Comfort Classics

Chicken And Bacon Casserole

Name: Chicken And Bacon Casserole
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, boneless; 6 slices of bacon, thick-cut; 1 onion, medium, diced; 2 cloves of garlic, minced; 1 cup (250ml) chicken broth; 1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream; 1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheese; 1 cup (120g) pasta, cooked and drained; 1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs, Panko; 2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, melted; Salt and pepper to taste

By Yara Larkin · June 19, 2026 · Comfort Classics

Prep20 min

Cook30 min

Total50 min

Serves6

Chicken And Bacon Casserole — Creamy, dreamy, and utterly satisfying casserole

There's something undeniably comforting about a warm, golden-brown casserole, fresh from the oven, filling the kitchen with the savory aromas of chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce. For me, this Chicken And Bacon Casserole is more than just a meal - it's a family tradition, a staple of our weekly dinner rotation, and a dish that never fails to bring everyone together.

I remember my grandmother making a similar casserole for our family gatherings, and the way the flavors melded together in perfect harmony. Over the years, I've tweaked and refined her recipe to create my own version, with a crispy, buttery crust, a creamy, cheesy sauce, and tender, juicy chicken that's sure to become a new favorite.

This casserole is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even a potluck. It's easy to make, feeds a crowd, and can be prepared ahead of time, making it a versatile and convenient option for any occasion. And the best part? The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch on-the-go.

So, if you're looking for a comforting, satisfying meal that's sure to become a new family favorite, look no further than this Chicken And Bacon Casserole. With its rich, creamy sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken, it's a dish that's sure to please even the pickiest of eaters.

And the best part? This casserole is incredibly easy to customize to your tastes. Want to add some extra veggies? Go for it! Prefer a lighter sauce? Simply reduce the amount of cream and cheese. The possibilities are endless, making this casserole a great option for anyone looking to get creative in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This casserole is incredibly easy to make, with a simple ingredient list and a straightforward cooking process.
The dish is perfect for a crowd, feeding 6-8 people with ease and making it a great option for potlucks or family gatherings.
The casserole can be prepared ahead of time, making it a great option for busy weeknights or special occasions.
The leftovers are just as delicious as the first serving, making it a great option for meal prep or a quick lunch on-the-go.
The dish is highly customizable, allowing you to add your favorite ingredients or substitutions to make it your own.
The casserole is a great way to use up leftover ingredients, reducing food waste and saving you money.
The dish is perfect for a special occasion, with its rich, creamy sauce and crispy, golden-brown crust making it a show-stopping centerpiece for any meal.

Why This Recipe Works

The secret to this casserole's success lies in its layers. By combining crispy bacon, tender chicken, and a creamy sauce with starchy, absorbent layers of pasta and crunchy breadcrumbs, we create a dish that's both satisfying and visually appealing. The key is to balance the flavors and textures, so that each bite is a perfect harmony of crunch, cream, and savory goodness.

Another important factor is the cooking technique. By baking the casserole in a hot oven, we achieve a golden-brown crust that's crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside. And by resting the casserole before serving, we allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to set, making each bite a cohesive, satisfying experience.

Finally, the use of high-quality ingredients is essential to the success of this casserole. From the fresh, never-frozen chicken to the thick-cut, smoked bacon, every component plays a crucial role in creating a dish that's both delicious and memorable. So, don't be afraid to splurge on the good stuff - your taste buds will thank you!

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making this casserole, the ingredients are just as important as the technique. That's why I've carefully selected each component to ensure that the final dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing. From the crispy bacon to the tender chicken, every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

So, take a closer look at the ingredient list and don't be afraid to get creative. Whether you're using leftover chicken or adding your favorite veggies, the key is to have fun and make the dish your own. And remember, the most important ingredient is love - so be sure to add a generous helping of that to your casserole as well!

1 lb (450g) chicken thighs, bonelessI prefer to use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for this casserole, as they provide the best balance of flavor and texture. However, you can also use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer.
6 slices of bacon, thick-cutThick-cut bacon is essential for this casserole, as it provides a crispy, smoky flavor that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Look for bacon that's smoked or applewood-smoked for the best flavor.
1 onion, medium, dicedA medium onion is the perfect size for this casserole, as it adds a sweet, caramelized flavor without overpowering the other ingredients. Be sure to dice the onion finely, so that it cooks evenly and quickly.
2 cloves of garlic, mincedGarlic is a crucial ingredient in this casserole, as it adds a deep, savory flavor that complements the chicken and bacon. Be sure to mince the garlic finely, so that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
1 cup (250ml) chicken brothChicken broth is essential for this casserole, as it provides a rich, savory flavor that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Look for low-sodium broth, so that you can control the amount of salt in the dish.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy creamHeavy cream is the perfect ingredient for this casserole, as it adds a rich, creamy texture that's balanced by the savory flavors of the chicken and bacon. Be sure to use high-quality cream, so that the sauce is smooth and velvety.
1 cup (120g) shredded cheddar cheeseCheddar cheese is a crucial ingredient in this casserole, as it adds a sharp, tangy flavor that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Look for high-quality cheese, so that the flavor is rich and nuanced.
1/2 cup (60g) grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese is the perfect addition to this casserole, as it adds a salty, nutty flavor that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Be sure to grate the cheese finely, so that it distributes evenly throughout the dish.
1 cup (120g) pasta, cooked and drainedPasta is a great addition to this casserole, as it adds a fun texture and helps to soak up the creamy sauce. Look for pasta that's shaped like tubes or shells, so that it holds the sauce well.
1 cup (120g) breadcrumbs, PankoPanko breadcrumbs are the perfect ingredient for this casserole, as they add a crispy, crunchy texture that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Be sure to use high-quality breadcrumbs, so that the crust is golden and delicious.
2 tbsp (30g) unsalted butter, meltedMelted butter is essential for this casserole, as it adds a rich, creamy flavor that's balanced by the savory flavors of the chicken and bacon. Be sure to use high-quality butter, so that the flavor is rich and nuanced.
Salt and pepper to tasteSalt and pepper are crucial ingredients in this casserole, as they add a savory flavor that's balanced by the creamy sauce. Be sure to taste the dish as you go, so that you can adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Ingredients for Chicken And Bacon Casserole

