Description
This Amazing 25-Minute Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory dish perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner. Combining tender cooked chicken, rich cream cheese, tangy ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon, this casserole is easy to prepare and baked to bubbly perfection. Garnished with fresh green onions, it offers a delightful balance of flavors that the whole family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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 (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the proper temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Creamy Mixture: In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix. Whisk until the mixture is smooth and well blended for a creamy base.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the cooked chicken and half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the creamy ranch mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble Casserole: Spread the mixture evenly into a 9×13 inch baking dish, creating an even layer for uniform cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled cooked bacon evenly over the top of the casserole for added flavor and texture.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until the casserole is bubbly, the cheese is melted, and the top is lightly browned.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions if desired. Serve warm and enjoy your delicious crack chicken casserole.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time.
- For a lower-fat version, substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt and use reduced-fat cheddar cheese.
- This casserole can be prepared a day ahead and baked just before serving.
- Adding a cup of steamed broccoli or cauliflower can introduce some veggies to your meal.
- Ensure cream cheese is softened to make mixing easier and smoother texture.
- Optional garnish with green onions adds freshness and color but can be omitted if preferred.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx.)
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
Keywords: crack chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, ranch chicken casserole, quick chicken dinner, cheesy chicken bake
