Huntington Chicken Recipe

When it comes to comfort food, Huntington Chicken is a classic that never disappoints. This creamy, cheesy casserole has been a family favorite for generations, combining simple pantry staples into a dish that’s both hearty and satisfying. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when we need a crowd-pleaser for potlucks and gatherings.

Huntington Chicken Recipe

Let’s dive into how to prepare this comforting and cheesy Huntington Chicken casserole step by step. With easily accessible ingredients and a quick prep method, we’ll have this dish ready for any occasion in no time.

Ingredients

Here’s what we’ll need to make our creamy and satisfying Huntington Chicken:

• 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
• 8 ounces egg noodles, cooked and drained
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup breadcrumbs, for topping
• 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

Follow this step-by-step process to create the ultimate Huntington Chicken casserole, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or a small amount of butter.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream of chicken soup, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
3. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust based on your preference for seasoning intensity.
4. Pour the chicken and noodle mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the surface.
5. In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter. Stir the mixture until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated. Sprinkle this buttery breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top of the casserole for a golden, crispy topping.
6. Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and lightly browned on top.
7. Remove from the oven and allow it to cool for 5 minutes before serving. The casserole will set slightly as it cools, making it easier to slice and serve.

Baking Time Table

Temperature	Time	Remarks
350°F (175°C)	30-35 minutes	Bake until bubbly and golden

Notes and Tips

• For added flavor, sprinkle an extra layer of shredded cheese on the breadcrumbs before baking.
• You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience, as its pre-cooked tenderness enhances the dish.
• To add some color and texture, mix in a cup of frozen peas or diced cooked carrots.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 325°F or microwave until warmed through.

Ingredients

To craft this creamy, cheesy Huntington Chicken casserole, we’ll need the following pantry-friendly ingredients. Measure and prepare as directed for the best results:

Core Ingredients:

• 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works best for convenience).
• 12 ounces egg noodles, cooked according to package directions and drained.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of chicken soup.
• 1 can (10.5 ounces) cream of mushroom soup.
• 1 cup sour cream.
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.

Seasoning and Aroma:

• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder.
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder.
• Salt and pepper to taste.

Buttery Topping:

• 1 cup crushed buttery crackers (like Ritz).
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted.

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup steamed vegetables, such as peas or broccoli (optional for added nutrition).

Ingredient Notes:

• Feel free to swap cream soups for an equal portion of homemade white sauce if you prefer fresh ingredients.
• Substitute cheddar cheese with a cheese blend like Colby Jack for a different flavor profile.

Here’s a quick ingredient breakdown for ease:

Ingredient	Amount	Preparation
Cooked chicken	2 cups	Shredded or diced
Egg noodles	12 ounces	Cooked and drained
Cream of chicken soup	10.5 ounces	Ready to use
Cream of mushroom soup	10.5 ounces	Ready to use
Sour cream	1 cup	Pre-measured
Shredded cheddar cheese	2 cups	Grated
Garlic powder	1/2 teaspoon	Pre-measured
Onion powder	1/2 teaspoon	Pre-measured
Salt and pepper	To taste	Adjust while mixing
Crushed buttery crackers	1 cup	Crushed (fine or coarse as preferred)
Unsalted butter	4 tablespoons	Melted in the microwave
Steamed vegetables (opt)	1 cup	Broccoli or peas, steamed (optional for nutrition)

Tools And Equipment

To make the Huntington Chicken casserole smooth and efficient, we’ll need a few essential kitchen tools and equipment. These tools help streamline the process and ensure perfect results. Let’s break them down:

Essential Tools

• Mixing Bowls: Two medium to large-sized bowls for combining the creamy sauce and noodle mixture effortlessly. Opt for one that’s sturdy enough to handle heavy mixing.
• Whisk or Wooden Spoon: A whisk is ideal for blending the cream soups and sour cream into a smooth consistency, while a wooden spoon works well for folding in the cooked chicken and noodles.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to achieving the perfect balance of flavors. Use standard sets for dry and liquid ingredients.
• Baking Dish (9×13 inch): A 9×13-inch casserole dish is the perfect size for a family-serving casserole, ensuring even cooking and an inviting presentation.
• Saucepan: This is optional, but often handy for pre-cooking egg noodles or steaming optional vegetables like broccoli or peas.
• Sharp Knife and Cutting Board: Use these for dicing cooked chicken or chopping extra vegetables if adding them to your casserole.

