Ultimate Crack Chicken Casserole
Add Preferred SourceEver wish dinner could make itself? Crack Chicken Casserole is about as close as it gets. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy sauce, all topped with a buttery, crunchy cracker crust. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner option or something special for a gathering, this casserole is easy to make and guaranteed to be a hit.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Affiliate, if you purchase through those links, I earn a small commission. Thank you!
If you like minimal hands-on time, then this is for you as it takes just 15 minutes to prep, and then the oven does the rest of the work – it’s that easy! This make-ahead, freezer-friendly casserole is a real crowd-pleaser with adults and kids alike. It’s perfect for potlucks, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and family gatherings; this will probably become a family favorite!
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Crack Chicken Casserole with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
You’ll have your casserole made in next to no time if you follow my simple instructions.
Preheat Your Oven and Prepare the Dish
Begin by preheating your oven to 350ºF (180°C). Lightly coat a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray. This helps make sure your casserole won’t stick, making cleanup a breeze.
Mix Up the Filling
In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped cooked chicken, ranch seasoning, shredded Cheddar cheese, chopped bacon, sour cream, and cream of chicken soup. Stir everything together until it’s all well combined—this is the heart of your casserole, packed with flavor in every bite.
Spread It Out and Make the Crunchy Topping
Take that delicious chicken mixture and spread it evenly into your prepared baking dish. Use a spatula to smooth it out so it bakes evenly.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
In a small bowl, mix together your crushed Ritz crackers with the melted butter. Stir until the crackers are fully coated, and you’ve got a nice, crumbly topping ready to go.
Sprinkle the buttery cracker mixture over the top of the chicken filling. Make sure you spread it out evenly so every bite has that perfect crunch.
Bake the Casserole
Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25 to 30 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the topping is golden brown, and the filling is bubbling around the edges.
Serve It Up
Once it’s out of the oven, let your casserole cool for a few minutes before digging in. Serve it hot and get ready to enjoy all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 cups cooked chicken chopped
- 1 package ranch dressing mix (1-ounce)
- 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup cooked bacon chopped
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup (10.5-ounce)
- 1 ½ cups Ritz crackers crushed
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350ºF (180°C). Lightly spray a 9×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Combine chicken, ranch seasoning, Cheddar cheese, bacon, sour cream and cream of chicken soup. Spread into prepared pan.4 cups cooked chicken, 1 package ranch dressing mix, 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, 1 cup cooked bacon, 1 ½ cups sour cream, 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- Combine crushed crackers and butter, sprinkle over chicken mixture.1 ½ cups Ritz crackers, ¼ cup unsalted butter
- Bake uncovered 25 to 30 minutes.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Perfect Crunch: For an extra crunchy topping, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers or a combination of both for a varied texture.
- Cheese Variation: Mixing different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, can add a new dimension of flavor to the casserole.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking directly from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Richer Flavor: For an even more indulgent dish, you can substitute half of the sour cream with cream cheese, which adds a richer, creamier texture.
- Bacon Boost: For an extra bacon flavor, consider adding a bit of the bacon grease to the mixture, or using thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
CASSEROLES
37 EASY RECIPES designed for days when you want one dish to do all the work for you. Expect rich, mouthwatering layers that are just begging to be on your dinner table.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Breakfast Casserole
∙ Cheeseburger Casserole
∙ Four Cheese Ravioli Casserole
∙ Chicken Pot Pie Casserole
∙ Sweet Potato Casserole
...and much more!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Perfect Crunch: For an extra crunchy topping, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of Ritz crackers, or a combination of both for a varied texture.
- Cheese Variation: Mixing different cheeses, such as mozzarella or Monterey Jack, can add a new dimension of flavor to the casserole.
- Make-Ahead Tip: This casserole can be assembled in advance and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking directly from the fridge, add a few extra minutes to the baking time.
- Richer Flavor: For an even more indulgent dish, you can substitute half of the sour cream with cream cheese, which adds a richer, creamier texture.
- Bacon Boost: For an extra bacon flavor, consider adding a bit of the bacon grease to the mixture, or using thick-cut bacon for a heartier bite.
How to Store Leftover Crack Chicken Casserole
To store leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
This casserole is also suitable for freezing. Wrap it tightly in aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. To reheat, bake at 350ºF (180°C) until warmed through.
What to Serve With Crack Chicken Casserole
Pair this rich and comforting casserole with lighter sides, such as a green salad or steamed vegetables, to balance the flavors.
For a heartier meal, consider serving it alongside mashed potatoes or garlic bread, which complement the creamy texture of the casserole beautifully.
More Easy Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you love casseroles, then take a look at these delicious recipes.
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Cornbread Casserole
- Cornbread Casserole
- Potato Casserole
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
I love this recipe!!! I’m vegetarian, so I just substitute the chicken and bacon for plant based chick’n and bac’n. This tastes so good!
I love that you have found a work around 🙂
Made this for dinner and I have to say it was delicious. My husband said “Don’t lose this recipe.”
That’s praise indeed! Glad you both enjoyed it.