Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
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.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
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
- 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.
- 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 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
