Crack Chicken Casserole

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is the definition of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, savory, and loaded with flavor. It’s quick to assemble, uses simple ingredients, and can be made ahead or frozen. Plus, it’s highly versatile—you can add pasta, rice, or keep it low-carb. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s called “crack” chicken!

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Cooked chicken (shredded or diced)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Sour cream or mayonnaise (optional for extra creaminess)
• Ranch seasoning mix
• Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
• Cooked pasta (optional—elbow macaroni or rotini work well)
• Green onions or chives (optional for garnish)
• Salt
• Black pepper

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream or mayo (if using), and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth.
3. Stir in shredded chicken, cooked bacon (reserve a bit for topping), and half of the shredded cheeses.
4. If using pasta, stir in the cooked pasta at this point.
5. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
6. Top with the remaining shredded cheeses and reserved bacon.
7. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and the top is golden.
8. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with green onions or chives if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

• Make it low-carb by omitting the pasta or using cauliflower rice.
• Add chopped broccoli, spinach, or peas for extra veggies.
• Use ranch-flavored cream cheese for even more ranch flavor.
• Swap in turkey or ham for the chicken.
• Spice it up with a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15–20 minutes or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes until heated through.
To freeze, assemble the casserole (unbaked), wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed.

FAQs

Why is it called “crack” chicken?

The term “crack” refers to how addictively good the combo of ranch, cheese, bacon, and chicken is—it’s hard to stop eating it!

Can I use rotisserie chicken?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works perfectly and makes prep even faster.

Is this dish spicy?

Not as written, but you can add hot sauce, jalapeños, or pepper jack cheese for heat.

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely. Assemble and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Can I use other types of cheese?

Yes! Try Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend for different flavor twists.

Is this casserole keto-friendly?

Yes, if you omit the pasta and keep the ingredients low-carb, it fits into a keto diet.

Can I add vegetables?

Definitely. Broccoli, spinach, mushrooms, or peas all work well in this dish.

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, it freezes well before or after baking. Just thaw overnight before reheating.

What should I serve with crack chicken casserole?

It pairs well with a side salad, steamed veggies, or garlic bread.

Can I use a homemade ranch mix?

Yes, homemade ranch seasoning works great if you prefer to avoid the packaged kind.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, bacon-loaded dinner that’s easy to make and impossible to resist. Whether you’re serving it to your family or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is always a hit. With its versatile ingredients and addicting flavor, it’s sure to become a favorite comfort food in your rotation.

Crack Chicken Casserole

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Crack Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, cheesy comfort food made with shredded chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese. It’s a crowd-pleasing, easy-to-make dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or potlucks.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

1. 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
2. 8 oz cream cheese, softened
3. 1/2 cup sour cream or mayonnaise (optional)
4. 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
5. 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
6. 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
7. 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional)
8. 2 cups cooked pasta (optional – elbow macaroni or rotini)
9. 2 green onions or chives, chopped (optional for garnish)
10. 1/4 tsp salt
11. 1/4 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream or mayo (if using), and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
2. Stir in shredded chicken, crumbled bacon (reserving some for topping), and half of the shredded cheeses.
3. If using pasta, fold it into the mixture now.
4. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and reserved bacon over the top.
6. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
7. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions or chives if desired.

Notes

• Omit pasta or substitute cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version.
• Add vegetables like broccoli, spinach, or mushrooms for a more nutritious casserole.
• Use ranch-flavored cream cheese for more flavor depth.
• Can be frozen before or after baking—great for make-ahead meals.
• Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe even faster to prepare.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 480
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 820mg
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 105mg