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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
  • 1 can cream of chicken soup - 10.5 ounces
  • 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 small or 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 - 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.