Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with shredded chicken, egg noodles, and crispy bacon. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for feeding a hungry family with minimal effort.
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
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size.
- Step 2: Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside, as they will cook further in the oven.
- Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and combined.
- Step 4: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top.
- Step 6: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken for a faster shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Swap out egg noodles for pasta shapes like penne or rotini if preferred.
- Add steamed vegetables such as broccoli or peas for extra nutrition and color.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the sauce mixture.
- Replace bacon with cooked sausage or omit for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly version (just use vegetable broth instead of cream of chicken soup).
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat portions in the microwave or in a 350°F (175°C) oven until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before baking as directed.
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 day before, cover it, and keep it refrigerated. Bake it as directed when ready to serve, adding a few extra minutes if it’s cold from the fridge.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer, you can use homemade cream sauce or a can of cream of mushroom soup as an alternative. Make sure to adjust the seasoning to maintain the desired flavor balance.
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Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and hearty baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, cheesy egg noodles, and crispy bacon. Perfect for an easy family dinner, it combines rich flavors and satisfying textures in a simple casserole that’s ready in under an hour.
Ingredients
Protein
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
Pasta
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked)
Sauce & Dairy
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Seasonings
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
Garnish (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare dish: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or one of similar size to prevent sticking.
- 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 be slightly firm as they will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
- 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.
- Combine ingredients: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon to the sauce. Stir well until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon over the top for a flavorful and appetizing crust.
- Bake the casserole: Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
- Rest and serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh, mild onion flavor and appealing presentation.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for shredded chicken to save time.
- Adjust the seasoning and salt to your taste preference, especially if your cream of chicken soup is already salted.
- For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared in advance and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if baking from cold.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and can be reheated in the oven or microwave.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy chicken bake, egg noodle casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked chicken dinner
