Crazy Good Chicken Casserole

When it comes to comforting, crowd-pleasing dishes, casseroles are hard to beat. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for feeding a hungry family or a group of friends. This Crazy Good Chicken Casserole lives up to its name with a delicious combination of tender chicken, savory bacon, creamy cheese, and pasta all baked together to create a dish that’s bursting with flavor and texture.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a hearty, one-pan meal that’s sure to satisfy. The combination of protein-rich chicken, smoky bacon, and creamy cheese makes this casserole incredibly filling, while the spiral pasta adds a fun twist that kids and adults alike will enjoy. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up leftover chicken or pasta, making it a practical choice for busy weeknights.

What makes this casserole stand out is the addition of fresh Roma tomato and green onions, which balance the richness of the dish with a pop of freshness and color. The result is a deliciously creamy, cheesy, and slightly tangy casserole that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Crazy Good Chicken Casserole:

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-size pieces for easy eating.
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided: Provides a creamy, cheesy layer inside the casserole and a gooey topping.
  • 6 bacon strips, cooked and crumbled: Adds a smoky, salty crunch.
  • 2 cans cream of chicken soup: The base of the creamy sauce that brings everything together.
  • 1 (16-ounce) box dried spiral pasta: Spiral pasta holds onto the sauce well and gives the casserole a great texture.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder: For an extra layer of savory flavor.
  • 1 large fresh Roma tomato, chopped: Adds a fresh, juicy element to balance the richness.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste: Enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
  • Sliced green onion for serving: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a bit of color and crunch.

How to Make Crazy Good Chicken Casserole

Follow these simple steps to create a delicious casserole that’s sure to impress:

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

Start by frying the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and let it drain on paper towels. Once cooled, crumble it into small pieces and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Using the same skillet (with a bit of the bacon grease for added flavor), fry the bite-sized chicken pieces over medium-high heat. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

While the chicken is cooking, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the spiral pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.

Step 4: Assemble the Casserole

Add the cooked chicken, 2 cans of cream of chicken soup, chopped Roma tomato, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot with the pasta. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Bake the Casserole

Transfer the pasta mixture to a 9×13-inch casserole dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon over the top, followed by the remaining shredded cheese. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Step 6: Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving. Enjoy this comforting, cheesy, and absolutely crazy good chicken casserole!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

  • Skillet: For cooking the bacon and chicken.
  • Large pot: To cook the pasta and mix everything together.
  • 9×13-inch casserole dish: For baking the casserole.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring.
  • Knife and cutting board: For chopping the chicken, bacon, and tomato.
  • Measuring spoons: To measure out the seasonings.

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