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Crazy Good Casserole

A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with egg noodles, bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This comforting one-dish dinner is perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 485

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked chicken shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken)
  • 2 cups egg noodles uncooked
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup 1 can
  • 1 cup sour cream full-fat recommended
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided (sharp cheddar preferred)
  • 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon about 6 slices
  • 0.5 cup milk
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 0.25 tsp salt adjust to taste
  • 2 tbsp chopped green onions optional, for garnish

Equipment

  • 9x13 inch baking dish
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • Aluminum foil

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or cooking spray.
  2. Cook egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente (slightly firm, about 2 minutes less than package directions). Drain well and set aside.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
  4. Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese (3/4 cup), and half of the bacon to the sauce mixture. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
  5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top.
  6. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  7. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10 to 15 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and beginning to turn golden at the edges.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Substitution tips: Use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup instead of cream of chicken. Greek yogurt can replace sour cream for a lighter version. Any short pasta (penne, rotini) works well. Sharp cheddar can be mixed with mozzarella or Monterey Jack for varied flavor.
Make-ahead: Assemble everything up to the baking step, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add 10 extra minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 325°F to prevent drying out.
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