Crack ChickenBacon Casserole – The Ultimate Comfort Food Bake

When it comes to cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food, Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole reigns supreme. This creamy, cheesy, and smoky dish combines tender chicken, rich ranch flavor, melted cheddar, and crispy bacon for the ultimate one-pan dinner that makes everyone come running to the table.

Affectionately called “crack chicken” for its irresistible flavor combination, this casserole is the perfect blend of creamy, cheesy indulgence with just the right amount of crunch. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or prepping for a potluck, this dish delivers the kind of comfort that makes every bite pure satisfaction.

What Is Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole?

The name may sound funny, but it’s become a viral favorite for a reason! Crack Chicken is a combination of shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and bacon. When baked together in a creamy casserole, it becomes the ultimate comfort dish that’s savory, rich, and absolutely addictive.

Originally inspired by low-carb and keto-friendly cooking, this casserole skips the pasta or rice and relies on the richness of the filling ingredients to create a hearty, protein-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Creamy & Cheesy: Melted cheddar and cream cheese make this casserole decadently creamy.
• Crispy Bacon Goodness: Smoky, salty bacon adds crunch and depth to every bite.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love it.
• Easy & Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead or freezing for busy nights.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: Great option for anyone following a low-carb lifestyle.

Ingredients for Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole

Main Ingredients:

• 3 cups cooked, shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped (reserve some for topping)
• ½ cup green onions, chopped (divided)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Optional Add-ins:

• 1 cup steamed broccoli florets
• ½ cup diced bell peppers
• ½ cup cooked pasta (if you want a heartier meal)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat and Prepare:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish and set aside.

2. Mix the Base:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy using a hand mixer or whisk.

3. Add the Chicken and Cheese:
Add the shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, mozzarella cheese, and half of the chopped bacon. Mix until everything is evenly coated.

4. Assemble the Casserole:
Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and a sprinkle of green onions.

5. Bake to Perfection:
Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

6. Serve and Garnish:
Remove from the oven and let cool slightly. Garnish with the remaining green onions before serving. Serve warm and enjoy every gooey, cheesy bite!

Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole

A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole loaded with crispy bacon and ranch flavor—pure comfort food baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 3 cups shredded cooked chicken
• 8 oz cream cheese softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix about 1 oz
• 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese divided
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup cooked bacon chopped, divided
• 0.5 cup green onions chopped, divided
• to taste salt and pepper

Equipment

• Mixing bowls
• 9×13-inch casserole dish
• Hand mixer
• Oven

Method

 

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch casserole dish.
2. Mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
3. Stir in shredded chicken, half of the cheddar, mozzarella, and half the bacon.
4. Spread mixture into the dish and top with remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.
5. Bake for 20–25 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve warm.

Notes

For a keto version, skip pasta and add steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice before baking.

Tips for the Best Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole

1. Use Rotisserie Chicken: It saves time and adds a rich, roasted flavor.
2. Soften the Cream Cheese: This ensures a smooth, lump-free filling.
3. Add Veggies: Broccoli, cauliflower, or spinach are great ways to add nutrients.
4. Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle buffalo sauce over the top before baking.
5. Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment—pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or Colby all work beautifully.

How to Make It Ahead

This casserole is perfect for meal prep!

• To Refrigerate: Assemble the casserole up to the baking step. Cover tightly and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Bake when ready to serve.
• To Freeze: Assemble and wrap the unbaked casserole in foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15–20 minutes, or microwave individual portions for 1–2 minutes.

Variations and Add-Ons

1. Crack Chicken Broccoli Casserole:
Add steamed broccoli before baking for a complete one-dish meal.

2. Crack Chicken Pasta Bake:
Mix in cooked pasta shells or penne for a hearty, kid-approved version.

3. Buffalo Crack Chicken:
Replace half of the ranch seasoning with buffalo sauce and top with crumbled blue cheese.

4. Keto Crack Chicken Casserole:
Skip pasta and add extra veggies or cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist.

5. Loaded Crack Chicken:
Add sautéed mushrooms and diced jalapeños for extra depth and spice.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides:

• A crisp green salad with ranch dressing
• Garlic butter green beans or steamed asparagus
• Cauliflower mash for a keto-friendly side
• Or simply serve with warm buttery dinner rolls

For a fun presentation, spoon individual servings into ramekins and top with extra bacon before serving.

Storage and Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, use the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness. The creamy texture and rich flavor actually improve the next day as the ingredients meld together.

If frozen, reheat directly from frozen at 350°F (175°C) for 30–35 minutes or until hot in the center.

Nutrition & Dietary Info

This casserole is naturally gluten-free and keto-friendly when made without pasta. Each serving provides about:

• Calories: 380
• Protein: 28g
• Fat: 28g
• Carbs: 4g

Fun Fact: Why It’s Called “Crack Chicken”

The term “crack chicken” became popular on the internet thanks to how addictively good this dish is. The combination of bacon, ranch, cheese, and chicken—flavors people can’t get enough of—earned it the nickname. It’s since gone viral across Pinterest, TikTok, and food blogs as one of the easiest comfort dishes ever invented.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a comforting, creamy casserole that brings everyone to the table, Crack Chicken Bacon Casserole is the answer. It’s cheesy, savory, and filled with crispy bacon goodness that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds!).

Whether it’s dinner with the family, a potluck with friends, or a meal prep staple, this casserole guarantees satisfaction in every bite.

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite chicken bake — easy, cheesy, and downright irresistible!