why make this recipe
This casserole is simple, filling, and fast. It uses common ingredients and makes a good family meal. You can bake it ahead and warm it later. It also pairs well with fresh salad or steamed vegetables.
introduction
Crazy Good Casserole is a creamy chicken and noodle bake with cheese and bacon. It tastes rich but stays easy to make. If you like simple comfort food, this will please a crowd. For more casserole ideas, try this beef hash brown casserole recipe to see another easy bake.
how to make Crazy Good Casserole
- Preheat oven and prepare dish.
- Cook the egg noodles until just al dente and drain.
- Mix the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and spices in a bowl.
- Stir in noodles, shredded chicken, half the cheddar, and half the bacon. Mix well.
- Put the mix in the greased baking dish. Top with the rest of the cheddar and bacon.
- Cover with foil and bake 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10–15 more minutes until bubbly.
- Let rest 5 minutes, then garnish with green onions if you like.
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)
You can swap or add items from other casseroles for variety. See another take on baked sides like sweet potato casserole for ideas.
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 warm. Cut into squares and place on plates. Add a green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the meal. A spoonful of salsa or hot sauce can add a spicy kick.
how to store Crazy Good Casserole
Cool to room temperature. Cover the dish with foil or move portions to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To freeze, wrap tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating. Reheat in oven at 350°F until hot, or microwave in servings until warmed through.
tips to make Crazy Good Casserole
- Do not overcook the noodles. They should be slightly firm before baking.
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time.
- Mix ingredients well so the sauce covers everything.
- You can add peas or cooked broccoli for color and nutrition.
- For a crisp top, remove foil for the last 10–15 minutes.
For another easy ham or beef bake idea, check this beef hash brown casserole post for tips you can use here.
variation (if any)
- Swap cheddar for pepper jack for a spicy version.
- Use cream of mushroom soup instead of cream of chicken for a different flavor.
- Add frozen peas or corn for more veggies.
- Top with breadcrumbs mixed with a little butter for a crunchy crust.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen chicken?
A: Yes. Thaw and drain any extra liquid before shredding. Cooked, shredded chicken works best.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: You can try dairy-free cream soup, yogurt substitutes, and dairy-free cheese, but texture and taste will change.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes. Use a larger baking dish and extend baking time until heated through.
Q: Do I have to add bacon?
A: No. Bacon adds flavor, but you can skip it or use cooked ham or turkey bacon.
Q: Can I prepare it the night before?
A: Yes. Assemble in the dish, cover, and refrigerate. Add a few extra minutes to baking time if cold from the fridge.
Conclusion
If you want the original source or another full write-up, read the full Crazy Good Casserole recipe here: Crazy Good Casserole.
Crazy Good Casserole
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook noodles: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook egg noodles until just al dente. 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.
- 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. 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.