Crack Chicken Casserole: Easy, Cheesy Dinner Recipe! Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish that’s perfect for an easy weeknight dinner. Packed with tender chicken, flavorful beef bacon, and a tangy ranch seasoning, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked beef bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook and shred chicken breasts or shred rotisserie chicken. Cook beef bacon until crispy, then crumble. Set both aside.
- Step 2: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream; mix until smooth. Stir in milk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until well combined.
- Step 3: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fold shredded chicken into the creamy ranch mixture until coated evenly.
- Step 4: Spread the chicken mixture evenly in the prepared dish. Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled beef bacon over the top. Then add the remaining cheddar cheese and beef bacon.
- Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly.
- Step 6: Let the casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Tips & Variations
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
- Substitute turkey bacon or regular bacon if beef bacon is unavailable.
- Add a handful of chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
- Mix in cooked broccoli or spinach for added veggies.
Storage
Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, or warm the whole casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if it’s cold from the fridge.
Is there a low-carb version of this casserole?
This recipe is naturally low in carbs, but to reduce carbs further, you can omit the milk or replace it with a low-carb alternative like unsweetened almond milk.
PrintCrack Chicken Casserole: Easy, Cheesy Dinner Recipe! Recipe
This Crack Chicken Casserole is a simple, comforting, and cheesy dinner recipe that combines shredded chicken with a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, cheddar cheese, and crispy beef bacon. Perfect for a hearty meal, it’s baked until golden and bubbly, making it an easy crowd-pleaser with rich flavors and a satisfying texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked beef bacon, crumbled
Optional Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Chicken and Beef Bacon: Cook and shred chicken breasts or use shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook beef bacon until crispy, then crumble it. Set both aside for assembling the casserole.
- Make Creamy Ranch Base: In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese and sour cream, mixing until smooth. Stir in milk, ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper until fully incorporated, forming a creamy ranch-flavored base.
- Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fold the shredded chicken into the creamy ranch base until the chicken is evenly coated. Spread this mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled beef bacon over the mixture, then layer the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon on top.
- Bake Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Afterward, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly. Allow it to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired for a fresh touch.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding chicken.
- Beef bacon can be substituted with regular pork bacon or turkey bacon if preferred.
- Adjust the amount of ranch seasoning to taste for more or less flavor.
- For a lower-fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
- This casserole can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking.
Keywords: Crack Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, ranch chicken casserole, baked chicken dish
