Why Make This Recipe
Crazy Good Casserole is not just a meal; it’s a comforting hug on a plate. This dish combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness all in one bake. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or family gatherings. The best part? It’s super easy to make, and you likely have most of the ingredients at home. You’ll love how quickly it comes together and how everyone at the table goes back for seconds!
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 your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size.
- Cook the noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles until they are just al dente. They should be slightly firm as they will bake more later. 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 the mixture is smooth.
- Assemble the casserole: Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix everything until it’s evenly coated.
- Transfer to the dish: Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
- Bake: Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with chopped green onions.
How to Serve Crazy Good Casserole
Serve Crazy Good Casserole hot from the oven. It’s great on its own, but you can pair it with a simple green salad or some steamed veggies for a more balanced meal. This dish is perfect for hearty servings, so don’t be shy about piling it onto your plate!
How to Store Crazy Good Casserole
To store leftovers, let the casserole cool completely, then cover it tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing portions in airtight containers. It will last in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Tips to Make Crazy Good Casserole
- Make sure to cook the noodles just until al dente. They will continue to cook in the oven.
- Feel free to add extra veggies like peas or corn for added nutrition.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking. Just shred it and add it to the mix!
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste. If you like it spicier, add a pinch of hot sauce or crushed red pepper.
Variation
You can easily make this casserole vegetarian by swapping out the chicken for more vegetables like mushrooms, bell peppers, and zucchini. Just add a few extra spices to enhance the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! You can replace cheddar cheese with mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a cheese blend for different flavors.
2. Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.
3. What if I don’t have cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or any cream soup you prefer. Alternatively, make your own using a white sauce base.
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Main 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
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 0.5 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 6 slices)
- 0.5 cup 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)
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or a similar size.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles until they are just al dente. They should be slightly firm as they will bake more later. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until the mixture is smooth.
- Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Mix everything until it’s evenly coated.
- Pour the mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon evenly on top.
Baking
- Cover the dish with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serving
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. If you like, garnish with chopped green onions.