Crack Chicken Casserole

Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and bacon-packed comfort food that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or meal prep. With shredded hash brown potatoes, tender chicken, and a ranch-infused sauce, this dish delivers satisfying flavors in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and Creamy: The combination of sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and cheese makes for a luscious casserole base.
• Crowd-Pleaser: Loaded with chicken, bacon, and cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
• Simple to Make: Minimal prep and easy steps make this recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Customizable: Adjust the ingredients or toppings to suit your preferences.
• Great for Leftovers: Reheats beautifully, making it ideal for meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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 mix
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
• 2 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Ingredients

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash brown potatoes, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, ranch seasoning, cooked chicken, ¾ cup of cooked bacon, and 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese.
2. Stir until all ingredients are well mixed.

Step 3: Assemble the Casserole

1. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
2. Top with the remaining ¼ cup of bacon and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 4: Bake

1. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes, or until the casserole is heated through and the top is golden and bubbly.

Step 5: Serve

1. Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving.
2. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!

Servings and Timing

• Yield: 10 servings
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour

Variations

• Protein Alternatives: Use rotisserie chicken, cooked turkey, or diced ham instead of shredded chicken.
• Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or chopped broccoli.
• Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a kick.
• Gluten-Free: Use a gluten-free cream of chicken soup and ensure the ranch seasoning is gluten-free.
• Topping Ideas: Sprinkle crushed potato chips, panko breadcrumbs, or fried onions on top for added texture.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze the casserole before baking for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, assemble the casserole, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

2. Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen hash browns?

Yes, grate fresh potatoes, then pat them dry to remove excess moisture before using.

3. What can I serve with this casserole?

Serve with a fresh green salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread for a complete meal.

4. Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Colby cheese are all great options.

5. How do I keep the casserole from drying out?

Cover the dish with foil if it starts to brown too much on top before it’s fully heated through.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely! Use a larger baking dish or two 9×13-inch pans to accommodate the extra ingredients.

7. Can I use low-fat ingredients?

Yes, use light sour cream and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version.

8. How can I add more veggies?

Mix in diced bell peppers, frozen peas, or chopped spinach for added nutrition.

9. Can I substitute the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, use cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup as an alternative.

10. What’s the best way to crumble bacon?

Cook the bacon until crispy, then crumble it by hand or chop it with a knife.

Conclusion

Crack Chicken Casserole is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying comfort food that’s perfect for any occasion. Easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors, it’s sure to become a family favorite. Customize it to your liking and enjoy a hearty dish that brings everyone to the table with a smile!

Crack Chicken Casserole

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• Author: Asma
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 10 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Crack Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food! Made with shredded hash browns, creamy sour cream, tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, this easy-to-make dish is perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

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Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 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 (about 2 tablespoons)
• 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
• 1 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

• Preheat the Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
  • Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
• Mix the Ingredients:
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded hash browns, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, melted butter, ranch seasoning, shredded chicken, ¾ cup cooked bacon, and 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese.
  • Stir until well combined.
• Assemble the Casserole:
  • Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup cooked bacon and ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese on top.
• Bake the Casserole:
  • Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 40–45 minutes, or until the casserole is warmed through and the cheese on top is melted and bubbly.
• Serve:
  • Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.

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Notes

• For added flavor, garnish with chopped green onions or parsley before serving.
• Use rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
• Swap cream of chicken soup with cream of mushroom soup for a different flavor profile.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: ~2 oz
• Calories: 435 kcal
• Fat: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 15g