Dinner

Crack Chicken Casserole: Easy, Cheesy Dinner Recipe

BySophie Carsel February 20, 2026February 20, 2026

Introduction

Crack Chicken Casserole is a rich and creamy dish packed with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and savory beef bacon. It’s a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

A baked macaroni and cheese dish is shown in a white, round, ribbed casserole dish. The top layer is golden brown, crispy breadcrumbs scattered over melted cheese with small pieces of crispy bacon and green chopped chives spread evenly. Below the topping is a creamy, melted cheese sauce mixed with pasta shells that are pale yellow and softly textured. The edges of the dish show gooey cheese stretching with bits of bacon close to the surface, sitting on a soft fabric. The photo is close-up, focused on the front portion of the dish, highlighting the crunchy, cheesy surface and colorful garnishes. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Cook and shred chicken breasts or use shredded 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, mixing 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. Spread the mixture evenly in the prepared dish.
Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cheddar cheese and half of the beef bacon over the chicken mixture. Add the remaining cheese and bacon on top.
Step 5: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes, until 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 for a quick shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
Swap beef bacon with turkey bacon or regular bacon according to your preference.
Add a pinch of smoked paprika to the creamy base for a smoky depth.
For extra crunch, top with breadcrumbs before the final bake.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or microwave individual servings until hot. For best texture, cover when reheating to retain moisture.

How to Serve

A white deep round baking dish filled with a three-layer baked pasta casserole, the bottom layer consisting of pale, soft wavy pasta mixed with a creamy sauce and bits of green herbs, the middle layer made up of a smooth, melted cheese blend in light yellow and creamy white tones, and the top layer covered with a golden brown crispy breadcrumb topping scattered with small pieces of reddish-brown bacon and bright green chopped chives, the edges showing some melted cheese bubbling over slightly, all set on a striped cloth over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, but be sure to fully cook and thaw the chicken before shredding and adding to the casserole to ensure even cooking.

Is there a dairy-free alternative for this recipe?

You can substitute cream cheese, sour cream, and milk with dairy-free versions such as plant-based cream cheese, sour cream, and almond or oat milk. The texture might vary slightly but the flavor remains delicious.