Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, cheddar cheese, bacon, and egg noodles. Perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners, it combines simple ingredients into a cheesy, flavorful casserole that’s easy to assemble and sure to satisfy.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Main 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
Dairy and Sauce
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
Seasonings and Garnish
- 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
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or similar size baking dish to prevent sticking.
- Cook noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, meaning they should still be slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine casserole ingredients: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce. Mix everything thoroughly so the ingredients are evenly coated by the sauce.
- Assemble the casserole: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top for a cheesy, crispy finish.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and lightly browned.
- Rest and garnish: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving.
Notes
- Use freshly cooked chicken or leftover roasted chicken for best flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preference, especially if your bacon is very salty.
- You can substitute cheddar cheese with a blend of cheeses like mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different flavor profile.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and refrigerated before baking to save time.
- For a crispier topping, broil uncovered for 2-3 minutes after baking but watch carefully to prevent burning.
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, bacon casserole, baked chicken noodle casserole, comfort food, easy dinner
