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Creamy Crack Chicken Noodle Casserole with Crispy Bacon Topping

creamy crack chicken noodle casserole - featured image
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A comforting and easy-to-make casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, creamy cheesy sauce, egg noodles, and a crispy bacon topping that adds a perfect crunch.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken breast (rotisserie chicken works great)
  • 8 ounces egg noodles (can substitute penne or rotini)
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 8 ounces egg noodles until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. In a skillet over medium heat, cook 6 slices thick-cut bacon until crispy, about 7-9 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cooled. Save 1 tablespoon bacon fat for flavor or discard.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 1 can cream of chicken soup, 1 cup sour cream, ½ cup mayonnaise, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth.
  5. Fold shredded chicken and chopped green onions into the creamy mixture.
  6. Gently fold drained noodles into the creamy chicken mixture until evenly coated.
  7. Spread mixture evenly in prepared baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
  8. Sprinkle crumbled bacon evenly over the cheese layer.
  9. Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

If casserole seems too thick before baking, add a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen. Watch bacon topping during baking and tent with foil if browning too quickly. For dairy-free, substitute sour cream and mayonnaise with coconut yogurt or vegan mayo and use dairy-free cheese. Use gluten-free noodles if needed. Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy chicken casserole, bacon topping, comfort food, easy casserole, cheesy chicken noodle casserole

Find it online: https://tastytuck.com/creamy-crack-chicken-noodle-casserole-recipe-easy-homemade-crispy-bacon-topping/