Chicken Noodle Casserole

Instructions

1. 01

   Brush or spray a 4-quart (9x13-inch) shallow baking dish with oil.

2. 02

   In a wide, deep saucepan, place the chicken breasts skin side down, and add the peppercorns, 1/2 teaspoon salt, bay leaf, and 1 parsley sprig. Pour the stock over the chicken (the breasts should be covered; if not, add enough water to cover by 1/2-inch). Bring to a simmer, uncovered, over medium-high heat. (Bubbles should appear around the edges of the pot, but not in the center.) Adjust the heat, if needed, to maintain a low simmer, and cook the chicken, skimming the foam off the top with a spoon as necessary, for 15 to 18 minutes, or until a thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the chicken registers 165°F. With tongs, transfer the chicken to a plate to cool. When cool, shred the chicken into bite-size pieces. Discard the skin and bones.

3. 03

   Fill a large pot with water, add the remaining 3 teaspoons of salt and bring it to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for 2 minutes fewer than the package directions indicate. (This prevents the noodles from becoming overcooked when baked in the casserole.) Shut off the burner, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. In the end, you will add the finished sauce to the pot of noodles.

4. 04

   In a small bowl, stir the softened butter and flour together until well combined. It will look a little like paste.

5. 05

   Pour the stock through a fine mesh strainer into a bowl. You will use it make the sauce. Discard the solids. Measure 3 cups of stock and return it back to the saucepan. (Freeze any leftover stock and save it for another use.) Add the onion, celery, and pepper to the saucepan with the stock, and bring the stock to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 5 minutes or until the vegetables soften. A few tablespoons at a time, whisk in the beurre manie until the clumps melt into the stock and the stock thickens slightly. Bring the sauce to a boil while whisking constantly for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. Whisk in the milk and sour cream. The sauce should look like cream soup; it is not as thick as béchamel. Taste and add more salt and pepper, if you like.

6. 06

   Pour the sauce over the noodles and stir to coat. Add the shredded chicken and drained pimentos. Transfer to the baking dish and top with the grated cheese.

7. 07

   Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce bubbles and the cheese melts. If you like a slightly crunchy top, run the casserole under the broiler for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is golden. If desired, chop the remaining sprig of parsley and sprinkle it over the top. Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!