Creamy Chicken-Noodle Skillet Casserole

A warm and creamy casserole on a cool autumn evening is a welcome sight on the dinner table. I like making casseroles in skillets because they’re easy to pop under the broiler for a few minutes to finish the dish with an invitingly browned, slightly crisp top.

You can use shredded rotisserie chicken in this recipe, but making your own is easy (and cheaper). I bought one pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut it into four chunks, and simmered it in chicken broth for 15-20 minutes. Drain the meat, let it cool, then shred it. Done. And freshly done.

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 5 oz egg noodles (yolk or no-yolk)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced petite, peeled carrots
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
• 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
• 2-1/2 tbsp flour
• 2 cups low-fat milk
• 1/2 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 tbsp finely chopped rosemary
• 1/2 tsp finely grated lemon zest
• sea salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs (or other fine, dry breadcrumbs)
• 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese

Prepared Vegetables

Shredded Chicken Breast

Preparation

1. Preheat the broiler.
2. Cook the noodles in boiling, salted water until al dente, 8-9 minutes. Drain.
3. Heat a 12-inch oven-proof skillet over medium heat and add the oil and butter, swirling to combine and melt the butter. Add the carrot, onion, and celery and cook, covered but stirring a few times, until tender, 5-6 minutes.
4. Add the chicken and cook until warm throughout, 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle the flour over the vegetable-chicken mixture and cook, stirring, 1 minute. Gradually stir in the milk and continue cooking until creamy and slightly thickened, 8-9 minutes. (Mixture should still be a bit runny.)
6. Stir in the peas, rosemary, and lemon zest and season with salt and pepper. Remove from the heat and stir in the noodles.
7. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs and cheese on top and broil until lightly browned, 1-2 minutes. 

Carrot Mixture

Chicken Added

Sprinkled with Flour 

Milk Added 

Slightly Thickened Mixture

Pea Mixture Added

Noodles Stirred In

Cheese and Panko Topping

Divide the casserole among 4 shallow bowls and serve hot.

Creamy Chicken-Noodle Skillet Casserole