This Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory flavors. Juicy shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and a buttery, crunchy topping come together in one irresistible dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding a crowd. With its creamy base, gooey cheese layer, and golden crunch on top, this casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Let’s dig in!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy and Cheesy: A rich blend of cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and shredded cheese creates a velvety filling.
- Crispy Topping: The buttery Ritz cracker or cornflake topping adds a satisfying crunch.
- Versatile: Customize with your favorite veggies, spices, or additional proteins.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: Perfect for prepping ahead and baking when ready.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend like Monterey Jack and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (for moisture)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms
For the Crunch Topping:
- 1 sleeve Ritz crackers (about 16 crackers), crushed
- 1/2 cup cornflakes or panko breadcrumbs (optional, for extra crunch)
- 4 tbsp melted butter
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish or casserole dish.
- If using optional vegetables, prepare them beforehand (steam, sauté, or roast as needed).
2. Make the Filling
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheese, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
- Optional: Fold in steamed broccoli, diced bell peppers, or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and nutrition.
3. Assemble the Casserole
- Spread the chicken mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
- Sprinkle the top with shredded cheese if desired.
4. Prepare the Crunch Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the crushed Ritz crackers (and cornflakes or breadcrumbs, if using) with melted butter until evenly coated.
- Sprinkle the crunchy topping evenly over the casserole.
5. Bake Until Golden
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25–30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the topping is golden brown.
- For extra browning, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch closely to avoid burning).
