There’s something so comforting about casseroles, isn’t there? They’re like a warm hug at the end of a long day. This Crazy Good Casserole brings together tender chicken, savory cheese, and crispy bacon. Plus, it’s super easy to whip up. You won’t need to be a master chef to impress your family and friends. Let’s dive in!
why make this recipe
Why should you make this Crazy Good Casserole? Well, it’s a one-dish wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. It’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavors everyone loves. It’s the kind of meal that makes you feel right at home. Plus, you can easily adjust the ingredients based on what you have on hand. It’s flexible, delicious, and oh-so-satisfying!
how to make Crazy Good Casserole
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)
Now, let’s get cooking!
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light grease. This will help with clean-up later.
- Cook the noodles. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until they’re just al dente. You want them slightly firm because they’ll soften even more when we bake them. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce. In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until it’s all smooth and creamy.
- Now, let’s assemble! Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce. Mix everything together until it’s all coated in that delicious sauce.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar cheese and bacon on top. This will give it a lovely, cheesy crust.
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. After that, take off the foil and let it bake for another 10–15 minutes. You want it golden, bubbly, and irresistible.
- Once it’s out of the oven, let it rest for about 5 minutes. This will help it set up a bit. If you’re feeling fancy, go ahead and garnish with green onions before serving.
how to serve Crazy Good Casserole
Serve this casserole straight from the oven. It’s great on its own, but a side salad or some steamed veggies pair perfectly with it too. Everyone will want a second helping, so be ready!
how to store Crazy Good Casserole
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Once cooled, store any leftovers in an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze it before baking. Just make sure to wrap it tightly. When you’re ready, thaw it in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.
tips to make Crazy Good Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time! It’s already cooked and adds fantastic flavor.
- Feeling adventurous? Add veggies like broccoli or peas for some extra color and nutrients.
- Play with the cheese! Pepper jack or mozzarella can give a fun twist.
variation (if any)
If you’re not a fan of chicken, you can easily swap it for shredded turkey or even cooked ground beef.
{Add
here before FAQs}
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta?
Absolutely! You can use any small pasta shape, like penne or shells. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time so it’s slightly firm before baking.
What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
No problem! You can substitute it with cream of mushroom or make a homemade sauce using chicken broth and some flour.
How do I make it ahead of time?
You can assemble the casserole and keep it in the fridge for up to a day before baking. Just let it sit out for about 30 minutes before putting it in the oven to bake.
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Crazy Good Casserole
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Omnivore
Description
A comforting casserole featuring tender chicken, savory cheese, and crispy bacon, perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.
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
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the egg noodles until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until smooth.
- Stir in cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon. Mix well.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
- Let it rest for about 5 minutes before serving, garnishing with green onions if desired.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Add veggies like broccoli or peas for extra nutrition. Experiment with different cheeses for a unique twist.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: casserole, chicken, cheese, bacon, comfort food, one-dish meal
