Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole combines tender chicken, cheesy noodles, and crispy bacon in a creamy, comforting bake. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing dish perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

A close-up view of a baked pasta dish in a white rectangular casserole dish. The top layer is golden-brown melted cheese with crispy browned spots, sprinkled generously with small pieces of dark reddish-brown cooked bacon. Beneath the cheese is a layer of creamy white sauce and bits of light beige chicken mixed with rigatoni pasta, which is pale yellow and tubular with ridges. Fresh green herbs are scattered on top for color contrast. The casserole dish sits on a blue cloth over a white marbled texture surface. 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

  1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
  6. Step 6: Cover 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.
  7. 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 teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
  • Swap sour cream for Greek yogurt for a tangier taste and added protein.
  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding.
  • Mix in some steamed broccoli or peas for a veggie boost.
  • Try swapping cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for different cheese flavors.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through, or reheat the whole dish covered with foil in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 15-20 minutes.

How to Serve

A close-up of a baked pasta dish in a white rectangular baking dish, showing large twists of pasta coated in a creamy white sauce with melted golden cheese on top, scattered pieces of crispy reddish-brown bacon, and small green parsley leaves sprinkled evenly across the surface. The pasta looks soft and saucy, with some browned cheese bubbles, all sitting on a white marbled textured surface with a blue cloth nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole but wait to bake it until you’re ready. Cover it tightly and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

What can I use if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with homemade white sauce (béchamel) or use cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor. Just be sure to adjust seasoning as needed.

Print

Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, a creamy sauce made with cream of chicken soup and sour cream, and topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. Perfect for an easy family dinner that combines rich flavors and simple ingredients in one satisfying casserole.

  • Author: Logan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Casserole

  • 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)

For Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, meaning they are slightly firm as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  3. 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 smooth and well combined.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix thoroughly so everything is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the prepared mixture into the greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top to create a flavorful crust once baked.
  6. Bake: Cover the casserole with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden.
  7. Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired to add a fresh pop of flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Adjust salt according to the saltiness of your bacon and cheese.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
  • Ensure noodles are slightly undercooked as they will continue cooking in the casserole.
  • Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, comfort food, baked casserole, cheesy chicken noodle casserole, easy dinner recipe

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