Go Back
To make a tasty Crack Chicken Casserole, you will need the following ingredients: - 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1 cup sour cream - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon onion powder - 1 teaspoon dill seasoning - 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup frozen peas - 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup - 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh chopped parsley (for garnish) Each ingredient plays a key role. The chicken adds protein and heartiness. Cream cheese and sour cream give that rich, creamy texture. Garlic and onion powder boost flavor. Dill seasoning adds a fresh note. The cheddar cheese makes it cheesy and satisfying. Frozen peas add a pop of color and fun texture. Cream of chicken soup binds it all together. Crispy fried onions on top add a nice crunch. Finally, salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, you set up for a warm, comforting meal that’s easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 350°F (175°C). This step is key for even cooking. Next, take a 9x13-inch baking dish and lightly grease it. This helps the casserole not stick. In a large bowl, add the cooked and shredded chicken. Then, mix in the cream cheese and sour cream. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, dill seasoning, and cream of chicken soup. Stir well until everything is smooth. This mixture should be creamy and well blended. Now, fold in the frozen peas and one cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper to taste. Pour this mixture into your greased baking dish. Spread it out evenly for nice cooking. Place the dish in your preheated oven. Bake it for 25 to 30 minutes. You want the cheese to be bubbly and golden on top. This step brings out great flavors in the dish. After baking, take the casserole out of the oven. Sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top right away. This adds crunch and texture. Return it to the oven for another 5 minutes. Finally, let it sit for 5 minutes before you serve it. Add some fresh chopped parsley for color and zest. For this casserole, use cooked and shredded chicken. You can use rotisserie chicken for ease. Just grab a whole chicken from the store. It saves time and adds great flavor. You can also poach chicken breasts at home. Cook them in salted water until done. Shred the chicken with two forks for a nice texture. Always check for any bones or tough bits before mixing. To boost the flavor, add more spices. Try a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle kick. You can also use fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. They add a lovely aroma and taste. Consider mixing in sautéed onions or bell peppers for extra depth. Don’t forget to adjust salt and pepper. Taste your mixture before baking. This helps ensure the best flavor. Cheese is the star of this dish. Use a good quality cheddar cheese for rich flavor. Mix half of the cheese into the chicken mixture. This makes it creamy and cheesy throughout. Then, sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top. This creates a golden, bubbly crust when baked. For a twist, try adding mozzarella or pepper jack cheese. Each adds a unique flavor and texture. Pro Tips Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, use store-bought rotisserie chicken instead of cooking your own. Customize the Cheese: Feel free to mix different types of cheese, like mozzarella or pepper jack, for added flavor. Make Ahead: Assemble the casserole a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Leftover Ideas: Use any leftovers in wraps or sandwiches for a delicious next-day meal. {{image_2}} To make a vegetarian version, swap the chicken for three cups of cooked quinoa or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream cheese and vegetable broth in place of cream cheese and cream of chicken soup. This keeps the dish creamy and hearty. You can also add extra veggies, like bell peppers or spinach, for more flavor and nutrients. If you like some heat, add diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the mix. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar for a spicy kick. This adds a fun twist that spice lovers will enjoy. Adjust the amount of spice based on your taste. To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese and sour cream. You can also replace cheddar cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative. Use a dairy-free cream of chicken soup, or make your own with blended cauliflower and vegetable broth. This way, you keep the creamy texture while being dairy-free. To keep leftovers fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the casserole cool first. You can store the leftovers in the fridge. They will stay good for up to four days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. When reheating, you have a few options. The best way is in the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Cover the casserole with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 20 minutes or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Just heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If you want to freeze the casserole, do it before baking. Assemble the dish but skip the oven. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to bake, just remove the wrap and bake from frozen. It may take a bit longer, around 40-50 minutes. You can use several options. A mix of milk and flour works well. You can also try vegetable broth with added seasonings. Another choice is homemade cream soup. Just blend chicken broth, milk, and flour until smooth. Yes, you can. Prepare the casserole a day before and store it in the fridge. Just cover it tightly to keep it fresh. When you're ready, bake it right from the fridge. You may need to add a few extra minutes to the baking time. Look for bubbly cheese and a golden top. Insert a knife in the center; it should come out hot. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. Let it sit for a few minutes before serving to cool down. Yes, but you'll need to cook it first. Boil, bake, or grill the chicken until fully cooked. Once it's done, shred it before adding to the casserole mix. This step ensures your casserole has the right flavor and texture. This blog post showed you how to make a tasty Crack Chicken Casserole. You learned about the key ingredients, from chicken to creamy cheese, and followed easy steps. I shared tips for picking the best chicken and enhancing flavor. Plus, I covered fun variations and how to store leftovers. I hope you try this dish and enjoy it with friends and family. It’s a simple, crowd-pleasing meal. Happy cooking!

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

A creamy and cheesy chicken casserole topped with crispy fried onions.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 8
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon dill seasoning
  • 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
  • 1 cup crispy fried onions (for topping)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, sour cream, garlic powder, onion powder, dill seasoning, and cream of chicken soup. Mix well until all ingredients are smoothly incorporated.
  • Stir in the frozen peas and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste for flavor enhancement.
  • Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
  • Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top of the casserole.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
  • Remove the casserole from the oven, and immediately sprinkle the crispy fried onions on top. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5 minutes to crisp the topping.
  • Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color.

Notes

Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Keyword casserole, cheesy, chicken