Ultimate Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Cheese
The Ultimate Chicken Casserole with Bacon & Cheese is a comforting, savory dish featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese in a creamy sauce. This one-pan baked casserole combines rich flavors and textures, making it perfect for family dinners or cozy weekends. Easy to prepare and highly adaptable, it offers a delicious, hearty meal with a golden, crunchy topping.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free breadcrumbs)
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 4 medium chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 6 strips of bacon, cooked crispy and crumbled
Dairy & Sauces
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup sour cream
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Other
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (or gluten-free breadcrumbs for gluten-free option)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or parsley (or fresh, finely chopped)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken and Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels, then crumble once cooled. In the same skillet, season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and pepper and lightly brown them until just cooked through but still juicy. Set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, finely chopped onion, minced garlic, and dried herbs. Stir thoroughly to create a creamy, flavorful sauce base.
- Combine Ingredients: Gently fold the cooked chicken and crumbled bacon into the sauce mixture. Add most of the shredded cheddar cheese, saving some for the topping. Stir carefully to distribute evenly and ensure pockets of melted cheese throughout the casserole.
- Assemble the Casserole: Grease a baking dish and pour the combined mixture evenly into it. Sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese over the top. Mix the breadcrumbs with the melted butter, then evenly sprinkle this mixture over the cheese layer to create a crispy crust.
- Bake Until Bubbling and Golden: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake the casserole for 30 to 35 minutes, or until it is bubbly and the topping is golden brown. Once baked, let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes to set and allow for easier slicing.
Notes
- Do not overcook the chicken during browning to keep it juicy after baking.
- Use sharp or aged cheddar for a richer flavor profile.
- Reserve some crumbled bacon for a crunchy, smoky garnish on top.
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter before sprinkling to achieve a perfectly crisp topping.
- Allow the casserole to rest after baking to help it set and slice cleanly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/6 of casserole)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 15 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: chicken casserole, bacon and cheese casserole, comfort food, baked chicken, cheesy casserole, family dinner