Crazy Good Chicken and Bacon Noodle Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting and easy-to-make dish perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with tender chicken, cheesy noodles, and crispy bacon, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

In a white oval dish filled with baked pasta shells, the bottom layer consists of creamy white sauce-covered pasta with a slightly browned, melted cheese layer on top. Scattered over this are tender chunks of grilled chicken breast, pale beige with light char marks, and evenly sprinkled crispy bacon bits, deep reddish-brown in color. The entire dish is garnished with fresh green chopped parsley, adding a pop of color against the melt of cheese and sauce. The dish sits on a white marbled surface, enhancing the warm tones of the food. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
  2. Step 2: Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. 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: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon to the sauce mixture. Stir 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 an additional 10–15 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, sauté some mushrooms or bell peppers and mix them into the casserole before baking.
  • Use cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick shortcut.
  • Substitute sour cream with plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
  • Add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper for a subtle kick.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat covered in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, about 15-20 minutes, or in the microwave until hot.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with creamy pasta made with shell-shaped noodles coated in a smooth, pale yellow cheese sauce, mixed with chunks of golden-brown grilled chicken scattered throughout. The dish is topped with crispy, dark reddish-brown bacon bits and finely chopped fresh green parsley, adding color contrast. A light sprinkling of grated white cheese finishes the top, all sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, keep it covered in the refrigerator, and bake it when you’re ready. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

Can I use other types of pasta instead of egg noodles?

Absolutely! Pasta shapes like rotini, penne, or small shells work well. Just adjust cooking time so the pasta is al dente before baking.

Print

Crazy Good Chicken and Bacon Noodle Casserole Recipe

A hearty and creamy chicken casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, egg noodles, and a savory cream of chicken soup sauce, topped with melted cheddar cheese and crispy bacon for a perfect comforting meal.

  • Author: Hannah
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Casserole
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Noodles

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded (about 2 large chicken breasts)
  • 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked

Sauce

  • 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup milk
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ¼ teaspoon salt, adjust to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Toppings

  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • ½ cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices), divided
  • 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.
  2. Cook Noodles: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the egg noodles until just al dente so they don’t become mushy during baking. Drain and set 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 sauce is smooth and well combined.
  4. Assemble Casserole: Add the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture, stirring well to ensure everything is evenly coated.
  5. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top.
  6. Bake Covered: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes to heat through and meld flavors.
  7. Bake Uncovered: Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10–15 minutes until the cheese on top is melted and bubbly with a slight golden crust.
  8. Rest and Garnish: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving to set. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh touch.

Notes

  • Be sure not to overcook the noodles initially; they will continue to cook in the oven.
  • Adjust salt according to your taste preferences and the saltiness of the bacon and soup.
  • This casserole can be made ahead and refrigerated before baking; just increase bake time slightly if baking from cold.
  • For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat sour cream and cheese.
  • Variations can include adding vegetables like peas or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken bake, egg noodle casserole, comfort food, cheesy chicken casserole, bacon chicken bake

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