Crazy Good Chicken Bacon Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy noodles. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this casserole brings together simple ingredients into a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.

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 the oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or similar size.
2. Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.
5. Step 5: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
6. Step 6: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped 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 turkey or ham for chicken to switch up the protein.
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free egg noodles if preferred.
• To make it vegetarian, replace chicken and bacon with sautéed mushrooms and smoked cheese.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the casserole in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 15–20 minutes. You can also microwave individual portions on medium power, stirring halfway through.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this casserole in advance?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it the next day, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time since it will be cold.

What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?

You can substitute with cream of mushroom soup or make a homemade white sauce using butter, flour, and milk seasoned with chicken broth for a fresher taste.

Crazy Good Chicken Bacon Noodle Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 138 reviews

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting baked dish combining tender shredded chicken, cheesy egg noodles, and a creamy sauce infused with subtle garlic and onion flavors. Topped with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that’s easy to assemble and full of delicious, hearty flavors.

• Author: Clara
• 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

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste

Garnish

• 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the egg noodles and cook until just al dente, as they will continue baking later. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Make 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.
4. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Stir everything together until all components are evenly coated with the sauce.
5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top for a tasty crust.
6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes to heat through and allow flavors to meld.
7. Finish Baking: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese topping is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden.
8. Rest and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired before serving to add a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Notes

• You can substitute cream of chicken soup with a homemade sauce or cream of mushroom soup for variation.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker preparation.
• For a lighter version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
• If you prefer a crispier topping, broil the casserole for a couple of minutes after baking.
• Make sure not to overcook the noodles initially as they will cook further in the oven, preventing mushiness.

Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, egg noodle casserole, comfort food, bacon casserole, easy dinner recipe