Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, cheesy baked dish loaded with tender chicken, egg noodles, and crispy bacon. It’s an easy meal perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.

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. 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. 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 on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake an additional 10–15 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, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce.
• You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
• Swap out cheddar for mozzarella or Monterey Jack for a different cheese profile.
• Mix in some steamed broccoli or peas for added veggies and color.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the whole dish in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I freeze Crazy Good Casserole?

Yes, freeze the fully assembled casserole before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake as directed, adding extra baking time as needed.

Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 139 reviews

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty chicken noodle bake featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s an easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for family meals or potlucks, combining simple pantry staples into a deliciously cheesy and savory casserole.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Noodles

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

Sauce

• 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
• ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
• 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 (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 should still be slightly firm since they will continue cooking in the casserole. Drain the noodles and set them 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 the mixture is smooth and well combined.
4. Assemble Casserole: Add the drained noodles, shredded cooked chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Stir everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared greased baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top for a deliciously cheesy and crispy topping.
6. Bake: Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the casserole is heated through.
7. Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired to add a fresh and colorful touch before serving.

Notes

• Make sure not to overcook the noodles in boiling water since they will finish cooking in the oven, which prevents mushiness.
• You can substitute cooked chicken with leftover rotisserie chicken to save time.
• For a lower-fat version, use low-fat sour cream and reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
• Adding green onions or fresh herbs as garnish enhances flavor and presentation.
• This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just increase baking time slightly if baking cold.

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