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Creamy Million Dollar Chicken Casserole with Bacon

creamy million dollar chicken casserole with bacon - featured image

A creamy, cheesy chicken casserole with crispy bacon that is quick and easy to prepare, perfect for cozy dinners and crowd-pleasing meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 large chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds), cooked and shredded or diced
  • 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked until crispy and crumbled
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional: 1 cup crushed buttery crackers or panko for topping

Instructions

  1. Cook the chicken by poaching 3 large chicken breasts in simmering water for 15-20 minutes until fully cooked. Let cool, then shred or dice.
  2. Cook 6 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat until crispy, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels and crumble once cool.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mayonnaise, and sour cream. Stir or beat until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to taste. Mix in shredded cheddar cheese and sliced green onions, reserving some for topping.
  5. Fold shredded chicken and crumbled bacon into the creamy mixture until evenly coated.
  6. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle crushed crackers or panko on top along with reserved cheddar cheese and green onions if using.
  7. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
  8. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

Soften cream cheese before mixing to avoid lumps. Use freshly cooked chicken for best texture. Drain bacon well to prevent greasiness. Cover casserole with foil if topping browns too quickly. Can be assembled a day ahead and refrigerated. For gluten-free, omit or substitute cracker topping. Variations include adding vegetables, using different cheeses, or swapping proteins.

Nutrition

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