Why Make This Crazy Good Casserole
Crazy Good Casserole is more than just a name – it’s a promise of deliciousness! This dish combines comforting flavors and textures that appeal to both kids and adults alike. You’ll love how the toasted bacon mingles with tender chicken and creamy sauce, all topped with melty cheddar cheese. It’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion that calls for a crowd-pleaser. Not to mention, it’s super easy to prepare, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.
How to Make Crazy Good Casserole
Making Crazy Good Casserole is a breeze, thanks to its simple steps and basic ingredients. Start by cooking your egg noodles to al dente perfection, then mix everything together in one bowl. The rich and creamy sauce brings all the flavors together, while the cheese and bacon add an irresistible touch. After a quick bake, you’ll end up with a bubbling, golden dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds (and thirds!).
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: Preheat your 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 the egg noodles until just al dente (slightly firm, since they’ll continue baking). 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 the 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 the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve: Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/8 of the casserole):
- Calories: 423
- Total Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
- Sodium: 623mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 25g
- Dietary Fiber: 1g
- Sugars: 3g
- Protein: 25g
How to Serve Crazy Good Casserole
Serve Crazy Good Casserole hot, straight from the oven! Pair it with a light side salad for a complete meal or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. For added freshness, consider serving with sliced cucumbers or cherry tomatoes drizzled with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
How to Store Crazy Good Casserole
To store leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3 days. If you want to store it for longer, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Just wrap it well in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil. Frozen, it can last up to 3 months. To reheat, bake it directly from frozen, increasing the baking time as needed.
Expert Tips for Perfect Crazy Good Casserole
- Chicken: Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker option. Just shred and toss it into the mix.
- Noodles: Do not overcook the noodles; they should be al dente, as they’ll cook further in the oven.
- Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different kinds of cheese – mozzarella or pepper jack can add unique flavors.
- Prevent Overflow: Use a larger baking dish if you’re concerned about ingredients bubbling over, especially during the baking process.
Delicious Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to spice things up!
- Different Proteins: Swap chicken for shredded turkey or cooked sausage for a different flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Crazy Good Casserole ahead of time?
Yes! You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Bake it just before serving.
Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
While cooked chicken works best for this recipe, you can cook fresh chicken, shred it, and then follow the recipe from there. Just ensure it’s fully cooked before adding to the casserole.
Is there a gluten-free option?
Absolutely! You can use gluten-free egg noodles and make sure your cream of chicken soup is gluten-free. This allows you to enjoy the casserole without gluten.
Conclusion
Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. With its variety of flavors and textures, and the ease of preparation, it’s perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, whip up this delicious casserole, and delight in the smiles around your dinner table. Don’t forget to let us know how your casserole turned out – happy cooking!
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch (or similar size) baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the 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 pepper until smooth.
- 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 the 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 the foil and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions if desired.