Cowboy Casserole
Hearty chicken, creamy potatoes, and smoky bacon in every bite
Cowboy Chicken Casserole
Cowboy Chicken Casserole is a hearty, creamy, bacon-topped dinner packed with tender chicken, cheesy potatoes, and rich ranch-style flavors. This comforting dish is easy to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or Sunday dinner. Each bite is loaded with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and a creamy sauce that feels like true homestyle comfort food.
🍳 Recipe Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Category: Casserole
Method: Oven Baked
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
🥘 Ingredients
Main Casserole:
3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
2 cups diced frozen potatoes OR hash brown cubes
1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup sour cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup shredded Monterey Jack
6 strips cooked bacon, crumbled
1 tsp onion powder
1 tsp garlic powder
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper to taste
Topping:
½ cup crushed Ritz crackers
2 tbsp melted butter
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat Oven: Heat oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 casserole dish.
Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, Monterey Jack, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the Goods: Fold in shredded chicken, potatoes, and HALF the crumbled bacon. Mix well.
Fill the Dish: Spread the mixture evenly into your prepared casserole dish.
Make the Topping: Combine crushed Ritz crackers and melted butter, then sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake: Bake for 25–30 minutes until hot, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
Finish: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the remaining bacon and parsley on top.
Serve warm and enjoy!
🍽 What to Serve With It
Green beans
Simple side salad
Cornbread
Steamed broccoli
🔄 Storage
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months (bake without topping, add topping before reheating).
🔥 Reheating
Oven: 350°F for 10–15 minutes
Microwave: 1–2 minutes per serving
💡 Recipe Tips
Use rotisserie chicken for fast prep
Add jalapeños for a spicy cowboy kick
Swap potatoes with cooked pasta if preferred
Cowboy Chicken Casserole — Tools Needed
9×13 glass baking dish
Large mixing bowl
Wooden spoon
Cheese grater
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Foil for covering (optional)
FAQs
What is cowboy casserole?
It’s a creamy chicken dish topped with bacon and cheesy potatoes.
How long to cook?
Can I freeze it?
What sides go well?
Is it spicy?
Bake at 350°F for about 45 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Yes, you can freeze the casserole before baking. Thaw overnight and bake as usual.
A fresh green salad or steamed veggies balance the richness nicely.
No, it’s mild with smoky bacon and creamy ranch flavors.
Comfort
Hearty, cheesy, and perfect for any cozy night.
Loved it
Hearty, creamy, and delicious comfort food.
This cowboy chicken casserole was such a hit for our family dinner. The bacon and ranch flavors really stood out!
Amy S.
Austin TX
I made this for a potluck, and everyone asked for the recipe. So comforting and perfectly cheesy with just the right amount of bacon.
Mark D.
Denver CO