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Cast‑Iron Skillet Chicken Casserole – With Bacon, Peas, & Cheddar Cheese

A creamy, cheesy cast‑iron chicken casserole loaded with bacon, peas, Cheddar, and a buttery Ritz cracker topping. Comfort food baked to golden perfection.
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Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 5 cups Shredded or Chopped Cooked Chicken
  • 10.5 ounces Cream of Chicken Soup
  • 1 cup Sour Cream
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese
  • ½ cup Sliced Green Onions
  • 6 slices Bacon Cooked and Crumbled
  • ½ cup Slivered Almonds - Optional but Delicious
  • ½ Medium Onion - Diced
  • ¼ cup Beer - For Deglazing
  • 1 Scrambled Egg
  • 1 sleeve - Ritz® or buttery crackers - Crushed

Equipment

  • 12-Inch Cast Iron Skillet
  • No. 8 cast iron skillet - (or small pan) for melting butter
  • Mixing bowls 
  • Dutch Oven - if roasting your own chicken
  • Spatula
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Cheese Shredder - block Cheddar melts better than pre‑shredded
  • Chef’s Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Measuring Cups
  • Measuring Spoons:
  • Whisk or fork for scrambling the egg
  • Spoon or spatula - for smoothing the casserole top
  • Oven mitts - cast iron waits for no one

Method
 

  1. Preheat the Oven- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Mix the Chicken Base - In a large bowl, combine: chicken, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, Cheddar, and green onions. Mix well.
  3. Cook the Bacon - In a 12‑inch cast iron skillet, crisp up the bacon. Set aside to cool. Leave a little bacon grease in the pan.
  4. Toast the Almonds - Add slivered almonds to the skillet and toast lightly in the bacon fat.
  5. Add the Onion - Stir in the diced onion and sauté until softened.
  6. Add Peas & Deglaze- Add peas, then pour in the beer to deglaze the pan. Cook until the liquid reduces.
  7. Combine Everything - Add the skillet mixture to the chicken bowl. Mix thoroughly. Add the scrambled egg and mix again.
  8. Return to the Skillet - Spread the mixture evenly in the 12‑inch skillet (or a 9×13 cast iron casserole pan).
  9. Make the Topping - Crush the Ritz crackers. Melt the butter in your No. 8 skillet and mix it with the crushed crackers. Spread evenly over the casserole.
  10. Bake 40–45 minutes, or until golden and bubbling.

Notes

This Cast Iron Skillet Chicken Casserole (Neiman Marcus Inspired) is a creamy, cheesy, comforting dish built on roasted chicken, bacon, peas, Cheddar, and a buttery cracker topping. It’s easy to assemble, perfect for weeknights, and deeply rooted in Southern comfort‑food tradition. With beer‑brined chicken, cast‑iron technique, and a golden Ritz crust, this casserole earns a permanent spot in your rotation.