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Creamy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe – Easy Ranch Bacon Bake

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This Creamy Crack Chicken Casserole is a comforting, crowd-pleasing bake loaded with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar cheese. It’s quick to prepare, flexible for dietary needs, and perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded
  • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Optional: 1/2 cup frozen peas or corn
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked pasta (elbow macaroni or penne)
  • Optional: Dash of hot sauce

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
  2. Shred cooked chicken and set aside.
  3. Cook bacon in a skillet over medium heat (7-8 minutes) or bake at 400°F for 15 minutes. Drain and crumble.
  4. In a large bowl, blend softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth. Add milk, black pepper, and garlic powder; mix until creamy.
  5. Fold shredded chicken into the ranch mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Reserve 1/2 cup bacon and 1/2 cup cheese for topping. Stir remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions into the chicken mixture. Add optional peas, corn, or pasta if desired.
  7. Spread mixture evenly into prepared casserole dish. Smooth the top.
  8. Sprinkle reserved bacon and cheese over the top. Cover loosely with foil for a softer cheese finish, or leave uncovered for crispy edges.
  9. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly. Edges should be lightly browned.
  10. Let casserole rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra green onions or fresh herbs if desired.

Notes

For best results, use room-temperature dairy. Crisp bacon adds texture; turkey bacon or plant-based bacon can be substituted. Make ahead by assembling and refrigerating before baking. For gluten-free, use GF ranch mix and omit pasta. Add veggies for extra nutrition. Let casserole rest before serving for neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken casserole, ranch bacon bake, creamy chicken casserole, comfort food, easy casserole, weeknight dinner, potluck recipe, gluten-free option, keto casserole, chicken bacon ranch

Find it online: https://blingbite.com/creamy-crack-chicken-casserole-recipe-easy-ranch-bacon-bake/