Looking for a deliciously comforting meal that’s easy to prepare and guaranteed to please the whole family? Look no further than Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up! This Cheesy Chicken and Biscuit Bake is the ultimate blend of savory flavors, featuring tender chicken, creamy cheese, crispy bacon, and fluffy biscuits. In just a few simple steps, you can whip up a hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Let’s dive into the recipe and discover how to create this mouthwatering masterpiece!
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cooked chopped chicken
- 1 (10.5-oz) can Unsalted Cream of Chicken Soup
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1½ Tbsp ranch dressing mix
- ¼ cup cooked chopped bacon
- 1 (12-oz) can refrigerated Grands Jr biscuits (10-count biscuits)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 350º F and lightly spray a 9×13-inch pan with cooking spray. Set it aside for later use.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, ranch dressing mix, and chopped bacon. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Take the refrigerated biscuits and cut each one into 4 pieces. Toss the biscuit pieces with the chicken mixture until they are evenly coated.
- Transfer the chicken and biscuit mixture into the prepared pan, spreading it out evenly.
- Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the dish is bubbly and the biscuits are golden brown.
- Once baked, remove the pan from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Estimated Calories: Approximately 400 kcal per serving
- Servings: 6 servings
Serving Tips:
- Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a well-rounded meal.
- For a cozy brunch option, pair this dish with a side of scrambled eggs and fresh fruit.
Storage Tips:
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- To reheat, simply place individual servings in the microwave for a minute or two until heated through, or reheat the entire dish in the oven at 350º F for about 15-20 minutes.
- You can also freeze leftovers for longer storage. Place cooled portions in a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bags, removing as much air as possible before sealing. Frozen leftovers can be enjoyed within 1-2 months.
- When ready to enjoy frozen leftovers, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating as directed above.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can make the most of your Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up, ensuring that every bite is as delicious as the first!
Variations:
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the chicken for diced mushrooms or your favorite vegetarian chicken alternative. Increase the amount of vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or broccoli for added texture and flavor.
- Spicy Twist: Add a kick to your dish by mixing in some diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture. For extra heat, sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the top before baking.
- Italian-Inspired: Replace the ranch dressing mix with Italian seasoning and the cheddar cheese with mozzarella. Add diced tomatoes, black olives, and fresh basil to the chicken mixture for a Mediterranean flair.
- Tex-Mex Style: Incorporate taco seasoning into the chicken mixture and substitute the cheddar cheese with pepper jack. Serve with salsa, guacamole, and sour cream on the side for a south-of-the-border twist.
- Breakfast Version: Turn this dish into a breakfast favorite by adding cooked breakfast sausage or diced ham to the chicken mixture. Top with scrambled eggs and a sprinkle of shredded breakfast cheese before baking.
- Healthier Option: Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream, opt for reduced-fat cheese, and choose whole wheat biscuits for a lighter version of this dish. Increase the amount of vegetables and lean protein for added nutrition.
- Seafood Variation: Swap the chicken for cooked shrimp or canned crabmeat. Add diced celery, onions, and Old Bay seasoning to the mixture for a seafood-inspired bubble up bake.
- Buffalo Chicken Twist: Toss the cooked chicken in buffalo sauce before mixing it with the other ingredients. Drizzle additional buffalo sauce over the top before baking and serve with ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.
With these creative variations, you can customize Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs while keeping the same deliciously comforting essence of the original recipe!
FAQs:
- Can I use homemade cream of chicken soup instead of canned? Yes, you can substitute homemade cream of chicken soup for the canned variety. Simply prepare your favorite recipe for cream of chicken soup and use it in place of the canned soup called for in the recipe.
- Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken from scratch? Absolutely! Leftover rotisserie chicken works perfectly in this recipe. Simply shred the chicken and use it in place of the cooked chopped chicken called for in the recipe.
- Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake. Just cover the pan tightly with foil or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking as directed.
- Can I freeze Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up? Yes, you can freeze this dish for longer storage. After assembling but before baking, wrap the pan tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then freeze. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
- What can I serve with Cracked Out Chicken Bubble Up? This dish pairs well with a variety of side dishes, such as steamed vegetables, a crisp green salad, or even mashed potatoes. Choose your favorite sides to complement the flavors of the bubble up bake.
- Can I use a different type of cheese? Yes, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to suit your taste preferences. Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or Swiss cheese would all work well in this recipe.
- Is there a substitute for ranch dressing mix? If you don’t have ranch dressing mix on hand, you can use a combination of dried herbs such as dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder to mimic the flavor profile of ranch seasoning.
- Can I make this dish spicy? Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture for a spicy kick. You can also serve it with hot sauce on the side for those who like it extra spicy.
- How can I make this recipe vegetarian? To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and bacon. You can add extra vegetables such as bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the mixture for added flavor and texture.
- Can I use biscuits other than Grands Jr biscuits? While Grands Jr biscuits work well in this recipe, you can use other types of refrigerated biscuits if desired. Just make sure to adjust the baking time accordingly based on the size and thickness of the biscuits.