Crazy Good Casserole

Crazy Good Casserole is one of those comforting dishes that perfectly combines a variety of textures and flavors in one delightful pan. With tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping, it’s a crowd-pleaser, making it your go-to recipe for busy weeknights. I first stumbled upon this casserole while trying to find an easy dinner option that everyone in my family would enjoy. Little did I know, it would become a staple that brings smiles to our dinner table!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

What sets Crazy Good Casserole apart is its sheer simplicity and versatility. You can whip it up with pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise on flavor. Whether it’s a busy weekday meal or a casual family gathering, this dish fits perfectly into any scenario. It’s also kid-approved, winning over even the pickiest eaters!

“This casserole is a game changer! Absolutely loved how creamy and cheesy it turned out. I’ll be making this on repeat!” — Sarah, a satisfied home cook.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Making Crazy Good Casserole is as easy as gathering your ingredients and assembling the dish. You’ll cook the noodles, mix them with the sauce and other ingredients, and pop it in the oven. Within an hour, you’ll have a delightful meal ready to serve. Let’s break it down so you know what to expect before diving in.

Gather Your Ingredients

For this dish, you’ll need the following:

• 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)

You can easily swap the chicken for turkey or a meat alternative if you’d prefer, and low-fat sour cream and cheese can cut down on calories without sacrificing flavor.

Cooking Steps

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Combine everything: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture until fully coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Serve: Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Serving Ideas

This Crazy Good Casserole stands beautifully on its own, but why not elevate your meal with some delightful pairings? Consider serving it alongside a fresh garden salad or roasted veggies to add a pop of color and extra nutrients. For a little crunch, a side of garlic bread complements the creamy casserole quite nicely!

Best Way to Store Crazy Good Casserole

If you find yourself with leftovers (which isn’t always a guarantee), storing them is simple. Cover your casserole tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, or transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep nicely in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze portions for later enjoyment—just make sure to label and date your containers!

Pro Chef Tips

To ensure your casserole turns out perfect every time, here are a few expert tips:

• Don’t overcook the noodles; they’ll continue cooking in the oven.
• Feel free to add in your favorite veggies like peas or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
• For a flavor boost, try using smoked bacon or adding a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Creative Twists

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are some variations to consider:

• Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese for a spicy twist.
• Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a deliciously different taste.
• Make it a one-pot dish by adding in some broccoli or cauliflower florets before baking.

Your Questions Answered

How long does the casserole take to prepare?
Preparation takes about 15 minutes with cook time around 30-35 minutes, totaling about an hour.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance, cover it, and simply bake it when you’re ready to serve.

What can I substitute for the sour cream?
Greek yogurt works well as a substitute while adding a bit of protein.

Is freezing the casserole safe?
Yes, it’s safe to freeze. When you’re ready to eat, simply thaw and reheat in the oven.

With its creamy goodness and cheesy comfort, Crazy Good Casserole is sure to become a beloved dish in your home. Enjoy the process of making and sharing it with family and friends!

Crazy Good Casserole

---

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Meat

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting casserole with tender chicken, creamy sauce, and a cheesy topping that is perfect for busy weeknights.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Make the sauce by whisking together cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a large bowl until smooth.
4. Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture until fully coated.
5. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
6. Bake covered with foil for 20 minutes. Then uncover and bake for another 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let the casserole rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Notes

Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for later enjoyment. This dish can be enhanced with added veggies or different cheese types.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, comfort food, quick dinner, weeknight meal