pouring the liquid mixture over the top.
What makes this dish 'hearty'?
The combination of protein-rich chicken, starchy noodles, and earthy mushrooms in a creamy base makes it very satisfying.
Can I add more vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, peas or carrots would be a great addition to this Dutch oven meal.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Dutch oven, chicken, one-pan meal, casserole, comfort food, and weeknight dinner.
How much minced onion should I use?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of minced onion.
What is the preparation for the mushrooms?
The mushrooms should be canned and used with their juice for extra flavor.
Should the Dutch oven be covered?
Yes, cover the Dutch oven once you bring the mixture to a boil and keep it covered while simmering.
What kind of mushrooms are used?
The recipe specifies 4 ounces of canned mushrooms.
How do I serve this dish?
Serve the casserole hot directly from the Dutch oven for a simple, family-style meal.
Is the salt content specified?
The recipe does not list added salt, as the broth and canned soup typically provide sufficient sodium.