Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
Introduction
Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and savory ranch flavors, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 16 oz shredded hash brown potatoes (frozen)
- 16 oz sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 2 cups chicken (cooked and shredded)
- 1 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, ranch seasoning, cooked shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the cooked bacon, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cooked bacon and 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top.
- Step 4: Bake the casserole for 40 to 45 minutes, or until it is heated through and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, try adding chopped green onions or jalapeños to the mix before baking.
- Substitute turkey or ham for the chicken to change up the protein.
- Use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy twist.
- Make it low-carb by using fresh cauliflower rice instead of hash browns.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or reheat the whole casserole covered with foil in a 350-degree oven until heated through.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Yes, you can assemble the casserole a day ahead, cover it tightly, and refrigerate. Bake it just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.
What can I use instead of cream of chicken soup?
If you prefer, you can substitute cream of chicken soup with homemade or store-bought cream of mushroom soup or a simple mixture of chicken broth and a bit of cream cheese for thickness.
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Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
This Crack Chicken Casserole is a comforting and hearty dish combining shredded chicken, creamy soup, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and cheddar cheese baked to perfection with tender hash brown potatoes. It’s an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe perfect for family dinners or potlucks, offering rich flavors and a satisfying blend of textures.
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 16 oz shredded hash brown potatoes (frozen)
- 16 oz sour cream
- 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
Protein and Flavorings
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 1 oz ranch seasoning
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, divided (3/4 cup + 1/4 cup)
Cheese
- 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided (2 cups + 1/2 cup)
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare a 9×13 inch baking dish by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray, then set it aside for assembling the casserole.
- Mix Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the frozen shredded hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, ranch seasoning, cooked shredded chicken, 3/4 cup of the cooked crumbled bacon, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Then, evenly sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of cooked bacon and the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the casserole.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and bubbly throughout and the cheese on top is melted and slightly golden.
Notes
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking the chicken.
- Ensure the hash browns are thawed slightly or well separated before mixing to avoid clumps.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños.
- This casserole can be made ahead of time and refrigerated before baking; just add 5-10 extra minutes to baking time if baked cold.
- To make it gluten-free, verify that the cream of chicken soup and ranch seasoning are gluten-free varieties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack Chicken Casserole, chicken casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, hash brown casserole, comforting dinner, baked chicken dish
