Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
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If you're looking for an easy chicken recipe that's out of this world, look no further than Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. It's loaded with two types of gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and tender pasta in a creamy ranch sauce that will blow your mind!
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This Dish is a Hit!
- Easy Recipe: simply toss everything in one casserole dish and you're ready to roll.
- Make Ahead: can assemble up to a day in advance.
- Simple Ingredients: most items may already be in your pantry or fridge.
- Crowd Pleaser: great recipe for a big crowd and kids love it!
- Versatile: dress it up with variations to make your own perfect comfort food.
This chicken bacon ranch casserole lives up to its name, and is guaranteed to be a family favorite! You'll love the cream cheese ranch sauce that melts in your mouth and the explosion of flavor from the bacon and variety of spices. It's crazy good! 🙂
Looking for more cheesy casseroles? Try my Pizza Casserole Recipe that's perfect for busy weeknights, or this Loaded Hash Brown Casserole for breakfast or brunch.
Ingredient Notes
Quantities of ingredients are listed in the recipe card.
- Cooked Chicken - can use boneless chicken or leftover rotisserie chicken
- Elbow Macaroni - any type of pasta makes a great substitute
- Cream Cheese - creates a creamy base for the casserole
- Sour Cream - the full fat version adds flavor and creaminess
- Milk - use either whole milk or lowfat
- Ranch Seasoning Mix - a packet such as Hidden Valley is recommended
- Bacon - thin sliced bacon cooks up crispier
- Colby Jack Cheese - any cheese that melts easily will work
- Garlic Powder, Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Onion Powder - spice it up!
- Green Onions - optional garnish that adds color and flavor
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, use a mixer to blend the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper and onion powder until smooth and creamy.
4. Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, cooked chicken pieces, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
5. Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
6. Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
8. Bake in a preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Remove from oven, and immediately sprinkle with additional bacon and chopped green onions.
Variations
- Use leftover rotisserie chicken for more convenience.
- Swap the colby jack cheese for cheddar, mozzarella, or a triple cheese blend.
- Substitute Neufchatel cheese which has a lower fat content.
- Try a different type of pasta like rotini, cavatappi, or penne.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or buffalo hot sauce to the mix.
What to Serve With Crack Chicken Casserole
- Sheet Pan Roasted Broccoli - the perfect veggie
- Strawberry Pecan Salad - cool and refreshing
- Cheese Stuffed Garlic Bread - cheesy and buttery
- Lemon Butter Asparagus - a lemony delight
- Rainbow Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette - has a delicious dressing!
Expert Tips
- Cook the chicken ahead of time for easy prep.
- A hand mixer will make it easier to get the lumps out of the cream cheese.
- Use only 8 ounces of pasta for a creamier dish.
Storing Leftovers
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen.
- Freeze: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven or microwave until the temp reaches 165ºF with a meat thermometer.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use a slow cooker or crockpot to make this recipe. Simply add all ingredients and cook on low for 2 hours.
You can freeze this dish in an airtight container, but keep in mind that freezing pasta may make it mushy when reheated.
More Comfort Food
You can't get much better than this Crack Chicken Casserole recipe, but here are a few favorites that will stick to your ribs!
- Baked Ranch Chicken
- Honey Glazed Pork Chops
- Chicken Fajita Pasta
- Old Fashioned Salisbury Steak Recipe
- Pellet Grill Meatloaf
- Chicken Thigh Tray Bake
Recipe Card
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken (can use rotisserie or chicken breasts cut into bite size pieces)
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 ½ cups sour cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ounce dry ranch dressing mix (packet)
- 1 cup bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 2 cups Colby Jack cheese (shredded & divided)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup green onions (diced)
- Optional bacon for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
- In a large pot, cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, use a hand mixer or whisk to mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, paprika, salt, black pepper, and onion powder until well combined and smooth.
- Stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon, cooked chicken pieces, and 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese.
- Add the cooked elbow macaroni to the bowl and mix until everything is evenly coated with the cream cheese mixture.
- Transfer the chicken and pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.
- Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of shredded Colby Jack cheese evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from oven, and immediately sprinkle with additional bacon and chopped green onions.
Notes
-
- A hand mixer will make it easier to get the lumps out of the cream cheese, but you can whisk it if necessary.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm up in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen.
- Freeze: You can freeze the casserole for up to 3 months in an airtight container. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in the oven or microwave until the temp reaches 165ºF with a meat thermometer.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
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I have never tried this recipe yet, but it's on the menu for tonight's dinner. It looks and sounds amazing. I have all of the ingredients already, so it will be no problem.
A great main dish, a good side dish or a great addition to any BBQ dish at your next outdoor party. I think this is a great versatile side dish. Thank you for this recipe, I will let you know about all the raves in my house...
Thank you Donna! You made my day! 🙂
My whole family loved this recipe!
So happy you tried this Crack Chicken Casserole! It's one of my faves! 🙂