Introduction

This Amazing 25-Minute Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy dish that’s packed with comforting flavors. Perfect for busy weeknights, it combines tender chicken, bacon, and ranch seasoning for a crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly.

The dish shows a close-up of a cheesy casserole on a white plate, placed on a white marbled surface. It has three visible layers: the bottom layer is made of white chunks of potato mixed with herbs, the middle layer is melted bright yellow cheese, and the top layer has crispy dark brown bacon pieces scattered evenly. The melted cheese covers the potatoes well, with some browned spots, and the bacon adds a crunchy texture on top. The image looks warm and inviting with a soft background blur, 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 bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
Step 3: Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture.
Step 4: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
Step 5: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon over the top of the casserole.
Step 6: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and the cheese is melted and lightly browned.
Step 7: Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired, before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding your own chicken.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk.
Swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a little heat.
You can mix in some steamed broccoli or spinach for added vegetables and color.

Storage

Store leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warmed through. You can also freeze the casserole for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

The dish shows a thick square serving of a baked meal on a white plate, resting on a white marbled surface. The base layer consists of a soft, creamy white texture with visible herbs mixed in. On top of this is a melted layer of orange-yellow cheese that looks gooey and rich. Scattered over the cheese are dark reddish-brown crisp pieces, adding a crunchy texture. The whole dish looks warm, hearty, and filling. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the casserole and refrigerate it for a few hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.

What can I use instead of ranch seasoning mix?

If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own by mixing together dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste.

Amazing 25-Minute Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 71 reviews

This Amazing 25-Minute Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish loaded with tender cooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. It’s a quick and comforting casserole perfect for a family dinner or meal prep.

Author: Tara
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Casserole
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken Mixture

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

Toppings

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare it for baking the casserole evenly.
Prepare the Creamy Base: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well blended.
Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring the chicken is fully coated and the mixture is consistent.
Assemble the Casserole: Spread the chicken and cream cheese mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish to create an even layer.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole, followed by the crumbled cooked bacon to add flavor and texture.
Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is fully melted, and the top is lightly browned.
Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and, if desired, garnish with chopped green onions before serving for a fresh and colorful touch.

Notes

You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
For a lower fat version, use reduced-fat cream cheese and sour cream.
If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.
Make sure the cream cheese is softened to ensure smooth mixing.
This casserole can be reheated in the microwave or oven for leftovers.

Keywords: crack chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken bake, quick chicken dinner