why make this recipe
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting dish perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. It combines tender chicken, creamy sauce, and cheesy goodness, making it a favorite for both kids and adults. This versatile casserole is not only easy to prepare, but it also allows you to use leftover chicken, making it economical and waste-free. Plus, it comes together in one dish, which means less cleanup after a delicious meal.
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 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 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 Crazy Good Casserole hot from the oven. It pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also add some crusty bread on the side for a heartier dinner.
how to store Crazy Good Casserole
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the casserole in the fridge overnight and warm it in the oven until heated through.
tips to make Crazy Good Casserole
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- You can add vegetables like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning based on your taste preferences.
- Bake the casserole until bubbly and golden on top for the best flavor.
variation
For a vegetarian version, you can swap the chicken for cooked mushrooms or a mix of your favorite vegetables. You can also use a different type of cheese or pasta if you want to experiment with flavors.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Just take it out 30 minutes before baking to let it come to room temperature.
Can I use other types of meat besides chicken?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with cooked turkey or even ham if you prefer a different flavor.
What can I substitute for cream of chicken soup?
You can use cream of mushroom soup or any creamy soup you enjoy. For a healthier option, you can make a homemade creamy sauce using broth and a thickener like cornstarch.
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken (shredded, about 2 large chicken breasts) Use leftover or rotisserie chicken for quicker preparation.
- 2 cups egg noodles (uncooked) Cook until just al dente.
- 1 can (10.5 oz / 300 g) cream of chicken soup May substitute with cream of mushroom 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
Preparation
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook egg noodles until just al dente (slightly firm). Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Assembly and Baking
- Stir 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.
- Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and 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.