Description
Looking for an ultra-comforting, easy dinner idea? This Easy Crack Chicken Casserole is everything you want in a hearty meal—creamy, cheesy, loaded with smoky bacon, and topped with a buttery cracker crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or make-ahead meal prep, it’s a satisfying dish that’s impossible to resist. This is the ultimate go-to for quick dinner ideas, crowd-pleasing casseroles, or indulgent comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
4 cups cooked shredded chicken
8 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
1/2 cup chopped green onions (optional)
1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 30), crushed
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Fresh thyme or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth.
3. Add in shredded chicken, 1.5 cups cheddar cheese, and most of the bacon. Stir well.
4. If using green onions, fold them into the mixture.
5. Spread the mixture evenly into the casserole dish.
6. In a small bowl, combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter. Mix until coated.
7. Sprinkle the cracker topping over the casserole, followed by the remaining cheese and bacon.
8. Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until golden and bubbly.
10. Let cool slightly, garnish with herbs, and serve warm.
Notes
For extra ease, use rotisserie chicken to cut down on prep time.
Swap in Greek yogurt for sour cream if you want a lighter version.
For added nutrition, stir in chopped cooked broccoli or spinach before baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: easy dinner, chicken casserole, comfort food, quick meals, crack chicken