There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm casserole coming out of the oven, especially when it’s filled with all the flavors of childhood. This Chicken Nugget Casserole is one of those dishes that effortlessly brings back memories of cozy family dinners and the happy chatter around the table. I remember the first time I made it for my friends—a simple, weeknight meal turned into an unforgettable feast. And let me tell you, it disappeared faster than I could set the table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why should this casserole be your next go-to meal? Picture this: crispy chicken nuggets nestled among tender pasta, all swimming in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s like a warm hug on a plate—both satisfying and fun! Kids love it, and let’s be honest, so do adults (who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia?). Plus, it’s an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights when you need something quick yet hearty.
Not to mention, you can customize it according to what you have on hand. Feeling adventurous? Throw in some mixed veggies or top it off with tater tots for a crunchy surprise. It’s a dish that welcomes creativity, which is what cooking is all about!
Gather These Ingredients
Get ready to rally your ingredients—it’s a straightforward lineup!
Frozen chicken nuggets (20–24 pieces, about 1.5 pounds): Skip the thawing; these nuggets are ready to go straight from the freezer, bringing the crunch you crave.
Cooked pasta (2 cups, penne or rotini): Cook it just shy of al dente for the ideal texture as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Cream of chicken soup (1 can, 10.5 oz): This brings the magic creamy texture that binds everything together.
Sour cream (1 cup): Adds a delightful tang that cuts through the richness.
Milk (0.5 cup): Adjust for the creaminess you desire—more for a saucier result, less if you prefer it thicker.
Shredded cheddar cheese (2 cups): The sharper, the better! A melty, cheesy blanket over your casserole makes it irresistible.
Mozzarella cheese (1 cup): Known for its gooey, stretchy characteristic, this cheese pulls everything together.
Parmesan cheese (0.5 cup, optional): For those who love the nutty punch; a sprinkle adds depth.
Garlic powder (1 tsp): The flavor booster; it’s a must!
Onion powder (0.5 tsp): Enhances that savory goodness lurking in each bite.
Paprika (0.5 tsp): Adds a touch of color and a whisper of smokiness.
Salt and pepper: To your taste, because who doesn’t love a good sprinkle?
Butter (2 tbsp): For greasing the pan and brushing those nuggets to perfection.
Frozen mixed vegetables (1 cup, optional): Pop these in for a nutrition boost—no one will notice!
Tater tots (1 cup, optional): Get crispy with this topping twist, adding texture to your casserole.
Bacon bits (0.5 cup optional): A crunchy, smoky delight if you’re looking to take things up a notch.
Fresh parsley (optional): A simple garnish for that touch of color.
Preparing Chicken Nugget Casserole
Let’s get cooking—here’s how this delightful dish comes together!
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While that’s warming up, grab your trusty 9×13 baking dish and butter it up. This ensures easy cleanup and a beautifully golden finish.
Cook the pasta according to the package—just don’t forget to shave off two minutes from the cooking time. Drain it well because nobody likes a watery casserole.
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This creamy concoction will be bathing your pasta in deliciousness.
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until they’re all cozy together, then fold in your cooked pasta.
Spread the pasta mix evenly into the greased baking dish. If you’re feeling health-conscious, now’s the time to sprinkle in those frozen mixed veggies!
Lay out the frozen chicken nuggets on top like a blanket of joy. Then finish with a sprinkle of all that lovely remaining cheese.
Cover with foil (or don’t if you’re feeling risky!) and bake for 20 minutes. Remove that foil and let it bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes until it’s bubbling and blissfully golden.
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving; this step lets those flavors chill together a bit.
How to Serve It
This casserole shines on its own, but why not play around with it? Serve it hot, straight from the oven, perhaps with a simple side salad or some crusty bread to round off the meal. If you opted for those tater tots, you’d want to showcase the texture, so maybe serve it with a side of ranch or a zesty dipping sauce for the nuggets!
How to Store and Reheat
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store any uneaten casserole in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just reheat in the oven at 350°F until heated through (about 20 minutes) or in the microwave for a quicker option. If you want to freeze it, make sure it’s cooled, and then wrap it tightly—it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Pro Chef Tips
- Always taste as you go! Adjust those seasonings to your liking.
- Want a bit more depth? Sauté fresh garlic and onions before mixing them in for a flavor explosion.
- For extra crunch, make sure to sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before the last baking phase—mouthwatering!
- If you’re feeling a bit more gourmet, use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary to elevate this dish to new heights.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some fun ideas:
- Swap out chicken nuggets for cooked rotisserie chicken or even crispy tofu for a vegetarian option.
- Go global—incorporate barbecue sauce instead of soup for a smoky twist or salsa for a zesty kick.
- Try different cheese combos: pepper jack for some heat or even a sprinkle of blue cheese for flair.
Common Questions
- What can I side this with? A fresh salad or garlic bread pairs beautifully!
- Can I make it ahead? Absolutely! Just prep and assemble, cover, and store in the fridge. Bake before serving.
- How long does it last? Best eaten within 3 days, but this casserole freezes wonderfully!
- Is this recipe easily adjustable? Yes! Feel free to substitute and mix in whatever you have around.
- What’s a great veggie addition? Broccoli or peas would also work great to sneak in some greens.
This Chicken Nugget Casserole is so much more than a recipe; it’s a gateway to family gatherings, laughter, and comfort. It holds a special place on my dinner table, and I can’t wait for it to become a beloved dish in your home, too. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and whip up this adventure in flavor! Let your creativity flow; who knows what delicious twists you’ll come up with? Every time you make it, I hope it brings joy to your table just as it has to mine!
Chicken Nugget Casserole Recipe
Description
A nostalgic casserole filled with crispy chicken nuggets, tender pasta, and rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights and customizable to your taste!Ingredients for Chicken Nugget Casserole
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Preparation Steps
Preheat the oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 baking dish.Cook pasta
Cook the pasta according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by two minutes. Drain well.Prepare the sauce
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.Combine ingredients
Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then fold in the cooked pasta. Mix well.Assemble casserole
Spread the pasta mixture evenly in the greased baking dish. Top with frozen chicken nuggets and sprinkle with remaining cheese.Bake
Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake uncovered for another 15-20 minutes, until bubbling and golden.Rest and serve
Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 450kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 24g37%
- Saturated Fat 12g60%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 60mg20%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 400mg12%
- Total Carbohydrate 36g12%
- Dietary Fiber 2g8%
- Sugars 3g
- Protein 22g44%
- Vitamin A 500 IU
- Vitamin C 8 mg
- Calcium 350 mg
- Iron 2 mg
- Vitamin D 0 IU
- Vitamin E 0 IU
- Vitamin K 4 mcg
- Thiamin 0.3 mg
- Riboflavin 0.5 mg
- Niacin 6 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.4 mg
- Folate 40 mcg
- Vitamin B12 1 mcg
- Biotin 0 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 0.5 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Iodine 0 mcg
- Magnesium 25 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 15 mcg
- Copper 0.1 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
- Chromium 0 mcg
- Molybdenum 0 mcg
- Chloride 0 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
