Crazy Good Casserole
This creamy, smoky casserole combines tender egg noodles, shredded chicken, and a crispy cheddar and bacon topping, making it a comforting dish perfect for weeknight dinners and potlucks.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts) Use rotisserie chicken for speed.
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked) Medium-width noodles work best.
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup Use a high-quality brand for better flavor.
- 1 cup sour cream Can be reduced for a lighter version.
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided) Reserve half for topping.
- ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices) Reserve some for topping.
- ½ cup milk Adjust for sauce thickness.
- 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) Add for a fresh touch.
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the egg noodles until just al dente.
- Drain the noodles well 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 pepper until smooth.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Assemble the Casserole
- Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce until well mixed.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
Bake
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving, and garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
Using day-old chicken can prevent the casserole from becoming watery. Adjust seasoning during the sauce preparation for best flavor. Consider adding vegetables for extra nutrition.