Ultimate Chicken Casserole with Bacon and Crispy Onions

4. Preheat the oven:
   Set your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
5. Mix the filling:
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked egg noodles, shredded chicken, corn, milk, cream of chicken soup, diced onion, minced garlic, shredded cheese, chopped bacon, and salt and pepper. Stir everything together until fully combined and coated in the creamy mixture.
6. Assemble the casserole:
   Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly with a spatula.
7. Add the topping:
   Evenly sprinkle the French fried onions over the top of the casserole. These will become golden and crisp as the dish bakes, adding the perfect crunchy contrast to the creamy base.
8. Bake:
   Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbling around the edges, and the topping is golden brown. If needed, you can loosely tent with foil during the last 10 minutes to prevent the onions from overbrowning.
9. Serve warm:
   Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the filling set slightly, making it easier to portion.

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