Skip to Content

Easy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Are you looking for an easy and delicious chicken casserole recipe?

Look no further than this crack chicken casserole.

It is quick to prepare and can please even the pickiest of eaters. Plus, it is perfect for busy people on the go.

So what are you waiting for? Give this recipe a try today!

Creamy Chicken Casserole

Creamy crack chicken casserole is an easy dinner recipe that can be made in a variety of ways.

It is a great option for those looking for something new to eat. It’s easy to make, and it tastes amazing.

Crack chicken and peas on a beige plate

The recipe is full of delicious flavors and is definitely comfort food that will become a family favorite.

This chicken recipe calls for a mix of ingredients that are sure to satisfy any appetite.

It’s not complex or time-consuming but still incredibly flavorful and satisfying with the addition of some traditional comfort food favorites like shredded cheese, ranch seasoning, and shredded chicken.

Creamy crack chicken and peas on a beige plate

The aroma of freshly cooked chicken is something that will fill your home with comfort.

This tasty dish has it all; butter, Panko breadcrumbs for that crunchy texture, sour cream for a rich taste, and plenty more ingredients you love.

With only a handful of ingredients, you can have dinner on the table fast so give this one a try tonight.

And, the best part? The easy prep means less time in front of the stovetop. You can disappear out of the kitchen while dinner cooks.

It’s perfect for those busy weeknights. And, it can be made ahead of time and refrigerated until you’re ready to cook it. Just leave off the butter and breadcrumbs and add those right before baking.

What Ingredients Are Needed For The Casserole Dish?

Full printable recipe with measurements and instructions listed at the bottom of the post in the recipe card.

I made this recipe for four people. If you don’t want to cook such a large portion, you can cut the recipe in half. Just use half of the measurements.

  • Shredded cooked chicken
  • Sour cream
  • Ranch seasoning
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Panko breadcrumbs
  • Melted butter
  • Cooked and crumbled bacon

How To Make The Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

  1. Shred the cooked chicken and add to a large bowl.
  2. Add the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, ranch seasoning, shredded cheese, and cooked crumbled bacon and mix well.
  3. Pour the chicken mixture into a greased prepared pan.
  4. Add the Panko breadcrumbs into another medium-sized bowl. Pour the butter over the breadcrumbs and mix well.
  5. Sprinkle over the chicken and bake uncovered for about 45-minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Step-By-Step Instructions

shredded chicken in a clear glass bowl

Start by adding the shredded chicken to a large bowl.

If you are using four chicken breasts, you will need a large bowl.

I cooked my chicken earlier in the day and refrigerated it until I was ready to use it.

I baked the chicken for about an hour at 350-degrees. It turned out such tender chicken.

If you have some leftover chicken, this is a great way to use it up.

You can purchase a rotisserie chicken or use leftover rotisserie chicken for the recipe.

To shred it, I put it in my stand mixer and shredded it with the wire whip. It’s so much easier than standing there for 20 minutes pulling it apart by hand.

But, make sure you break it into a few smaller pieces before adding it to the mixer. And, be prepared because some of the chicken will fly out.

shredded chicken and cooked crumbled bacon in a glass bowl

Next, add the cooked and crumbled bacon.

Crispy bacon tastes good with pretty much everything, doesn’t it?

Side note: Some readers have mentioned liking the recipe with half the amount of bacon.

Crack chicken ingredients in a large glass bowl

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning into the bowl.

I buy the one-ounce packets of ranch seasoning and keep them in the pantry. One package is perfect for this recipe.

shredded cheese and cream of chicken soup in a glass bowl

Next, add the cream of chicken soup and shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl and mix well.

Spreading chicken mixture into a glass baking dish

Spread the chicken mixture into a 9-inch by 13-inch greased baking dish.

You can use butter or nonstick cooking spray to grease the pan.

Crunchy Topping For Easy Baked Crack Chicken

Pouring panko breadcrumbs into a glass bowl.

Add the Panko breadcrumbs to a medium-sized bowl.

If you want to switch things up now and again, you can use crumbled Ritz Crackers in place of Panko breadcrumbs.

If you decide to do that, just use the same measurements.

Pouring melted butter into a clear glass bowl with Panko breadcrumbs

Melt butter and pour it into the bowl with the Panko. Mix the ingredients.

Crack chicken with Panko breadcrumbs spread out on top.

Sprinkle the Panko breadcrumbs over the top of the chicken mixture.

Bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes at 350-degrees or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

If you want to get the breadcrumbs extra toasty, you can turn on the broiler at the end for about five minutes.

Just be sure to keep an eye on the top, as the broiler can burn things fast (speaking from lots of experience burning things).

Cooked crack chicken in a rectangle baking dish

The crack chicken will be nice and golden brown when baked.

A spoonful of crack chicken on a black spoon.

The easy recipe can be served immediately.

