Description
Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and satisfying dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners and easy meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs chicken breasts or thighs, cooked and shredded
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the Chicken: If not already cooked, bake or pan-fry chicken until fully cooked. Shred or chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the Bacon: Fry bacon until crispy, then crumble into small pieces. Set aside.
- Make the Creamy Base: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, heavy cream, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Assemble the Casserole: In the greased baking dish, spread the shredded chicken evenly. Pour the creamy mixture over the chicken and mix slightly to coat.
- Add Cheese and Bacon: Sprinkle cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top, followed by crumbled bacon.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and garnish with green onions or parsley if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Low-Carb Option: Swap heavy cream for unsweetened almond milk and use a reduced-fat cheese blend.
- Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
- Vegetable Boost: Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- Different Meats: Substitute chicken with turkey or ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Pasta Addition: Stir in cooked pasta before baking for a more filling meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: dinner,casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: cheesy chicken casserole, bacon chicken bake, easy family dinner, low-carb casserole, creamy chicken dish