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French Onion Chicken Noodle Casserole

A cozy, savory casserole that combines the flavors of French onion soup with creamy chicken pasta, topped with a crunchy layer for the perfect comfort food.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Comfort Food, French
Calories: 480
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 large Onions, sliced Yellow onions are classic. Slice them thin for faster caramelization.
  • 2 tablespoons Butter Gives rich flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Oil Helps prevent browning too quickly.
  • 2 cloves Garlic Fresh is best.
  • 4 cups Beef broth or stock Chicken broth can be used as an alternative.
  • 3 cups Rotisserie chicken, shredded or chopped Makes the recipe quick and hearty.
  • 8 ounces Wide egg noodles They hold up well and soak in flavor.
  • 2 cups Cheese, mixed (Gruyère, Swiss, or provolone) For melt, add a little Parmesan for savoriness.
  • 1 cup Milk or half and half Adds creaminess without heaviness.
  • 2 tablespoons Flour To thicken the sauce lightly.
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme Optional, adds herb note.
  • 1 cup Crunchy topping (kettle chips, French fried onions, or buttered breadcrumbs) Choose your favorite texture.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Caramelize the onions: Heat butter with a splash of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sliced onions and a pinch of salt. Cook low and slow, stirring every few minutes, until golden and sweet. Add garlic for the last minute.
  2. Build the sauce: Sprinkle flour over the onions and stir for 30 seconds. Slowly add broth while stirring. Add milk or half and half. Simmer a few minutes until it lightly thickens.
  3. Cook the noodles: Boil egg noodles in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain.
  4. Combine: Stir noodles and chicken into the onion sauce. Add most of the shredded cheese and a little thyme. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
Baking
  1. Transfer to a buttered baking dish. Scatter on the remaining cheese and your crunchy topping of choice.
  2. Bake at 350°F until the top is golden and bubbly, about 20 to 25 minutes.
  3. Let it sit 5 to 10 minutes. Scoop and enjoy while hot.

Notes

Onions should be soft and golden with a little brown around the edges, not burned. Season onions well with salt as they cook. Get creative with your crunchy topping and consider cooking tips for a creamier texture if desired.