Crazy Good Casserole

Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting dish that has become a staple for busy families and home cooks seeking a quick, satisfying meal. With tender shredded chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheese all baked together with egg noodles, it embodies everything you crave in home-cooked comfort food. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, potluck party, or holiday gathering, this casserole is sure to delight everyone at the table. And the best part? It comes together in no time.

What Makes This Recipe Special

There are plenty of reasons to adore this Crazy Good Casserole. First off, it’s incredibly easy to make, with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation. Perfect for families on the go, this dish can be on the table in under an hour! It’s also budget-friendly, showcasing how just a few pantry staples can create something truly special. Kid-approved and packed with flavor, it ensures that not a single bite goes to waste.

“This casserole has become a family favorite! It’s so creamy and packed with flavor. The kids devour it every time, and I love how easy it is to prepare!” — Happy Home Cook

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking It

Crafting the perfect Crazy Good Casserole is a breeze. First, we’ll prepare your ingredients with a quick overview to set the stage. You’ll cook the noodles, whip up a creamy sauce, combine it all, and pop it in the oven.

In just a few simple steps, you’ll have a bubbling, cheesy masterpiece ready to impress!

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delectable casserole, gather the following 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)

Feel free to swap out ingredients! For example, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a tangy twist or substitute turkey for the chicken.

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

2. Cook the Noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the egg noodles until just al dente. Drain and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Stir the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture until everything is evenly coated.

5. Transfer to Dish: Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.

6. Bake It: 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.

7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow the casserole to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if you like, and dig in!

Best Way to Serve

This Crazy Good Casserole can hold its own, but it also shines when paired with complementary sides. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal. Garlic bread or crusty rolls are great for sopping up any delicious creamy remnants. For a hearty meal, consider a fresh fruit platter.

Storage Tips

Planning to make ahead? This casserole is excellent for preparing in advance. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it! Cover tightly with foil and plastic wrap, and it will last for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the fridge and then bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Expert Advice

Here are some tips to elevate your casserole experience:

• For an extra kick, add diced jalapeños or your favorite hot sauce to the sauce mixture.
• Want a crunch? Top it off with crushed potato chips or French fried onions just before the final few minutes of baking.
• If you prefer a creamier texture, consider adding an additional cup of milk or even some cream cheese to the sauce.

Creative Twists

Feel free to give this casserole a spin!

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with your choice of vegetables, like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Different Cheeses: Try mixing in Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack cheese for a variation in flavor.
• Add Grains: Incorporate cooked quinoa or rice for a heartier dish.

Common Questions

How long does it take to prepare Crazy Good Casserole?

Preparation time is about 15 minutes, and baking takes around 30-35 minutes. A delightful meal can be ready in under an hour!

Can I use different types of meat?

Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Turkey, rotisserie chicken, or even shredded beef work wonderfully.

How do I know if leftovers are still good?

Store your casserole in the fridge, and it should be good for up to 3 days. Check for off smells or visible mold before consuming. When reheat, ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

This Crazy Good Casserole not only delights the taste buds but also warms the heart. Dive into this comforting dish, and you’re guaranteed smiles all around the table!

Crazy Good Casserole

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• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Pin Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

A comforting dish featuring shredded chicken, creamy soup, and melty cheese baked with egg noodles. Perfect for busy families and gatherings.

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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)

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the egg noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper until smooth.
4. Stir in the cooked noodles, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and half of the bacon into the sauce mixture until evenly coated.
5. Pour the casserole mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
6. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes, then remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Can store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat thoroughly.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: casserole, chicken, comfort food, family recipe