Equipment You’ll Need

Large heavy skillet or Dutch ovenSharp chef's knifeInstant-read thermometerCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Chicken And Bacon Casserole

1
Preheat the oven to 375 F (190 C).
2
In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
3
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4
Add the chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside with the bacon.
5
In the same skillet, add the chicken broth and bring to a boil. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
6
Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes, until the sauce has thickened slightly.
7
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese.
8
Add the cooked chicken and bacon to the bowl, then pour the creamy sauce over the top. Stir until everything is well combined.
9
Transfer the mixture to a 9x13 inch baking dish, then top with the Panko breadcrumbs and melted butter.
10
Bake the casserole in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the casserole is hot and bubbly.
11
Remove the casserole from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Use an instant-read thermometer to check that the chicken has reached 165 F (74 C) in the thickest part of the breast.
12
Serve the casserole hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a side salad.

Expert Tips

To ensure that the casserole is crispy on top, be sure to bake it in a hot oven and don't overcrowd the dish.
If you want to add some extra flavor to the casserole, try adding some diced ham or cooked vegetables to the mixture.
To make the casserole ahead of time, prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning.
To freeze the casserole, prepare the mixture and transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, then bake it frozen for an additional 10-15 minutes.
To reheat the casserole, bake it in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.
To add some extra crunch to the casserole, try topping it with some crushed crackers or chopped nuts.
To make the casserole more substantial, try adding some cooked sausage or diced chicken to the mixture.
To make the casserole more flavorful, try using different types of cheese or adding some dried herbs to the mixture.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Not cooking the chicken to a safe internal temperature, which can lead to foodborne illness.
Overcrowding the baking dish, which can prevent the casserole from cooking evenly.
Not letting the casserole rest before serving, which can cause the sauce to be runny and the casserole to fall apart.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the casserole.
Not adjusting the seasoning to taste, which can result in a casserole that's too salty or too bland.
Not baking the casserole in a hot oven, which can prevent the top from becoming crispy and golden brown.

Variations and Substitutions

Try adding some diced ham or cooked bacon to the casserole for added smokiness.
Use different types of cheese, such as cheddar, Swiss, or mozzarella, to change up the flavor.
Add some cooked vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, to the casserole for added nutrition.
Use leftover chicken or turkey to make the casserole, which can be a great way to use up leftovers.
Try using different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, to change up the texture.
Add some dried herbs, such as thyme or oregano, to the casserole for added flavor.
Use a different type of cream, such as half-and-half or heavy cream, to change up the richness of the sauce.

What to Serve With Chicken And Bacon Casserole

This casserole is perfect for serving with a side of warm, crusty bread or a simple green salad. You can also try serving it with some roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrots, for a well-rounded meal.

Some other ideas for serving this casserole include:

Serve with a side of warm, crusty breadServe with a simple green saladServe with roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or carrotsServe with a side of mashed potatoes or roasted sweet potatoes

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

This casserole can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, simply bake the casserole in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

To freeze the casserole, prepare the mixture and transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, then bake it frozen for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Some tips for storing and reheating the casserole include:

Make sure to let the casserole cool completely before refrigerating or freezing, as this can help prevent the growth of bacteria.

Use airtight containers or freezer bags to store the casserole, as this can help keep it fresh for longer.

Label the containers or bags with the date and contents, so that you can easily keep track of how long the casserole has been stored.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this casserole ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the mixture and refrigerate it overnight, then bake it in the morning. Alternatively, you can freeze the casserole and bake it frozen for an additional 10-15 minutes.

Can I use leftover chicken or turkey in this casserole?

Yes, you can use leftover chicken or turkey to make this casserole. Simply shred or chop the cooked meat and add it to the mixture.

Can I add other ingredients to this casserole?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to this casserole, such as diced ham or cooked vegetables. Just be sure to adjust the seasoning and cooking time as needed.

How do I know if the casserole is cooked through?

You can check if the casserole is cooked through by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. The internal temperature should be at least 165 F (74 C).

Can I freeze this casserole?

Yes, you can freeze this casserole. Simply prepare the mixture and transfer it to a freezer-safe dish, then bake it frozen for an additional 10-15 minutes.

How do I reheat this casserole?

You can reheat this casserole by baking it in a preheated oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-15 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

Can I make this casserole in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this casserole in a slow cooker. Simply prepare the mixture and cook it on low for 2-3 hours, until the casserole is hot and bubbly.

Can I use different types of cheese in this casserole?

Yes, you can use different types of cheese in this casserole. Just be sure to adjust the amount of cheese and the seasoning as needed.

The Full Recipe

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