Indulge in the creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible Crack Chicken Casserole, a dish that’s guaranteed to become a family favorite from the very first bite. This ultimate comfort food combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch dressing, and gooey cheese, all baked to perfection with a hearty mix of pasta or potatoes. It’s called “crack” chicken for a reason – its addictive flavor makes it hard to resist! Whether you’re looking for a satisfying weeknight dinner, a potluck standout, or just a cozy meal to lift your spirits, this casserole has got you covered.
Why You’ll Love Crack Chicken Casserole:
- Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with savory ingredients that meld together for an unforgettable taste.
- Easy to Make: Simple preparation steps and common ingredients make this casserole a breeze to whip up.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable to include your favorite veggies or switch up the protein.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Loved by adults and kids alike, making it perfect for any gathering or family meal.
Ingredients Notes For Crack Chicken Casserole:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded. Rotisserie chicken works great for a shortcut.
- Bacon: Cooked until crispy and crumbled, adding a smoky, crunchy texture.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: Provides the distinctive ranch flavor that’s key to this dish. You can use a store-bought packet or make your own mix.
- Cheese: A combination of cheddar and cream cheese for that creamy, cheesy goodness.
- Pasta or Potatoes: Depending on your preference, you can use cooked pasta (like penne or rotini) or diced and boiled potatoes as the casserole base.
- Vegetables: Optional additions like diced onions, bell peppers, or mushrooms can add flavor and nutrition.
Recipe Steps:
- Preheat Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a large baking dish.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, ranch dressing mix, cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar, and your choice of cooked pasta or potatoes. If using vegetables, mix them in as well.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is melted and slightly golden.
- Serve: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired.
Storage Options:
- Refrigerate: Cool the casserole completely and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze the casserole in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Easy Recipe for Delicious Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
- 1 pound bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can condensed cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 packet dry ranch dressing mix (about 1 ounce or 2 tablespoons)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 pound pasta (such as rotini, penne, or shells), cooked according to package instructions and drained (optional)
- 3–4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Mix Casserole Ingredients:
- In a large bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, condensed cream of chicken soup, sour cream, mayonnaise, dry ranch dressing mix, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and all the mozzarella cheese. If you’re including pasta, mix it in as well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Casserole:
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top.
- Bake:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese on top has melted and turned slightly golden.
- Garnish and Serve:
- Garnish the baked casserole with sliced green onions before serving.
