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Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole

Chicken Bacon Crunch Casserole is a comforting, savory dinner recipe combining tender cooked chicken, crispy smoky bacon, creamy sour cream and cream of chicken soup base, melty sharp cheddar cheese, and a crunchy French fried onion topping baked to golden perfection. This hearty casserole is easy to prepare, ideal for family meals or gatherings, and tastes delicious even as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Dairy & Cream

  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

Toppings & Seasonings

  • 2 cups French fried onions
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Ingredients: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook and crumble the bacon until crispy. Shred or cube the cooked chicken and set aside.
  2. Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, shredded cheddar cheese, and seasonings (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika). Stir until smooth and creamy.
  3. Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken and bacon into the creamy mixture, making sure everything is evenly coated to ensure maximum flavor in every bite.
  4. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into a greased casserole dish, spreading it out evenly for consistent cooking and a visually appealing presentation.
  5. Add the Crunch Topping: Sprinkle the French fried onions generously over the casserole to create the signature crunchy top layer that everyone loves.
  6. Bake Until Perfect: Place the casserole in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot.

Notes

  • Use freshly cooked or rotisserie chicken for best texture instead of canned.
  • Drain bacon well to remove excess grease and prevent sogginess.
  • Add French fried onions last, right before baking, to keep them crispy.
  • Gently fold ingredients to maintain a contrast between creamy and crunchy textures.
  • Serve the casserole hot, fresh out of the oven for best taste.
  • Can be customized by swapping chicken with turkey, substituting sour cream with Greek yogurt, adding vegetables like broccoli or mushrooms, making it spicy with jalapeños or cayenne, or using gluten-free soup and onions for gluten-sensitive diets.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken casserole, bacon casserole, comfort food, easy dinner, creamy casserole, crunchy topping, weeknight meal