Irresistible Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe for Cozy Nights

Comfort meets indulgence in this mouthwatering cheesy bacon chicken casserole that promises to become your new favorite weeknight dinner.

Layers of tender chicken blend perfectly with crispy bacon bits and melted cheese.

Creamy textures and rich flavors create a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug.

Each forkful brings together classic ingredients in a surprisingly delightful combination.

Hearty and simple, this dish requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor.

Weeknight cooking just got way more exciting with this crowd-pleasing recipe.

Tips to Nail Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole

• Shred or dice chicken evenly to ensure consistent texture and flavor distribution throughout the casserole.
• Cook bacon until crisp but not burnt, as it will continue to crisp slightly during baking for perfect crunch.
• Par-boil potatoes briefly before adding to prevent them from being too hard or too mushy in the final dish.
• Add a dash of garlic powder or dried herbs like thyme to elevate the overall taste profile of the casserole.
• Drain excess liquid from cooked vegetables to prevent the casserole from becoming watery during baking.

Bacon Chicken Casserole Variations Worth Trying

• Vegetarian Comfort Casserole: Replace chicken with plant-based protein like tofu, tempeh, or chickpeas. Use vegetable cream soup and smoked paprika for depth of flavor.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Delight: Swap potatoes with cauliflower florets, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and add extra cheese for richness.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Version: Select gluten-free cream of chicken soup, use cornstarch for thickening, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwest Style: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and sprinkle taco seasoning for a zesty kick.

Serving Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole

Family Dinner Night: Serve this hearty casserole as a complete meal with a crisp green salad and crusty bread to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.

Potluck Perfection: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to gatherings – it travels well and reheats beautifully, making it ideal for shared meals with friends and family.

Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the casserole in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready. It keeps well for 2-3 days and makes weeknight dinners a breeze with minimal evening cooking effort.

Leftover Love: Transform remaining casserole into a quick lunch by adding it to tortillas as a filling or spreading on toasted bread for a tasty next-day meal.

Saving Leftovers from Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled casserole to a freezer-safe container or wrap securely with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Preheat oven to 350F, cover with foil to prevent drying, and warm for 20-25 minutes until heated through. Remove foil during last 5 minutes for crispy top.

FAQs

• Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken works great and saves time. Shred or chop it before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written. Cream of chicken soup typically contains gluten. Look for gluten-free cream soup or make a homemade white sauce substitute.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, and turkey bacon. Add more vegetables like spinach or broccoli to increase nutrition.

• Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Yes! Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking. Add 5-10 minutes to cooking time when baking from cold.

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole You’ll Want Again and Again

• Customize Your Feast: Easily swap ingredients like using different cheeses or adding vegetables you love, making this recipe super flexible for personal tastes.
• Pack with Protein: Loaded with chicken and bacon, this casserole delivers a substantial, filling meal that keeps hunger at bay and provides excellent nutritional value.
• Family-Friendly Winner: Kids and adults alike will adore the cheesy, creamy texture and familiar ingredients that make this dish universally appealing.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole

• Chicken: Cooked and shredded chicken forms the main protein of the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy bacon adds a smoky and salty flavor to the dish.

• Potatoes: Diced potatoes provide a hearty and filling base for the casserole.
• Bell Peppers: Mixed bell peppers contribute color and a sweet, mild flavor.
• Onions: Diced onions add depth and aromatic complexity to the dish.
• Green Onions: Sliced green onions offer a fresh, mild onion garnish.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a rich, creamy base for the casserole.
• Sour Cream: Adds tanginess and helps create a smooth, creamy texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty cheese flavor throughout the dish.
• Milk: Helps to thin and blend the creamy ingredients.

• Salt, Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance the overall flavor of the casserole.

Cooking Directions for Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole

Step 1: Prepare Kitchen Tools and Oven

Grab a large mixing bowl, casserole dish, and baking spray.

Preheat the oven to 350°F or 175°C to ensure it’s perfectly heated when your casserole is ready.

Step 2: Mix Casserole Base

• Cooked chicken
• Diced potatoes
• Mixed bell peppers
• Chopped onions
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together until well blended and ingredients are evenly distributed.

Step 3: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spray your casserole dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Pour the mixed ingredients into the dish, spreading them evenly across the surface.

Step 4: Add Delicious Toppings

• Remaining cheddar cheese
• Crumbled bacon
• Sliced green onions

Ensure toppings are distributed uniformly for maximum flavor in every bite.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place the casserole in the preheated oven.

Bake for 30-35 minutes until the dish becomes bubbly and the cheese melts into a golden, appetizing layer.

Step 6: Rest and Serve

Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.

This allows the ingredients to settle and makes serving easier.

Slice and enjoy your delicious comfort meal!

Cheesy Bacon Chicken Casserole Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets indulgence in this hearty cheesy bacon chicken casserole, blending savory flavors that dance across your palate. Rich layers of tender chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese create a soul-warming meal perfect for family dinners you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 3 cups (710 ml) chicken, cooked and cubed
• 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

Vegetables and Dairy:

• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced potatoes, cooked
• 2 cups (300 grams) mixed bell peppers and onions
• 1 cup (240 ml) full-fat sour cream
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) milk
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) sliced green onions

Seasoning and Soup Base:

• 10.5 ounces (298 grams) cream of chicken soup
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 350F (175C) and lightly grease a casserole dish to prevent sticking.
2. Shred or dice the cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces, ensuring uniform texture throughout the mixture.
3. Chop potatoes, bell peppers, and onions into consistent, small cubes to promote even cooking and distribution.
4. Blend cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl until smooth and well-incorporated.
5. Fold the chicken, vegetables, and 1 cup of cheddar cheese into the creamy sauce, gently stirring to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out to create an even layer.
7. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top, creating a generous and complete coverage.
8. Crumble bacon strips and scatter them over the cheese layer for added crunch and flavor.
9. Garnish with thinly sliced green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
10. Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes until the top turns golden and the edges become bubbly.
11. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the dish set before serving.

Notes

• Customize protein choices by swapping chicken with turkey, pulled pork, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium cream of chicken soup and controlling added salt during seasoning.
• Enhance vegetable nutrition by adding extra colorful bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for increased fiber and vitamins.
• Make it gluten-free by selecting gluten-free cream of chicken soup and verifying bacon has no gluten-containing additives.

• Prep Time: 25 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 460 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 720 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg