Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Herbed Chicken Noodle Casserole



From the kitchen of One Perfect Bite...I overbooked my day today and, not surprisingly, the clock ran out before my plate was cleared of crumbs. Among the items not addressed was that thing we call dinner. Usually that would mean a quick dinner out, but restricted choices during Lent made that a poor option for us tonight. Take out was equally unappealing because it meant venturing into rain that would impress even Noah. Based on a scan of the fridge and pantry and a list of my quick fix recipes, I decided it would be a perfect night for a chicken noodle casserole. I had the remains of a rotisserie chicken, some noodles, and the frozen vegetables I needed to pull this off. I chose this casserole because a kiss of tarragon gives it a more intriguing flavor than many dishes of its type and, more importantly, the Silver Fox likes it. So, I set the kettle to boil and made a thin bechamel (white) sauce using a quick-mixing flour, a product I often use when I'm in a hurry or want to brown meat. I stripped and shredded the chicken and ran some frozen peas and carrots under hot tap water for a quick thaw. The noodles went into the kettle and some Parmesan cheese was stirred into the sauce along with a squeeze of lemon juice and the tarragon. When the noodles were done, they were drained and and added to the sauce along with the chicken and vegetables. The mixture was turned into a casserole dish, topped with more cheese and transferred to the oven to bake until heated through. It took all of 15 minutes to assemble and another 30 minutes to cook. I am including directions for the white sauce because I use a quick-mixing flour. Feel free to use another white sauce if you prefer and, if you hate tarragon, use a herb more to your liking . I use whole milk to make my sauce but you can use reduced fat dairy if you wish. Here's the recipe.

Herbed Chicken Noodle Casserole...from the kitchen of One Perfect Bite

Ingredients:

One-Step White Sauce
1-1/2 cups cold milk
2 tablespoons quick-mixing flour
2 tablespoons butter
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 to 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried tarragon leaves
1/2 cup Parmesan cheese
Casserole Mixture
1 cup frozen peas and carrots, thawed and drained
2 cups cubed cooked chicken
4 cups cooked egg noodles
1/2 cup shredded cheese (i.e. Cheddar, American, Colby)

Directions:
1) Preheat oven to 400 degree F. Lightly spray a 1-1/2 quart casserole with cooking spray. Set aside.
2) To make white sauce: Combine milk, flour, butter, salt and pepper in a 2-quart saucepan and bring to a boil, stirring constantly, over medium heat. Boil and stir for 1 minute. Stir in lemon juice, tarragon and Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
2) To make casserole mixture: Stir vegetables, chicken and noodles into white sauce, combining well. Turn into prepared casserole dish. Top with grated cheese and bake for about 30 minute, or until heated through and cheese has melted. Yield: 4 servings.

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79 comments :

Linda Starr said...

I do like tarragon it brings out the subtle flavors. It has been so long since I've had a casserole I may have to try this one.

Sue said...

This chicken noodle casserole is a delicious comfort food, that's for sure. I call my husband the silver fox too:)

La Bella Cooks said...

These are the kinds of meals that warm the soul, as well as the tummy!

muppy said...

This looks delicious for a throw together dinner.

Diane said...

I have bookmarked this one it looks delicious and so simple. Thanks. Take care. Diane

Umm Mymoonah said...

Noodle casserole is very new to me, looks very delicious with the sauce and veggies.

Cool Chic Style Fashion said...

Mary le tue ricette sono sempre deliziose , una felice giornata ciao

Su m said...

This recipe is just what I like for a week souper meal.
Thanks for sharing :)

Ana Rita Marreiros said...

I bet this was a better choice than going out!!!It looks so good that i wouldn't complain!!!
There are meals not planed that turn into wonderfull surprises....

Hope you have a nice day,
Rita

Lynn said...

This is a nice quick recipe Mary! Thanks so much for posting it:@)

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

Wow, this looks delicious. When I have run out of time, we usually have toast or oatmeal. I need to keep this recipe handy.

Fondly,
Glenda

Suman Singh said...

This looks really good and yummy..

From the Kitchen said...

I've learned that quick fix fixings are important to have on hand at all times. This sounds better than most quick "fixers".

I am picturing you running amok in the Oriental Institute! I've been there often with my late Hungarian friend, Judith. Her dear friend was (maybe still is) there working on a Sanskrit dictionary.

Your chicken picadillo is on my "Wandering Wednesday" post today.

Best,
Bonnie

Tanna said...

I didn't even know there was a quick mixing flour!! I tell you, your blog is an education to me, Mary. This sounds like a good comfort dish! Blessings ~ Tanna

The Blonde Duck said...

You're right--perfect for busy nights!

Kim said...

I like this casserole, it's simple and it looks so tasty! Have a good day Mary!

Sam Hoffer / My Carolina Kitchen said...

We're remodeling a condo, so that day you had happens to us often, very often in fact. Your chicken noodle casserole sounds perfect for those days, but I also know my husband would love this for dinner any day.
Sam

Natasha cooks cakes and bakes said...

That sauce sounds so lovely! All the best, Natasha from the Rambles and Shambles blog http://theramblesandshamblesblog.blogspot.com

Unknown said...

I love chicken noodle casserole. I really like the addition of tarragon. I must try it for next time. Thanks for the inspiration Mary. Take care and have a nice day. Michael

Karen said...

Fast, simple, and fresh - this is really nice. I love how you made this delicious dinner with just a few ingredients that you had on hand. Greatly enjoy reading your blog!

carolyn bradford said...

Looks so yummy! When we get back from Spring Break I need to make dinner for a dear friend who has been in the hospital...this looks perfect! Thanks for sharing!
carolyn

Tanyia said...

this looks delicious, ty!

PeggyR said...

This sounds very good!

Valerie Harrison (bellini) said...

This sounds like one of those comforting dishes that we all crave and in these in-between Spring and winter days we need comfort.

Unknown said...

I love Wondra! I always have some in my pantry..it's been a savory at times :) This casserole looks and sounds wonderful. Perfect for a cold, rainy night!

Unknown said...

This looks great - just the kind of recipe I needed when I was a student!

StephenC said...

You are a kitchen hero to so many of us. Thanks, Mary. I love that you just got into the fridge and made it happen!

Kath said...

What a great impromtu recipe, Mary! When cooking for 2 it's always good to have some recipes up your sleeve for leftover chicken. :)

La Cuisine d'Helene said...

We need those quick recipes for busy days. I love any casseroles. This one turned looking good.

brandi said...

yum - such a great comforting dish!

Clint said...

Looks wonderful, as always. But I'm usually pretty hungry at din-din, so I might have to ask the missus to double the recipe. Thanks for making me hungry---again.

Lucie said...

I love how you always make the best things with what you've got on hand. This sounds delicious, Mary!

Jamie said...

This must be one of my favorite dishes...well, the chicken, pasta, flavorful white sauce. Yours is beautiful and looks so luscious. I need to make this soon! xoxo

Tasty Trix said...

Okay, this is just too weird - I literally just posted a tuna casserole thingy and then clicked over to your blog to see what you're up to! Great minds eh? Your lovely dish has something mine doesn't - cheese!! Which makes it faboo in my book. : )

Awayofmind Bakery House said...

Mary, I would like to inform you that I have pass an award to you, please drop by my blog to pick up when you are free. Cheers!

tinyskillet said...

I like using tarragon with chicken. I actually like it in my clam chawder too...so maybe it's a creamy thing that it works so well with. I like getting these spur of the moment dinner ideas! It looks wonderful!

Carol @ There's Always Thyme to Cook said...

The casserole looks so good and so easy, this would go over very well at my house!

Tasha said...

I never considered making a sauce quite that easily by using a quick-mixing flour. I have Wondra in my pantry, and it never gets used. Thanks for the tip. This tasty sounding casserole is a keeper for busy night.

Claudia said...

I do love chicken with tarragon. I also grinned at the decision making process for dinner. I've had so many of those eves. And would happily have that meal.

Harika baratam said...

You r amazing. No more words.

Jocie's Mom said...

Woo hoo! This post ensures that I don't have to stop at the grocery store tonight because I have all of that stuff in the fridge! Thanks for sorting out dinner for tonight :)

lena said...

this is a new way of cooking noodles for me, thanks for the idea!

Chef E said...

Something so comforting about this dish!

I think I am making something warm and corforting for dinner tonight...

kitchen flavours said...

Quick and delicious meal. This would be great on the days that I do my gardening! Less time in the kitchen, more time with my plants! Thanks for sharing, Mary!

Jennifer said...

That loooks yummy! Crazy weather we have been having, did you hear the crazy big BOOM last night!

Rachel said...

This looks like a great "comfort meal". I'm so very excited, because this is one of the first chicken noodle casseroles that I've seen, that does not call for cream of mushroom soup. (My husband refuses to eat mushrooms!) Bookmarking!

Katerina said...

Quick and delicious dish. Such meals save my day sometimes when my life gets hectic!

Joanne said...

This may be a clean-out-the-fridge meal but you would never know it based on how delicious it looks! Everyone loves a good cheesy casserole every now and then.

Lyndas recipe box said...

A great looking casserole Mary. This is better than take out any day. Having a well stocked pantry is a lifesaver!
Have a wonderful day!

Unknown said...

Sorry if I miss some posts Mary, I am having computer issues and am right now on a temporary one :(

This meal looks heavenly - I love the white sauce! Perfect family food!!!

That Girl said...

I have completely switched over from cream of soups to white sauce. It's just so easy to make, it send silly to use anything else.

Maria said...

Such a nice dish Mary! Looks warming and welcoming :-)

Tess Kincaid said...

Hi Mary, I enjoyed browsing your delicious blog. Thanks for stopping by Willow Manor today! Hope to see you again soon.

Renee Paj said...

that casserole looks wonderful and comforting, Mary. Thanks for the recipe for the white sauce...did you use Wondra? I think that is a quick mixing flour, right? Have a wonderful day and hopefully the sun is shining for you today!

Mickey said...

Looks delicious! I love casseroles, especially easy ones:)
mickey

pigpigscorner said...

Love noodles! It's versatile, simple, fast and delicious!

Sarah @ Modern Country Style said...

Oooh, this is literally making my mouth water. And when I'm almost ready for bed and not even hungry. Shame on you for being such a temptress!!!!!

Sarahxx

Ginny Hartzler said...

This looks really good, I love using rotisserie chicken for things, it saves so much time.

Liz That Skinny Chick Can Bake said...

Every time I pop over, I find something I want to make...this time included. What a simple, yet flavorful casserole...true comfort food. Thank you for sharing~

Wendy Irene said...

I love that you made a pantry meal! Sometimes those are the most rewarding because you clear out ingredients that have been sitting a while, and it nourishes your creativity thinking something up. This looks delicious! Thank you for your sweet comment about my anniversary :) Much love!

Yvonne @ StoneGable said...

Mary, I just love that you "threw" this together! It looks like something in a magazine!
I always have the ingredients on hand, so this would be an easy and great recipe for me too.
Unfortunately, I am not a fan of tarragon but I'll use other herbs.
Wonderful, as usual.
Yvonne

penny aka jeroxie said...

Hmmm... I want this! So comforting.

Velva said...

I love the comfort of this chicken noodle casserole dish. perfect for Lent and a rainy day. Thanks for sharing.

Velva

Lee said...

Hi Mary, I sure love this dish. Looking at it, I guess it required dexterity, delicacy, finesse, coordination and patience, not to mention that special ingredient called, 'love'.

I can see you have a Black Belt in cooking....Outstanding!
You have fun, and keep a song in your heart.
Best regards.
Lee.

Anonymous said...

This recipe looks great. And, I agree, the tarragon looks like it would add an extra kick!

Unknown said...

Good blog my friend!

Victor said...

This is the ultimate comfort food! Looks so creamy and yummy.

Catherine said...

Dear Mary, I love this casserole and it looks so perfect. You are wonderful. Blessings, Catherine xo

Unknown said...

Mary this looks unbelievable! Such an amazing twist to a classic soup! : )

Elaine said...

This looks like a good, hearty dish for a rainy night.

Anonymous said...

A lovely use of left overs and a quick meal :)

Anonymous said...

I have to admit, when I think casseroles, I think soggy veggies in some sort of campbells soup mixture. This version sounds so comforting and delicious!

Rita said...

My dear Mary, I am always on the lookout for a good chicken casserole. This one is for sure a keeper; I love it.Thank you so much.
Rita

Becky said...

Mary, this looks super easy and delicious. I love it when you can "throw together" a meal based on what's in the fridge and pantry. And as usual, I love your way with words. :-)

Becky

Jackie said...

Hi

Is thyme a good substitute for tarragon.

Mary Bergfeld said...

Jackie, thyme will work well. Just don't use too much of it. I'd suggest a 1/2 teaspoon for starters. You can always add more if needed. Have a great day. Blessings...Mary

Laura (TLN) said...

:) I think I just saw Noah floating down our street! This looks like a great raint day (or any day) dish.

Mother Rimmy said...

Tarragon is one of my most favorite herbs. Most people don't add it to their pantry. Too bad. It imparts such lovely flavor. Lovely casserole.

Kristi

CaSaundraLeigh said...

Even your beautiful pictures can make a casserole look gourment. Your photos never cease to amaze me! :-)

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