Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, cheesy noodles, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a family dinner or potluck, it’s easy to prepare and sure to please everyone at the table.

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 oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook 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 cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce mixture.
• Substitute cooked turkey or rotisserie chicken if you prefer.
• Mix in steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition and color.
• Use gluten-free noodles to make this dish gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave until warmed through, or cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole the night before and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute homemade cream sauce or a combination of cream of mushroom soup or cream of celery soup if you prefer. Just keep the total amount around one can (10.5 oz) for the right consistency.

Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 94 reviews

A comforting and flavorful chicken casserole baked to perfection with tender egg noodles, creamy sauce, melted cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for a hearty family meal.

• Author: Rico
• 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

Main 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

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

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch or similar size baking dish to prevent sticking and facilitate easy cleanup.
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 as they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
3. Make Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and evenly blended.
4. Assemble Casserole: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture thoroughly so every component is well coated.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top to create a delicious, cheesy crust.
6. Bake: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor and color.

Notes

• For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
• Can substitute chicken with turkey or tofu for a different protein option.
• Adjust seasoning and salt to taste based on dietary preferences.
• Ensure noodles are not overcooked initially, so they retain a nice texture after baking.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, baked casserole, cheddar cheese casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe