Mini Crack Chicken Casserole
A creamy and flavorful mini crack chicken casserole made with tender chicken, a rich cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and fresh herbs, baked to perfection in a small baking dish. Perfectly portioned for one or two!
Servings: 2 servings
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt -divided
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 (4 to 5 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast -cut into ½ inch pieces
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese -divided
- 2 strips bacon -cooked and crumbled
- 1 green onion -sliced for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with ⅛ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Add the onions and sauté for about 1 minute until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it back to a simmer. Continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Mix in Seasonings: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, dried parsley flakes, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining salt until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the chicken, half of the shredded cheese, and the bacon, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5x5 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if the cheese hasn't fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Crack Chicken with sliced green onions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a slice of French bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Read the Recipe First: Review the recipe and Ingredient Notes before starting to ensure success. Prep all ingredients ahead of time for smooth cooking.
- Uniform Chicken Pieces: Cut the chicken into similar-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Smooth Cheese Mixture: Stir the cheeses thoroughly to create a smooth, lump-free texture.
- Choose the Right Dish: A 5x5 inch baking dish is ideal for even baking and the perfect portion size.
- Adjust Herbs to Taste: Customize the herb quantities to match your flavor preferences.
Nutrition
Serving: 2servings | Calories: 511kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 31g | Fat: 39g | Saturated Fat: 18g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 14g | Cholesterol: 145mg | Sodium: 579mg | Potassium: 346mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1003IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 250mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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