There’s something comforting about the smell of a casserole baking in the oven. I remember the first time I tasted Crazy Good Casserole at a potluck. That creamy, cheesy goodness, topped with crispy bacon, instantly won me over. This recipe has become a staple in our home because it brings everyone together around the table. It’s easy to make, and you can adjust it to fit different tastes. The best part? It’s packed with delicious flavors and can be ready in no time. Now, every time I make it, I am reminded of those warm evenings filled with laughter and good food. What makes this dish truly special is its simplicity and the joy it brings to any meal.
why make this recipe
Crazy Good Casserole is a tried-and-true favorite for several reasons. Firstly, it’s incredibly easy to whip up, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Secondly, the combination of chicken, cheese, and bacon makes it a comforting dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite ingredients or leftovers, making it a flexible meal option. Finally, this casserole is great for feeding a crowd, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied and happy.
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)
Directions :
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
- Cook noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook egg noodles until just al dente (slightly firm, since they’ll bake more). Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble casserole: Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer to dish: Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
how to serve Crazy Good Casserole
Serve this casserole warm, straight from the oven. It pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for a hearty meal. You can also offer a variety of toppings, like additional green onions or hot sauce, to let everyone customize their portion.
how to store Crazy Good Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely. Then, cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. Keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage, up to 3 months. Just make sure to defrost it in the refrigerator before reheating.
tips to make Crazy Good Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option.
- Feel free to swap out the cheeses. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a nice twist!
- For a bit more flavor, add some chopped vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Ensure the noodles are just slightly undercooked for the best texture after baking.
variation
You can turn this casserole into a Mexican version by using salsa, black beans, and Mexican cheese blend instead of the cream of chicken soup and cheddar cheese. Add some spices like cumin and chili powder to give it an extra kick!
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen, cooked chicken. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and shredded before adding it to the casserole.
How can I make this vegetarian?
You can replace the chicken with mushrooms or your favorite veggies and use vegetable broth instead of chicken soup for the sauce.
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole the day before and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it. Just add a few extra minutes to the bake time if it goes in cold.
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded About 2 large chicken breasts
- 2 cups egg noodles, uncooked
- 1 can cream of chicken soup 10.5 oz / 300 g
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese Divided
- 0.5 cups cooked and crumbled bacon About 6 slices
- 0.5 cups milk
- 0.5 teaspoon garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoon onion powder
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.25 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions Optional, for garnish
Method
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
Baking
- Pour mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake an additional 10–15 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.