It is the best dinner recipe, and we love it around here. A chicken bacon ranch casserole is always going to be a hit no matter where you serve it.

The recipe creates a delicious chicken dinner with creamy sauce, crispy bacon, ranch flavor, and crunchy Panko for a dinner you will want on your meal plan rotation.

I promise your taste buds (and the entire family) will thank you for making this delicious recipe.

How To Store The Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

You can reheat the recipe in the microwave for about three minutes in a microwave-safe bowl.

Is Crack Chicken Keto?

There are some recipe out there that are Keto friendly, but this recipe is not Keto.

Can Crack Chicken Be Frozen?

Yes, you can freeze crack chicken for up to two months in a freezer-safe container. Be sure to leave the breadcrumbs out of the recipe as they do not freeze as well. You can add them when you thaw the recipe and get ready to cook it.

More Easy Casseroles For The Whole Family

Crack chicken on a beige plate with green peas.

So, if you’re looking for a recipe that is both easy and delicious, this one might be the perfect fit!

There are so many different variations of chicken casserole recipes out there–but we think this one may just take the cake. And not to mention it’s really quick and easy to make as well (just like most good recipes should be)!

I hope you enjoy this great recipe as much as we do. Seven easy ingredients? Check. Quick prep time? Gotcha covered. Deliciousness all around with every bite? Of course!

If any of these sounds like what your family needs in their lives or want for dinner tonight, then please give the crack chicken casserole recipe a try and let me know what you think in the comments below.

Be sure to let me know if you changed anything so we can try it, too.

Crack chicken and peas on a beige plate

Easy Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes

Do you love easy chicken recipes like I do? This crack chicken casserole is a favorite easy dinner recipe. It's simple to make, and the family loves it. You only need a few ingredients, so it's perfect for a busy weeknight. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

Ingredients

  • 4 chicken breasts, cooked and shredded
  • 10.5 ounce can condensed cream of chicken soup
  • 1-1/2 cups sour cream
  • 1 ounce package dry ranch seasoning
  • 2 cups of cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 16 ounce package cooked and crumbled bacon
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 4 Tablespoons melted butter

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 350-degrees and grease a 9-inch by 13-inch casserole baking dish.
  2. Add the shredded chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, ranch seasoning, bacon crumbles, and shredded cheddar cheese to a large mixing bowl and mix well.
  3. Spread into the baking dish.
  4. In a medium-sized bowl, add the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter and mix well.
  5. Sprinkle over the top of the chicken mixture and bake for 40 to 45-minutes or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.

Notes

TIP: You can switch out the breadcrumbs for crumbled Ritz Crackers.

Side note: Some readers have mentioned liking the recipe with half the amount of bacon.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 740Total Fat: 51gSaturated Fat: 23gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 187mgSodium: 1881mgCarbohydrates: 19gFiber: 1gSugar: 4gProtein: 49g

Nutrition is approximate.

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment on the blog or share a photo on Pinterest

Jennifer

Monday 7th of November 2022

I really wanted to love this recipe since my husband went out of his way to get me to make it. This is not what I would consider a casserole it’s more like a dip and a little to salty for my taste. The bacon is overpowering and so is the ranch seasoning. If your looking for a unique dip for a tailgate this is your dip. If your looking for a Monday night dinner for your family I wouldn’t recommend. This is more of an appetizer

Julie Pollitt

Tuesday 8th of November 2022

Hi Jennifer,

Sorry you didn't like it, but I do appreciate the comments. If your husband decides to make it again, maybe he can use half of the ranch seasoning and less bacon. That might help. But, a dip is always good. :)

Lisa

Wednesday 19th of October 2022

What is best way to cook chicken?

Andrea Dameron

Wednesday 26th of October 2022

@Julie Pollitt, can I throw the chicken in raw and just shred after all of its cooked together in the pan?

Julie Pollitt

Thursday 20th of October 2022

My favorite way to cook chicken is in the Crock Pot because it comes out so tender. But, cooking it in the oven is a great way to eat chicken, also. You can add ingredients, like the ones in this recipe and it comes out so flavorful. And, it's quicker than the Crock pot.

Mary

Friday 30th of September 2022

I loved it and used 2 can's of green beans added to it and a 1/2 cup of milk.

Julie Pollitt

Saturday 1st of October 2022

What a great idea to add green beans!

Peggy North

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

Can you add pasta of some sort to the recipe? I was thinking of egg noodles, but maybe just on the side?

Julie Pollitt

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

You can definitely do that! Pasta is a great side for the chicken crack recipe.

Rossmom

Monday 26th of September 2022

Way too salty, about half of the dressing mix & add some broccoli and rice!

Julie Pollitt

Wednesday 28th of September 2022

You can definitely use less salt if you'd like and broccoli and rice sounds great!

Skip to Recipe