Description
This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and delicious baked dish featuring shredded chicken, tender egg noodles, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon. Perfect for a hearty family meal, this casserole combines easy-to-find ingredients with simple preparation for a satisfying and flavorful dinner.
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
- 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 and Prepare Dish. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Cook Noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, firm to the bite, since they will continue cooking in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Sauce. In a large 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 gently until everything is evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Assemble Casserole. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top for a deliciously cheesy and crispy finish.
- Bake Covered. Cover the casserole with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and meld the flavors.
- Finish Baking Uncovered. Remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Rest and Garnish. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired to add a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- For a lower fat option, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
- Add vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Ensure noodles are not overcooked before baking to avoid a mushy texture.
- The casserole can be prepared ahead and refrigerated before baking; just add a few extra minutes to the bake time.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, baked casserole
