Crack Chicken Casserole: The BEST Recipe
Ultimate Comfort Food Casseroles.
A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole loaded with savory ranch and turkey ham. The ultimate comfort food that's unbelievably easy to make.
I first stumbled upon this idea on a chilly autumn evening. The kind of evening that asks for flannel blankets and something bubbly from the oven. I had some leftover chicken and a few simple things in the fridge. I just started mixing, not really following a recipe. When I pulled this golden, fragrant casserole out, the whole kitchen felt warmer. My husband took one bite and just said, 'Wow.' It’s been a staple ever since. It’s not fancy, but it’s real, and it’s always, always delicious.
Why You'll Fall in Love with This Casserole
- •It's the definition of comfort food: creamy, cheesy, and so satisfying.
- •So incredibly easy to assemble, especially with a rotisserie chicken.
- •A total crowd-pleaser. Even the pickiest eaters love this one.
- •Perfect for making ahead on a busy weeknight.
- •It's naturally low-carb and keto-friendly.
- •The flavor combination is just, well, deliciously addictive.
I made this for a potluck, and it was the first dish to disappear! Everyone was asking for the recipe. It's so simple to throw together, but tastes like you spent hours on it. This is definitely going into my regular rotation.
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Shredded Chicken: My favorite little shortcut is using a store-bought rotisserie chicken. It’s perfectly seasoned and saves so much time. Leftover chicken from another meal works beautifully too.
- Softened Cream Cheese: Please, please let your cream cheese soften on the counter for an hour or so. It makes all the difference in getting a perfectly smooth, creamy base without any lumps. It just melts into everything.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: This is the magic dust of the recipe. A simple one-ounce packet brings all that savory, herby flavor to the party. It’s what makes it so irresistible.
- Turkey Ham: I love using cooked, crumbled turkey ham for that salty, savory crunch on top. It's a wonderful substitute and adds such a great texture to every bite.
Complete Cooking Process
- Grab a big mixing bowl. It always feels good to start with a clean slate.
- Add your softened cream cheese, sour cream, and all the seasonings. Give it a good stir until it’s wonderfully smooth. This is your flavor foundation.
- Now, gently fold in your shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese.
- Be gentle here. You just want to coat everything without breaking up the chicken too much.
- Spread this lovely mixture into your baking dish. Smooth it out into an even layer.
- Sprinkle the rest of the cheese and the crumbled turkey ham over the top.
- Pop it into the hot oven and bake until it’s bubbly and golden. The smell is honestly the best part.
A Few Common Questions
→Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can assemble the entire casserole, cover it, and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. You might need to add 5-10 minutes to the baking time when cooking it from cold.
→What should I serve with crack chicken casserole?
It's so rich and satisfying on its own, but a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette or some steamed green beans are perfect companions. It balances everything beautifully.
→Can I add vegetables to this?
Of course! Finely chopped broccoli florets, spinach, or sautéed mushrooms would be wonderful stirred into the chicken mixture before baking.
→How do I get my chicken perfectly shredded?
My favorite easy method is to use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment. Just put the warm, cooked chicken breasts in the bowl and run it on low speed for about 30 seconds. Perfect shreds every time!
Crack Chicken Casserole: The BEST Recipe
The best crack chicken casserole recipe ever! Classic comfort food that is simple to make and everyone loves it. Try it today!
Timing
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25 minutes
Total Time
40 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Casserole
- 013 cups cooked, shredded chicken (a rotisserie chicken works perfectly)
- 028 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 031 cup sour cream
- 041 packet (1 oz) dry ranch seasoning mix
- 051 teaspoon garlic powder
- 061/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 072 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 086 slices turkey ham, cooked and crumbled
- 091/4 cup chopped green onions, for garnish
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
Gently fold in the shredded chicken and 1 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until everything is evenly coated.
Spread the chicken mixture evenly into your prepared baking dish.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese over the top, followed by the crumbled turkey ham.
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the casserole is hot and the cheese is bubbly and lightly golden brown.
Let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh green onions. Enjoy that cozy feeling!
Notes & Tips
- 1Feel free to use any cheese you love! A Monterey Jack or a Colby blend would also be delicious.
- 2If your cream cheese mixture seems too thick, a tiny splash of milk can help loosen it up.
- 3This recipe is very forgiving, so feel free to adjust the seasonings to your personal taste.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use full-fat cream cheese and sour cream for the richest, creamiest texture.
- •Shred your own cheddar cheese. The pre-shredded kind has additives that prevent it from melting as smoothly.
- •Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes after baking. This helps it set up a bit and makes serving easier.
- •Don't overbake, or the casserole can become dry. Just cook until it's hot and bubbly.