Hunger Challenge Dinner: Ramen Chicken Casserole
By: Sheri Wetherell
Published: March 22, 2011

Our goal for this dinner during the Hunger Challenge was to create a meal using foods typically found at a food bank. For this meal that included ramen noodles and canned cream of chicken soup. We added fresh chicken, a 12-ounce bag of frozen peas and carrots, some milk, and cheddar cheese.  Though admittedly not the most beautiful dish I've ever created, it certainly was comfort food - warm and satisfying. For two people we ate heartily and still have leftovers for one lunch today. Even though some of the items are available at food banks, I've included the cost for each.
Ramen Chicken Casserole
	Serves 2+ Total cost: $3.56 2 packets chicken-flavored ramen noodles (using only one of the spice packets) - $.30 total 1 can cream of chicken soup - $.99 1/2 cup milk - approx. $.11 12-ounce bag frozen peas and carrots - $2.49 (canned could also be used to lower cost) 1 large breast of chicken, roughly 7 ounces (we purchased a 4-pound chicken for $.79/lb.)- approx. $.42 1 tablespoon canola oil (we purchased a 48-ounce bottle for $3.99) - $.04 1/2 cup cheddar cheese (optional) - approx. $.50 Cut chicken breast into bite-size pieces and sauté in canola oil. Flavor with half the packet of ramen seasoning. In a saucepan, bring 5 cups water to a boil. Crush ramen noodles and add to water. Cook 3-4 minutes until noodles are done; drain. Return noodles to saucepan and add the cream of chicken soup, milk and the remaining half packet of ramen seasoning. Stir until well incorporated and bring to a low simmer over medium heat. Add chicken and frozen peas and carrots; stir. Sprinkle top with cheddar cheese and place under a broiler until cheese is melted. Season with black pepper to taste.
Note: You could also make this a tuna noodle casserole by using canned tuna and cream of mushroom soup instead.
Tip: Save the extra ramen seasoning packet for future meals or to season a vinaigrette! The Hunger Challenge is an exercise of empathy—to live in someone else’s shoes for one week and learn how we can help fight hunger. 
How you can help: volunteer, learn more about the Hunger Relief Now! Plan, encourage your friends and family and make your voice heard, donate to your local food bank. If you’re participating in the Hunger Challenge, consider donating what you save this week on food.

Comments:
Marsha Sickler
March 22, 2011

Actually your ramen/chicken/cheese dish looks pretty good!I was just going to point out that you can get canola oil from Aldi Stores for $1.99 and you can buy a bag of individually frozen chicken breasts,use one and still have few left over to use another time(also Aldi store very reasonable,better than even Walmart)