Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for busy weeknights. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with chicken and bacon, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

A white oval dish filled with three layers of food is shown on a white marbled surface. The bottom layer is creamy, smooth, light beige sauce. The middle layer is shell-shaped pasta, yellow with a soft texture, some covered in sauce, some showing a bit of butter shine. The top layer contains chunks of grilled chicken with light browning, scattered crispy bacon bits in reddish-brown, and green chopped herbs sprinkled evenly over all. The dish looks hot and creamy with toasted cheese patches. 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) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size.
  2. Step 2: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. 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 and well combined.
  4. Step 4: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top.
  6. Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or 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 a healthier version, substitute Greek yogurt for sour cream and use whole wheat egg noodles.
  • Add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
  • Use smoked gouda or pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a different flavor twist.
  • To make ahead, assemble the casserole and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or oven until heated through. For best results, cover with foil to prevent drying out.

How to Serve

A white casserole dish filled with baked pasta showing three main layers: the bottom layer is pale yellow cooked penne pasta mixed with chunks of white chicken, the middle layer is creamy melted cheese coating all the pasta and chicken with a smooth texture, and the top layer is sprinkled with crispy, dark reddish-brown bacon bits and small green parsley pieces scattered evenly. The edges of the pasta are slightly browned, giving a toasted look. The dish is placed on a white marbled textured surface with a blue cloth blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken for this casserole?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time. Just shred it before mixing it into the casserole.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked casserole for up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in foil and plastic wrap before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Print

Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

This Crazy Good Casserole is a hearty and comforting baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, egg noodles, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. Easy to prepare and perfect for a family dinner, it combines simple pantry ingredients into a flavorful casserole everyone will love.

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

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Pasta

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
  • 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked

Sauce and Seasoning

  • 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)

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices), divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a dish of similar size to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the egg noodles. Cook until just al dente, which means they should be slightly firm as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  3. Prepare 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.
  4. Assemble Mixture: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top to create a deliciously cheesy and crispy topping.
  6. Bake: Cover the casserole 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 until the cheese on top has melted and the casserole is bubbly and hot throughout.
  7. Serve: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving to add a fresh flavor and color contrast.

Notes

  • For a lower sodium option, use a low-sodium cream of chicken soup and reduce added salt.
  • To make this dish gluten-free, substitute egg noodles with gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.
  • Adding vegetables like peas or broccoli can boost nutrition and add color.
  • If you prefer a smokier flavor, use smoked bacon or a smoked cheese variety.

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, bacon casserole, creamy chicken bake, comfort food, easy dinner recipe

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