Equipment for Preparation

Tool/Equipment	Purpose in Recipe
Mixing Bowls	Mixing the creamy and noodle layers separately.
Baking Dish (9×13-inch)	Baking the casserole evenly for a golden, bubbly finish.
Measuring Tools	Precise measurements for creamy consistency and seasoning.
Saucepan (optional)	Pre-cooking noodles or steaming optional vegetables.
Whisk/Wooden Spoon	Ensures smooth blending of cream soups and sour cream.

Optional Gadgets

• Food Processor: If you prefer finely chopping chicken or vegetables for a smoother texture, a food processor can save time.
• Kitchen Scale: For those who prefer weigh-based precision, especially for cheese or noodles.
• Spatula: A silicone spatula is perfect for scraping every bit of the flavorful mixture from the bowl to the baking dish.

By having these items readily available, we can create a seamless workflow, ensuring our Huntington Chicken casserole bakes to perfection.

Directions

Let’s dive into making the Huntington Chicken Casserole! Follow these step-by-step instructions to achieve this creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying dish.

Prep

1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and cook 12 oz of egg noodles until al dente, as per package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the chicken: Shred or dice 2 cups of cooked chicken. Rotisserie chicken works wonderfully for convenience and flavor.
3. Preheat the oven: Set your oven temperature to 350°F (175°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking later.
4. Butter the dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish lightly with butter or non-stick cooking spray. This prevents sticking during baking.
5. Make the topping: In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup of crushed crackers with 2 tbsp of melted butter. Stir until fully combined and set aside.

Cook

1. Prepare the mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cooked egg noodles, 1 can of cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz), 1 can of cream of mushroom soup (10.5 oz), 1 cup of sour cream, and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Season generously: Add 1/2 tsp of garlic powder, 1/4 tsp of onion powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly with a wooden spoon or whisk until evenly blended.
3. Optional additions: Stir in 1 cup of steamed vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or carrots, for extra texture and nutrition.

Bake

1. Assemble: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the buttery cracker topping over the casserole, ensuring uniform coverage.
2. Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes or until the casserole is bubbling and the topping turns golden brown.
3. Cool and serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the layers set and enhances flavor!

Pro Tip: If you love extra cheesy casseroles, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.

Temperature	Time	Purpose
350°F (175°C)	30-35 minutes	Initial baking
350°F (175°C)	5 minutes	Melt additional cheese on top

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing Huntington Chicken ahead of time is a game-changer for busy schedules, meal prep enthusiasts, or when hosting gatherings. Follow these simple steps to save time while still enjoying this creamy, cheesy comfort food:

1. Assemble the Casserole

• Complete all preparatory steps for the recipe, including cooking the egg noodles and preparing the chicken.
• Mix the ingredients, such as the shredded chicken, cooked egg noodles, cream soups, sour cream, and cheddar cheese.
• Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13-inch baking dish but do not add the breadcrumb topping yet.

2. Add the Topping Later

• For best results, prepare the buttery breadcrumb topping separately. Combine crushed crackers and melted butter in a small airtight container. Leave it in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
• This prevents the topping from becoming soggy and ensures maximum crunchiness.

3. Cover and Store

• Use an airtight cover or tightly wrap the assembled casserole (without topping) with aluminum foil or plastic wrap. Store it in the refrigerator if baking within 1-2 days, or freeze for longer storage.
• Label the dish with the date and baking instructions for convenience.

Storage Method	Timeframe	Notes
Refrigerator	Up to 2 days	Best for short-term storage.
Freezer	Up to 3 months	Ensure the casserole is tightly sealed to prevent freezer burn.

