Description

This Crack Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dinner recipe featuring shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, and savory ranch seasoning, topped with cheddar cheese and crispy beef bacon. It’s an easy-to-make one-dish meal perfect for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Meat

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
1/2 cup cooked beef bacon, crumbled

Dairy and Dairy Alternatives

8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings

1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish

1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)

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 these aside separately.
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 black pepper until the mixture is well combined and creamy.
Assemble Casserole: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Fold the shredded chicken into the creamy ranch base mixture until the chicken is fully coated. Spread this mixture evenly in the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled beef bacon over the top. Then, layer the remaining cheddar cheese and beef bacon over that.
Bake Casserole: Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. Remove the foil and continue baking for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the casserole is golden brown and bubbly. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or fresh chives if desired.

Notes

You can substitute chicken breasts with rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Beef bacon can be replaced with regular bacon or omit for a lighter version.
If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the ranch base.
Allowing the casserole to rest after baking helps it set and improves slicing.
Use full-fat dairy for creamier texture or low-fat versions to reduce calories.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 35 minutes
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Crack Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, easy dinner recipe, ranch chicken bake, beef bacon casserole