Looking for a delicious and easy dish to impress your family or guests? Look no further than this Crack Chicken Casserole recipe! Packed with flavor and creamy goodness, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from weeknight dinners to potluck gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Great Flavors: The combination of chicken, bacon, and creamy sauce creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
- Quick Prep Time: With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, this casserole can be whipped up in no time, making it perfect for busy days.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
Ingredient Notes:
- Elbow macaroni: Adds a comforting and hearty texture to the dish.
- Skinless, boneless chicken breast: Provides lean protein for a balanced meal.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky and savory flavor that complements the other ingredients.
- Butter: Enhances the richness of the dish.
- Yellow onion: Adds a sweet and aromatic flavor to the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup: Creates a creamy and flavorful base for the sauce.
- Sour cream: Adds tanginess and creaminess.
- Cream cheese: Provides richness and a velvety texture.
- Milk or half-and-half: Helps to thin out the sauce and add creaminess.
- Ranch dressing seasoning: Adds a flavorful and herby kick to the dish.
- Black pepper, kosher salt, onion powder: Seasonings to enhance the overall flavor.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully and adds a cheesy finish.
- Green onion: Adds a fresh and bright flavor to the dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook the diced onions in butter until translucent and golden brown. Remove from heat.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing seasoning until creamy.
- Add salt, pepper, and onion powder to the mixture.
- In a large bowl, mix cooked macaroni, chicken, cooked onions, cheddar cheese, and bacon. Stir until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to the baking dish and top with remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Helpful Tips:
- For extra flavor, try adding diced jalapenos or red pepper flakes.
- Make it a complete meal by serving with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and check for gluten-free versions of cream of chicken soup and ranch dressing seasoning.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes after baking to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Customize the dish by adding your favorite veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve this Crack Chicken Casserole with a side of garlic bread, a crisp green salad, and a glass of white wine for a complete and satisfying meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To store, cover the casserole dish tightly with foil or transfer to an airtight container. Reheat in the microwave until warm or bake from frozen at 350 degrees for 1 hour.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking my own?
Yes, using rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor to the dish. - Can I make this casserole ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole up to the baking step and store covered in the fridge until ready to bake. - Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this casserole freezes well. Just ensure it is tightly covered to prevent freezer burn.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, savory flavors, and easy preparation, this Crack Chicken Casserole is sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Don’t forget to share your feedback and let us know how you liked it!
Print
Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch seasoning, and gooey cheddar cheese baked to perfection.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
- 3 cups cooked skinless – boneless chicken breast cubed
- 16 slices bacon cooked and diced (1 ½ cups once cooked)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
Sauce and Seasoning:
- 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup undiluted
- 2 cups sour cream
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 oz packet ranch dressing seasoning
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese and Garnish:
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 green onion sliced thin
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Cook the macaroni: Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Sauté onions: Cook diced onions in butter until golden brown.
- Prepare sauce: Mix cream cheese, soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings until creamy.
- Combine ingredients: Mix chicken, bacon, macaroni, onions, cheddar cheese, and sauce in a bowl.
- Bake: Transfer mixture to a baking dish, top with remaining cheese, bacon, and green onions, then bake for 35-40 minutes.
Notes
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
- To reheat from frozen, bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour or until hot throughout.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 490 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 860 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 27 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg