Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy egg noodles topped with crispy bacon. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it blends classic flavors into a warm and satisfying meal.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- ½ cup milk
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar sized dish to ensure the casserole doesn’t stick while baking.
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the egg noodles. Cook them until just al dente, meaning slightly firm since they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Make the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined. This mixture forms the creamy base of the casserole.
- Assemble Casserole: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon to the sauce mixture. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
- Transfer to Dish: Pour the combined mixture into your prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top to create a flavorful and golden crust during baking.
- Bake: Cover the casserole dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Serve: Once baked, let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to settle and the dish to cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Adjust salt and pepper to taste as the bacon and soup may add some saltiness.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and milk.
- If you prefer crispy bacon on top, add half before baking and sprinkle the rest after baking.
- This casserole can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated covered in the oven.
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, egg noodle casserole, baked chicken dish, comfort food, easy casserole recipe