Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy noodles, and crispy bacon, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together easily.
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 a similar size.
- Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until they are just al dente—they should be slightly firm as they will bake further. Drain and set aside.
- 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 the sauce is smooth and combined.
- Step 4: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce. Mix everything well so that it is evenly coated.
- Step 5: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Step 6: Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Then remove the foil and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Step 7: Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. If desired, garnish with chopped green onions for a fresh touch.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
- Use rotisserie chicken for a quicker prep time without sacrificing taste.
- Try substituting the cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom or cream of celery for a different twist.
- Use gluten-free noodles to make the dish gluten-friendly.
- Top with crushed buttery crackers or breadcrumbs before baking for a crunchy topping.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. This casserole also freezes well—freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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 and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking straight from the fridge.
Can I use fresh cooked chicken instead of canned or store-bought?
Absolutely. Fresh cooked and shredded chicken works perfectly and adds great flavor and texture to the casserole.
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Crazy Good Chicken Noodle Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, hearty baked dish featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy sauce, egg noodles, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This all-in-one casserole is easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, delivering rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
Ingredients
Protein and Dairy
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- ½ cup milk
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
Pasta
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C) and 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, which means they should be slightly firm as they will finish cooking in the oven. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Prepare 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: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the cooked bacon into the prepared sauce mixture. Mix everything thoroughly so all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Assemble Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the greased baking dish. Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top for a cheesy, crispy crust.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly and golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired, then serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Feel free to swap egg noodles with any pasta of your choice like penne or rotini.
- Adjust salt according to your taste, especially if your bacon or soup is already salty.
- If you prefer a spicier casserole, add a pinch of cayenne or some chopped jalapeños to the sauce.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese, and turkey bacon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, baked chicken casserole, comfort food, easy dinner recipe
