Crack Chicken Casserole is a delicious, creamy, and cheesy dish that combines chicken, bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning, usually baked with pasta or rice. Here’s a simple recipe to make it:
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish)
- 3 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni work well) or 3 cups cooked rice
- 1/2 cup milk
- Optional: 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, cream of chicken soup, and milk. Mix until smooth.
- Add Ingredients: Stir in the cooked chicken, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, cooked pasta (or rice), and most of the bacon.
- Assemble: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle with reserved bacon and green onions (optional).
- Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy this creamy, cheesy comfort food!
Tips
- Make Ahead: You can assemble the casserole up to a day in advance, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake as directed when ready.
- Protein Options: Swap chicken for turkey or even ground beef for variety.
- Vegetable Additions: Mix in frozen peas, chopped broccoli, or spinach for added nutrition
