This creamy crack chicken casserole is loaded with chicken, Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream, bacon, and ranch, it is a family favorite. Use rotisserie chicken for quick prep! It's the ultimate comfort food, ready in just 30 minutes!
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
Looking for a quick and delicious dinner that even picky eaters will love? Try this crack chicken casserole! It's a favorite in our family. With chopped chicken, cheese, creamy ranch sauce, crispy bacon, and cracker topping, it's sure to be a hit. Plus, it's super easy to make – just mix all the ingredients together, layer everything in a baking dish, and bake! Perfect for busy weeknights.
Be sure to check out Chicken Tater Tot Casserole, Spinach Artichoke Chicken Casserole, Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, or Green Chicken Enchilada Casserole – they're all mouthwatering chicken casserole recipes that you won't want to miss!
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✅ Crack Chicken Casserole ingredients
- Cooked Chopped Chicken: You can use leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience. Learn How to Boil Chicken Breasts for effortless meal prep!
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds flavor and seasoning to the casserole.
- Onion Powder and Ground Black Pepper: These spices enhance the flavor of the dish. Adjust the quantities to suit your taste preferences.
- Shredded Monterey Jack Cheese: This cheese adds creaminess and a mild flavor to the casserole. You can substitute with other types of cheese like cheddar cheese or mozzarella.
- Chopped Cooked Bacon: Bacon adds a smoky and savory flavor to the casserole. Ensure the bacon is cooked until crispy before chopping it into small pieces.
- Sour Cream: Adds richness and creaminess to the dish. You can use full-fat or light sour cream.
- Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup: Adds creaminess and flavor to the casserole. You can use either cream of mushroom or cream of chicken soup based on your preference.
- Crushed Ritz Crackers: These crackers form the crunchy topping of the casserole. You can substitute with other types of crackers or breadcrumbs if desired.
- Unsalted Butter: The melted butter is mixed with the crushed crackers to make the crispy topping.
- Green Onions: These are optional but add freshness and color as a garnish to the finished casserole. You can also use chopped parsley or chives.
🔪How to Make Easy Crack Chicken Casserole
Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
Combine the chicken, Ranch seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, Monterey Jack, bacon, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
Combine the crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken mixture.
Bake uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes. Garnish with green onions before serving.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve it as a main dish alongside your favorite side dishes such as steamed vegetables, our fresh Cucumber and Tomato Salad , or Garlic Bread. It's also great for potlucks, parties, or as a comforting family dinner. Enjoy it hot and fresh out of the oven for the best flavor and texture!
🗄️ Storage
It keeps well in the fridge and is great for reheating later! Just store it in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply microwave it in short intervals until it's heated through. Or, you can warm it on the stove over medium heat. Easy and delicious for meals throughout the week!
Freezing
Allow to cool completely before freezing. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.
Recipe Variations
- Buffalo Crack Chicken Casserole: Add buffalo sauce to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. Top with crumbled blue cheese before baking.
- Mexican Crack Chicken Casserole: Mix in taco seasoning with the chicken mixture and add a layer of salsa or diced tomatoes with green chilies. Top with shredded Mexican cheese blend and crushed tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Broccoli and Cheese Crack Chicken Casserole: Add steamed broccoli florets to the chicken mixture before baking. Mix in extra shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy broccoli twist.
- Italian Crack Chicken Casserole: Add Italian seasoning to the chicken mixture and layer with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil before serving.
- Spinach and Artichoke Crack Chicken Casserole: Mix in chopped spinach and drained artichoke hearts to the chicken mixture. Layer with a creamy spinach and artichoke dip instead of the traditional sauce for a flavorful twist.
❓ FAQs
The name "Crack Chicken Casserole" is often used because it's incredibly addictive and irresistible, much like the concept of "crack" in the phrase "crack cocaine." The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is so delicious that people often find it hard to resist.
Yes, you can assemble Crack Chicken Casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you're ready to bake it. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
More Delicious Casserole Recipe
Looking for other casserole recipes like this? Try these:
If you make this recipe be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐! I will be happy to hear from you!
Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 1-oz package ranch dressing mix
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1½ cups shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 cup chopped cooked bacon
- 1½ cups sour cream
- 1 10.5-oz can Unsalted Cream of Mushroom or Chicken Soup
- 1½ cups crushed Ritz crackers
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- Green onions for garnish
Toppings ( optional)
- Pickled jalapenos for a spicy kick
- Drizzle of ranch dressing or hot sauce for extra flavor.
Equipment
- 2- quart casserole dish I used 10. 5" X 7. 5" staub casserole
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Lightly coat a 2-quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Mix together chicken, Ranch seasoning, onion powder, black pepper, Monterey Jack, bacon, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup. Transfer the mixture into the prepared pan.
- Mix crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle the mixture over the chicken mixture.
- Bake uncovered 30 to 40 minutes.
- Garnish with green onions.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
Storage
It keeps well in the fridge and is great for reheating later! Just store it in a sealed container for up to 3-4 days. When you're ready to eat, simply microwave it in short intervals until it's heated through. Or, you can warm it on the stove over medium heat. Easy and delicious for meals throughout the week!Freezing
Allow to cool completely before freezing. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Label the container with the date and contents. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.Nutrition
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Rachel says
This casserole lives up to the hype! Creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor with bacon and ranch. Everyone went back for seconds. Perfect comfort food!
Tatiana says
Thanks, Rachel! So happy it was a hit. Comfort food with bacon and ranch is always a winner!