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

Scale

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