Crazy Good Chicken Bacon Casserole Recipe

Introduction

Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and flavorful creamy sauce. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing meal perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

Ingredients

• 4-5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 strips of quality bacon, cooked and crumbled
• 2 cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups shredded Monterrey Jack cheese
• 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta
• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook and crumble the bacon in a large pan. Remove bacon and set aside, leaving the drippings in the pan.
2. Step 2: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. In the same pan with bacon drippings, cook chicken pieces until fully cooked. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare the pasta according to package directions. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
4. Step 4: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (200ºC). Spray a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
5. Step 5: Add cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterrey Jack cheese to the pasta. Stir well to combine.
6. Step 6: Pour the pasta mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
7. Step 7: Finish by sprinkling the remaining cup of Monterrey Jack cheese on top.
8. Step 8: Bake for about 20 minutes at 400ºF, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

• Use sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Monterrey Jack cheese for extra flavor.
• Add chopped green onions or a dash of smoked paprika to the chicken for a smoky twist.
• For a lighter version, substitute half the soup with plain Greek yogurt.
• Use gluten-free pasta to make this casserole gluten-free.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350ºF until warmed through, or microwave individual portions until hot. This casserole also freezes well; thaw completely before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this casserole?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowtie will work well in this recipe.

Is it possible to make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake it fresh just before serving.

Crazy Good Chicken Bacon Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 126 reviews

Crazy Good Casserole is a comforting, creamy pasta bake featuring tender chicken chunks cooked in savory bacon drippings, combined with creamy chicken soup, melted Monterey Jack cheese, and crispy bacon crumbles. This hearty casserole is baked to golden perfection, making it a perfect family-friendly meal with rich flavor and satisfying texture.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 4–5 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 6 strips of quality bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy

• 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Canned Goods

• 2 cans cream of chicken soup

Pasta

• 1 box (16 ounces) dried spiral pasta

Spices & Seasonings

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook and crumble bacon: Begin by cooking the bacon strips until crisp. Once cooked, crumble the bacon into small pieces and set aside for topping later.
2. Prepare chicken: While the bacon cooks, cut the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Using the same pan with bacon drippings, cook the chicken pieces over medium heat until fully cooked and browned. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
3. Cook pasta: Meanwhile, prepare the dried spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta well and return it to the pot.
4. Combine ingredients: To the pot with the drained pasta, add the cooked chicken, both cans of cream of chicken soup, and 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
5. Prepare baking dish: Spray a 9×13-inch baking pan with non-stick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta and chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread out evenly.
6. Add toppings: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon evenly over the top of the casserole. Next, add the remaining 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese over the bacon layer.
7. Bake the casserole: Preheat your oven to 400ºF (204ºC). Place the casserole in the oven and bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and just beginning to brown on top.
8. Serve: Remove from oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy, and flavorful Crazy Good Casserole!

Notes

• You can use different types of cheese if preferred, such as cheddar or mozzarella.
• To reduce calories, consider using low-fat cream of chicken soup and cheese.
• If you prefer, substitute spiral pasta with any other short pasta shape like penne or rotini.
• Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165ºF (74ºC) for safety.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in the oven or microwave.

Keywords: chicken casserole, creamy chicken pasta bake, bacon casserole, Monterey Jack cheese casserole, easy dinner recipe, baked pasta dish