Creamy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe with Bacon and Cheddar Easy and Delicious
A warm, cheesy, and smoky casserole featuring tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and sharp cheddar in a creamy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken breasts (about 450g or 1 lb)
- 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (about 200g)
- 8 oz softened cream cheese (about 225g)
- 1/2 cup sour cream (120ml)
- 1 packet or 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 stalks green onions, sliced (optional but recommended)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the bacon in a skillet until crisp. Drain on paper towels and crumble into small pieces. (Optional: save some bacon grease for flavoring the chicken.)
- If not using leftover or rotisserie chicken, poach or bake chicken breasts until fully cooked, then shred or chop finely.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well blended.
- Add shredded chicken and half of the crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture. Stir until evenly coated.
- Spread the mixture evenly in a 9×13 inch casserole dish.
- Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top, then add the remaining bacon for a crispy finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden around the edges.
- Remove from oven and sprinkle sliced green onions over the top before serving.
- Let the casserole rest about 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to save time. Save some bacon grease to add flavor to the chicken if desired. If cheese browns too fast during baking, tent loosely with foil. For extra creamy texture, add a splash of chicken broth to the creamy base before mixing. This casserole can also be made in a slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours (add cheese and bacon topping last 30 minutes). Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat nicely with a splash of milk or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6th of casserole
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 700
- Fat: 30
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: creamy crack chicken casserole, bacon and cheddar casserole, easy chicken casserole, comfort food, cheesy chicken bake, weeknight dinner, creamy chicken recipe