1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole

Crack Chicken Casserole Bake

Category: Cozy, Hearty Recipes That Feel Like Home

This comforting chicken casserole brings together tender pieces of cooked chicken, rich cream cheese, and the zesty tang of ranch seasoning. A blend of cheddar cheese melts together with crispy bacon, creating a golden, bubbling topping in every bite. Simply mix the creamy base, fold in chicken and cheese, add smoky bacon, and bake until it’s perfectly browned. Finished with green onions for a pop of color, this dish is quick to assemble and always a crowd favorite—ideal for busy evenings or when you crave a satisfying, cozy dinner with a creamy, savory twist.

Save to Pinterest Share This Share via Email Print Page Go to Recipe
A woman with a smile on her face.
Created By Melanie Carter
Updated on Tue, 30 Sep 2025 10:14:25 GMT
Eine Platte mit Bacon-Toast, die mit Bacon-Toast und Käse garniert ist. Pin
Eine Platte mit Bacon-Toast, die mit Bacon-Toast und Käse garniert ist. | rezepte.kitchenscroll.com

This creamy crack chicken casserole is my go to recipe when I want something hearty that pleases everyone at the table. Juicy chicken and crisp bacon are tucked into a cheesy ranch sauce then baked until bubbling and golden. It is quick to prep and delivers that cozy comfort food feeling every time.

I fell in love with this casserole after making it on a chilly weeknight when I was low on time. Now my family asks for it whenever we need something satisfying and easy.

Ingredients

  • Cooked chicken: Shredded or diced from rotisserie or freshly cooked is best for juicy texture
  • Cream cheese: This makes the sauce extra creamy so let it come to room temperature for easy mixing
  • Sour cream: Adds tang and keeps the sauce from being too heavy Use full fat for richer results
  • Milk: Helps thin the sauce so it spreads smoothly Choose whole milk for the most velvety consistency
  • Ranch seasoning mix: The key flavor just be sure to select a quality blend without too much salt
  • Shredded cheddar cheese: Use sharp cheddar for maximum flavor and always shred it fresh for better melting
  • Cooked bacon: Adds a smoky crunch Opt for thick cut bacon and cook until really crisp
  • Green onions: These give a fresh herby finish Choose the brightest green stalks you can find

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat and Prepare:
Set your oven to three hundred seventy five degrees Fahrenheit or one hundred ninety degrees Celsius Make sure your cream cheese is softened and all other ingredients are ready
Mix the Sauce:
In a large bowl blend the softened cream cheese sour cream milk and ranch seasoning whisking until completely smooth and creamy This step ensures your sauce is lump free
Add Chicken and Cheese:
Stir the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture Make sure the chicken is well coated so every bite is flavorful
Spread in Dish:
Transfer the chicken mixture to a nine by thirteen inch baking dish and use a spatula to smooth it out evenly This guarantees every scoop will have a good ratio of chicken and creamy sauce
Top and Bake:
Scatter the remaining cheddar cheese over the casserole Sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon on top Let it bake for twenty five to thirty minutes until the top is bubbly and golden brown
Garnish and Serve:
Once baked sprinkle with chopped green onions for a burst of color and freshness Serve hot straight from the oven for ultimate comfort
Ein weißer Teller mit Bacon-Topped Macaroni and Cheese. Pin
Ein weißer Teller mit Bacon-Topped Macaroni and Cheese. | mellierecipes.com

I adore bacon for the way it adds salty crunch to every spoonful It always reminds me of Sunday breakfasts growing up with my dad cooking up a double batch so we all had enough for seconds

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to four days Store in an airtight container and reheat covered in the oven or microwave until hot For longer storage freeze individual portions for up to three months Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating

Ingredient Substitutions

You can easily swap out the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste If you need a lighter version substitute Greek yogurt for some or all of the sour cream Turkey bacon also works for a bit less fat

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is rich and pairs well with simple sides like steamed green beans salad or roasted broccoli Sometimes I serve it with crusty bread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a heartier meal

Eine Platte mit Bacon, Käse und Zwiebeln. Pin
Eine Platte mit Bacon, Käse und Zwiebeln. | mellierecipes.com

Cultural Notes

Crack chicken casseroles are an evolution of classic American comfort food blending ranch bacon cheese and chicken in one dish They bring together Midwest flavors with the simplicity of easy casserole cooking making them a potluck staple and weeknight lifesaver

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best?

Shredded cooked chicken breast or rotisserie chicken both work well, offering tender texture and easy preparation.

→ Can I prepare the casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole up to a day in advance and refrigerate. Bake just before serving for best results.

→ Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use a gluten-free ranch seasoning mix and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

→ What sides pair well with this casserole?

Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or roasted potatoes for a balanced meal.

→ Can I substitute the bacon or cheese?

Turkey bacon or ham are good alternatives. Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella cheese for a lighter flavor profile.

Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole

Tender chicken with bacon, cheddar, and ranch, baked into a savory, creamy, family-style casserole.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Cooking Duration
30 minutes
Overall Cooking Time
45 minutes
Created By: Melanie Carter

Recipe Category: Comfort Food Classics

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Style: American

Result Amount: 8 Portions (1 large casserole)

Diet Preferences: Gluten-Free Option

What You’ll Need to Make This

→ Casserole Base

01 480 g cooked chicken, shredded or diced
02 225 g cream cheese, softened
03 120 ml sour cream
04 120 ml milk
05 28 g ranch seasoning mix
06 110 g shredded cheddar cheese

→ Topping

07 55 g cooked bacon, crumbled
08 25 g chopped green onions (optional, for garnish)

How to Prepare

Step 01

Set the oven to 190°C and allow it to fully preheat.

Step 02

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix until smooth and uniform.

Step 03

Fold the shredded cooked chicken and half the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring even distribution.

Step 04

Spread the blended mixture evenly into a 23 x 33 cm baking dish.

Step 05

Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the surface.

Step 06

Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until hot, bubbling, and the cheese topping is melted and lightly browned.

Step 07

Finish with chopped green onions before presenting, if desired.

Extra Tips

  1. Leftover rotisserie chicken or freshly poached chicken both yield excellent results.
  2. Adjust the quantity of ranch seasoning according to personal salt preference.
  3. A pinch of garlic powder or onion powder can be added for enhanced depth of flavor.

Tools Required

  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • 23 x 33 cm baking dish
  • Oven

Allergen Info

Review ingredients carefully for allergens. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you’ve got specific concerns.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, milk).
  • Contains potential allergens in ranch seasoning (may include milk, egg, or soy).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Remember, this info is purely for reference and isn’t meant to replace dietary guidance.
  • Caloric Value: 450
  • Fat Content: 35 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 8 grams
  • Protein Content: 28 grams