Name: Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts); 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked; ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices); 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided; 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup; 1 cup sour cream; 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)

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Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and crispy bacon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare.

A white rectangular baking dish filled with a baked pasta casserole. The dish has three visible layers: the bottom layer consists of creamy pasta with tube-shaped noodles, the middle layer is covered in white melted cheese with a slightly browned and bubbly texture, and the top layer includes crispy small pieces of reddish-brown bacon and finely chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly across the surface. The edges of the dish show some baked cheese sticking to the sides. The baking dish sits on a white marbled texture with a light blue textured cloth partially visible on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size.
Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Step 4: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top.
Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a handful of frozen peas or diced mushrooms to the casserole before baking.
Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken yourself.
Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
Swap cheddar for a mix of mozzarella and Monterey Jack for a gooier texture.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked pasta dish in a white ceramic casserole dish, showing three main layers: a bottom layer of cooked pasta shells, a middle layer of creamy white sauce mixed with pieces of cooked chicken, and a top layer covered with melted golden-brown cheese and crispy bacon bits, all sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs. The edges of the dish have browned bits of cheese, and the background is a white marbled texture with a folded blue cloth to one side. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Yes, feel free to use other pasta like penne or rotini, but adjust the cooking time so they remain slightly firm before baking.

Is it possible to prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if it’s chilled.