This crack chicken casserole is a delicious twist on the popular “crack chicken” dish, that is made with chicken, ranch, cheese, and bacon. What could be better than combining that all in a hearty casserole dish – it’s a winner for the whole family!
This crack chicken casserole is always a huge hit with my whole family. With 3 picky kids under 10, its always a win when you find a meal that everyone will go back for seconds, and this one is always it. I just know with our easy recipe, it’ll be on repeat at your house too!
For other casserole favorites, try our Cheeseburger Casserole, or Stuffed Bell Pepper Casserole.
Why You’ll Love this Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Cheesy Bacon Ranch Flavor in every bite – Who can turn down creamy ranch dressing, crunchy bacon, and gooey cheese? It’s a flavor combo that is hard to resist.
- Easy to Make – Only a few simple ingredients, and easy steps to follow and you’ll have a hearty casserole that everyone loves.
What is Chicken Crack Casserole?
Crack chicken is a delicious chicken dish cooked in the slow cooker, with cream cheese, ranch powder, cheese, and bacon. It’s called crack chicken, because it’s so delicious its practically addictive.
Now this crack chicken casserole is a twist on the chicken dish, because it’s got rice added, and it’s turned into a delicious baked casserole dish.
Crack chicken casserole is a perfect weeknight dinner because it’s so easy to make, and is loved by all. It’s a family favorite over here and will definitely be at your home too!
Cracked Chicken Casserole Ingredients
This is a quick overview of the ingredients you’ll need for this Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe. Specific measurements and full recipe instructions are in the printable recipe card below.
- Cream Cheese – half a block brought to room temperature, not the kind in a tub
- Cream of Chicken Soup
- Sour Cream
- Milk
- Ranch Seasoning Mix – dry mix, not prepared
- Shredded Chicken – a great way to use up some leftover chicken from another meal
- Cooked White Rice – or other grain rice, or even substitute your favorite pasta
- Crispy Bacon
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese – use your favorite shredded cheese, or whatever you have on hand, colby jack cheese, or pepper jack cheese would be great
How to make Crack Chicken Casserole
- Start by getting everything ready, preheat your oven, spray a baking dish with nonstick spray, and get all your ingredients ready to go. In a large bowl, add the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch seasoning mix.
- Stir it all up. Then add in the cooked rice, chicken, half of the cheese, and half of your bacon pieces, and stir that all up. Spread the mixture out into the prepared baking pan.
- Spread the remaining cheese on top, and then sprinkle evenly with the remaining bacon.
- Bake until the whole dish is hot and the cheese on top is nice and melty.
Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe Tips
- This is already a relatively quick dinner recipe, but to make it even easier I like to use leftover chicken instead of cooking my own. You can buy rotisserie chicken meat already removed from the chicken at Costco, but I like to grab a chicken for one meal, and then use the leftovers for another, or use leftover grilled chicken breast from one of our other meals at home. You will need 3 cups of cooked shredded, or diced chicken meat.
- I used minute rice to make this dish just one more step easier, and to take less time. You’re welcome to cook your rice however you prefer. You can also use brown rice if you prefer.
- Instead of cooked rice, you could also use the same amount of cooked pasta.
- If you want, you can add vegetables to the casserole dish. You will want to cook them for a couple minutes before adding them to the dish as they won’t cook fully in the oven. I think diced bell pepper and onion, or mushroom, or broccoli would be especially delicious!
How to serve Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
This is a great all in one casserole that is perfect served with your favorite side dishes for an easy meal. Try serving it with:
- A green salad
- Roasted vegetables
- Fresh Fruit
Storing leftover Crack Chicken and Rice Casserole
Cover the baking dish with a lid, plastic wrap, or transfer any leftover casserole to another airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Microwave the leftovers to reheat them until hot, or re-bake the dish in the oven until hot throughout to enjoy.
The casserole can also be frozen before baking, or as leftovers in a freezer safe container. Let it thaw in the fridge for 1 hour, then place it in the oven and bake for about 30-40 minutes, or until the dish is hot throughout.
This delicious chicken casserole is definitely a winning, easy recipe – I mean who can say no to a creamy, cheesy, chicken casserole that is loaded with bacon and ranch seasoning? It’s the perfect dinner for busy weeknights, that the entire family will love.
More chicken casserole recipes:
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Chicken Crack Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- 3 cups cooked white rice
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix
- 8 slices bacon (chopped, divided)
- 2-3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 2 TBS green onions (optional)
Equipment
- Large Mixing Bowl
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9×13 baking pan with nonstick spray.
- Add the chicken, rice, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning mix, half the bacon pieces, and half the cheese to a large bowl and stir it all together.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking pan.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Bake until the casserole is bubble, and the cheese is melted, about 20 to 25 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for about 5 minutes then serve. Top with green onions if desired.
Dawn says
I would like to make this withy uncooked rice how much extra liquid would i need to add,
One can of broth to 1 cup of rice?
Aimee says
I’ve never tried, I don’t think rice would fully cook in the oven like that.