Crack Chicken Casserole
A quick and delicious casserole featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, and ranch seasoning, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ cup milk
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Gather all ingredients and prepare your workspace.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare your tools: Grab a large mixing bowl, measuring cups, a baking dish, and a spatula.
Mix the Creamy Base
- In a large bowl, combine the cream cheese, sour cream, and milk until smooth.
- If the cream cheese is stiff, microwave it for about 15-20 seconds to soften.
Add Ranch Seasoning
- Incorporate the ranch seasoning mix into the cream mixture and stir thoroughly.
- Taste the mixture to adjust seasoning as needed.
Combine Chicken
- Toss in the shredded or diced chicken into the creamy ranch mixture and stir gently to coat.
Add Cheese
- Mix in half of the shredded cheddar cheese into the chicken mixture, reserving the other half for the topping.
Assemble Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish and smooth it out.
Top the Casserole
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top and finish with crumbled bacon.
Bake
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly and has a golden brown hue.
Optional Garnishing
- Garnish with chopped green onions just before serving.
Cool Before Serving
- Let the casserole cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.
Notes
This casserole can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. You can also customize ingredients based on dietary preferences.