4. Baking From Make-Ahead

If Refrigerated:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Remove the dish from the refrigerator while the oven preheats to let it come closer to room temperature.
3. Add the buttery breadcrumb topping evenly over the casserole.
4. Bake covered for 25 minutes, then uncover and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly.

If Frozen:

1. Allow the casserole to thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
2. Follow the same baking steps as above.
3. If you forget to thaw, bake the dish covered straight from the freezer for 60-70 minutes, then uncover and bake for 15-20 minutes, adding the topping in the last 20 minutes.

Storage And Reheating Instructions

Properly storing and reheating our Huntington Chicken casserole ensures the flavors stay intact and the texture remains delicious. Follow these steps for the best results:

Storing Leftovers

1. Cool Completely: Allow the casserole to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes before storing. Avoid covering it while it’s still hot to prevent excess moisture buildup, which can make the topping soggy.
2. Transfer to Airtight Containers: Divide the leftovers into airtight containers or cover the baking dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. This helps to retain freshness and prevents the casserole from absorbing other fridge odors.
3. Refrigeration: Store the covered casserole in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure it’s consistently kept at a temperature below 40°F.
4. Freezing: For longer storage, place the casserole in freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly with a freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Reheating Instructions

Reheating ensures your Huntington Chicken casserole tastes as flavorful as the day we prepared it. Here’s a breakdown:

Reheating Method	Steps to Follow
Oven (Best Option)	1. Preheat the oven to 350°F.
	2. Transfer the casserole to an oven-safe dish if frozen and cover loosely with foil to prevent drying.
	3. Heat refrigerated casserole for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly. Frozen casserole may take 45-60 minutes.
	4. Remove the foil during the last 5-7 minutes for a crisp topping.
Microwave	1. Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a microwave-safe lid or plate.
	2. Heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring midway, until evenly heated.
	3. Check that the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F.

Pro Tips for Best Results

• Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating in either method to restore creaminess if the casserole appears dry.
• If freezing, consider leaving off the breadcrumb topping before storing. Add fresh toppings just before reheating for the best texture.
• Always reheat only the portion you plan to eat to maintain the quality of the remaining casserole.

Conclusion

Huntington Chicken is more than just a casserole—it’s a comforting, versatile dish that brings people together. Whether you’re preparing it for a busy weeknight, a family gathering, or meal prepping for the week, this recipe offers the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor.

With its creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and customizable options, it’s a dish that fits seamlessly into any occasion. We hope this guide inspires you to make Huntington Chicken a staple in your kitchen and enjoy every delicious bite with those you love.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Huntington Chicken?

Huntington Chicken is a creamy and cheesy baked casserole made with egg noodles, cooked chicken, cream soups, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or busy weeknights.

Can I make Huntington Chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole without the breadcrumb topping, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Add the topping just before baking. You can also freeze it for longer storage.

What ingredients do I need to make Huntington Chicken?

The core ingredients are cooked chicken, egg noodles, cream of chicken and mushroom soups, sour cream, cheddar cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping. You can also include optional add-ins like vegetables or seasonings.

How do I store Huntington Chicken leftovers?

Let the casserole cool completely, then transfer leftovers to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Can I substitute ingredients in the recipe?

Absolutely! You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience or swap cream soups with homemade versions. Vegetables like peas and broccoli can be added for extra nutrition, and you can personalize seasonings to your taste.

What tools are needed to make Huntington Chicken?

You’ll need mixing bowls, a whisk or wooden spoon, a 9×13-inch baking dish, and basic kitchen tools like a knife and cutting board. Optional tools like a food processor or kitchen scale can make preparation even easier.

How do I reheat Huntington Chicken?

To reheat, bake in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes until heated through. For small portions, use the microwave. Add a bit of sour cream or broth to restore creaminess if needed.

Can I freeze Huntington Chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the assembled casserole before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before baking.

What makes Huntington Chicken a great meal option?

It’s easy to prepare, uses simple pantry ingredients, and is versatile enough for busy weeknights or gatherings. Plus, it’s hearty, creamy, and satisfies the whole family.

How long should I bake Huntington Chicken?

Bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden on top.