Crack Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

It’s hard not to love a good casserole recipe – am I right? And this crack chicken casserole is one of my favorites. The ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner, it will have the whole family begging for seconds – or thirds. Filled with tender cooked chicken and pasta in a cream cheese ranch sauce and topped with gooey melted cheese and crispy cooked bacon, it is the very definition of comfort food.

Ingredients

Find the printable recipe with measurements in the recipe card below.

• Cream Cheese: In this casserole version, I chose to include cream cheese as part of the creamy sauce rather than cream of chicken soup. If you prefer a more liquid cream sauce, mix up to one cup of chicken broth or milk with the cream cheese.
• Sour Cream: For added creaminess and tang. If sour cream isn’t available, substitute with plain Greek yogurt.
• Ranch Seasoning Mix: Adds a tangy, herby flavor.
• Chicken: In this recipe, I used boneless chicken breast, but chicken thighs also work. If you’re short on time, you can use any leftover cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken.
• Cheese: Sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese are perfect for this dish, but Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta would be great.
• Cooked Pasta: Shell pasta, penne, bowtie, elbow macaroni, etc.
• Bacon: Provides a smoky, salty flavor. Use oven-baked bacon or Air Fryer bacon cooked until crispy, then finely dice or crumble.

Optional Additions: Sautéed garlic and onions, mushrooms, peas, or broccoli.

How to Make Crack Chicken Casserole

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.

2. Beat the cream cheese using an electric mixer until easily whipped and easily spreadable, then add the sour cream, ranch dressing mix, salt, and black pepper and continue to mix until fully combined.

3. Add the chicken to the cream cheese and ranch mixture and mix until coated. Transfer to the prepared casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.

4. As the chicken bakes, boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

5. Remove the chicken from the oven and stir gently. Stir in the pasta and cooked bacon, then add half of the shredded cheese and stir until melted. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top.

6. Bake for 5-10 minutes, then broil on high for 3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.

7. Garnish with sliced green onions if desired.

What to Serve with Easy Crack Chicken Casserole

I highly recommend serving this family favorite with a fresh green salad or yummy roasted veggies like broccoli, roasted asparagus, or roasted zucchini.

Storage

Transfer the leftover casserole to an airtight container. If you have a large amount, consider dividing it into smaller, portion-sized containers for easier reheating. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Can You Freeze Crack Chicken Casserole?

Yes. To freeze, first allow the leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to freezer-safe airtight containers and placing them in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, first allow the casserole to thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven until it’s heated through. If the casserole looks a little dried out, stir in a few tablespoons of chicken broth or milk before reheating.