Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and generously grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Cook the egg noodles according to package directions until they are al dente; drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Dice the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into uniform bite-sized pieces.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of mushroom soup, cream of chicken soup, and sour cream. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, then stir until well combined.
- Add the cooked egg noodles and diced chicken to the soup mixture in the bowl, stirring gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Pour the entire casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Melt the stick of unsalted butter. Crumble the 4 slices of white bread into fine crumbs, then toss them with the melted butter until well coated.
- Evenly sprinkle the buttery bread crumbs over the top of the casserole mixture.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown and crisp.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Notes
To elevate this classic, consider searing the chicken breasts briefly before dicing; this adds a deeper flavor profile. Ensure egg noodles are cooked just al dente, as they will continue to absorb liquid and cook in the oven, preventing a mushy texture. For the bread topping, lightly toast the white bread first, then butter and crumble for a crispier, more satisfying crunch. Don't shy away from seasoning each component individually with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. A touch of garlic powder or dried herbs (like thyme or parsley) in the soup mixture can also enhance the overall complexity and aroma.