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Ground Chicken Crack Chicken Casserole - Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy Comfort Food

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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 pounds ground chicken
  • 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled (or 1/2 cup real bacon bits)
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce) or 3 tablespoons homemade
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste, especially if using a salty ranch mix)
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 cup frozen peas or broccoli florets (optional, thawed)
  • 2 cups cooked rice, small pasta, or cauliflower rice (choose one)
  • 2 green onions, thinly sliced, for garnish
  • Nonstick spray for the baking dish

Method
 

  1. Preheat and prep. Heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray.
  2. Cook the bacon. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove to a paper towel–lined plate, cool, and crumble. Reserve 1 tablespoon bacon fat in the skillet if you like extra flavor.
  3. Sauté aromatics. Add the onion to the skillet with the bacon fat (or a little olive oil). Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Brown the ground chicken. Add the ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Cook until no longer pink, about 5–7 minutes. Drain any excess liquid.
  5. Make the creamy base. Lower the heat. Add cream cheese to the skillet and stir until mostly melted and smooth. Pour in the chicken broth and stir to loosen the mixture. Add Greek yogurt and ranch seasoning; mix until creamy and well combined.
  6. Add mix-ins. Stir in 1.5 cups of the cheddar cheese, the peas or broccoli (if using), and half of the crumbled bacon. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  7. Choose your base. Fold in your cooked rice, small pasta, or cauliflower rice until evenly coated. The mixture should be creamy but scoopable.
  8. Assemble the casserole. Transfer everything to the prepared baking dish. Smooth the top. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheddar and the rest of the bacon over the surface.
  9. Bake. Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until the casserole is hot and the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
  10. Finish and serve. Let it rest 5–10 minutes to set. Top with sliced green onions. Serve warm.