Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
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Get ready for a tasty treat that’s super easy to make! Crack Chicken Casserole is a yummy dish that combines chicken, cheese, bacon, and ranch flavoring. It only takes about 35 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll love how simple it is to throw together.
This casserole is perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to feed a crowd. With its creamy texture and savory flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and see why it’s called “crack” chicken – it’s so good, you won’t be able to stop eating it!
Exact Ingredients List
Here’s what you’ll need to make this yummy crack chicken casserole:
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning mix
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 10 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups pre-cooked chicken, shredded or chopped
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
You can easily find these items at your local grocery store. The pre-cooked chicken saves you time, but you can also cook and shred your own if you prefer.
For the topping, you have a choice between Panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers. Both work great, so pick your favorite!
Remember to have some cooking spray or extra butter on hand to grease your baking dish. This will help prevent the casserole from sticking.
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Grab a 9×13-inch baking dish and grease it with cooking spray or butter.
Mix the good stuff in a big bowl:
- 1 1/2 cups sour cream
- 1 tablespoon + 1 teaspoon ranch seasoning
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 10 crumbled bacon slices
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 cups pre-cooked, shredded chicken
Stir it all up well. Spread this yummy mix into your greased dish.
Now for the topping:
- Mix 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with 4 tablespoons melted butter.
- Sprinkle this over your casserole.
Pop it in the oven for 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the top turns golden brown.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before you dig in. This wait is tough, but it’s worth it!
Serve and enjoy your tasty crack chicken casserole. Get ready for everyone to ask for seconds!
Possible Substitutes List & Recipe Variations
You can easily change up this crack chicken casserole to suit your tastes or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty swaps and tweaks:
Protein options:
- Turkey instead of chicken
- Canned tuna or salmon
- Vegetarian? Try chickpeas or tofu
Cheese choices:
- Mozzarella for a gooey stretch
- Pepper jack to add some heat
- Cheddar and Swiss combo for extra flavor
Crunchy topping ideas:
- Crushed potato chips
- French fried onions
- Cornflakes
Mix in some veggies:
- Frozen peas and carrots
- Broccoli florets
- Diced bell peppers
Spice it up:
- Add a dash of hot sauce
- Mix in some taco seasoning
- Sprinkle in red pepper flakes
You can also swap the cream of chicken soup for cream of mushroom or celery. No sour cream? Greek yogurt works great too. Feel free to play around and make this dish your own!
Tips, Tricks & Storing
You can make this casserole ahead of time. Just assemble it, cover with plastic wrap, and keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.
For extra crunch, try using crushed potato chips instead of breadcrumbs on top.
Got leftovers? No problem! Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, pop individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. For best results, reheat in the oven at 350°F for about 15 minutes.
Try mixing in some veggies like broccoli or peas to add more nutrients and color to your casserole.
If you’re short on time, use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. It’s a quick and tasty shortcut!
Want to freeze this dish? You can! Wrap it tightly in foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.
For a spicy kick, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the mixture.