Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole – Get ready to experience pure comfort in every bite with our Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole! This delightful dish brings together the perfect combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, flavorful veggies, and creamy cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this casserole is guaranteed to win hearts and leave everyone asking for seconds. Join us on a journey of flavor and nostalgia as we share the heartwarming story of how this recipe has become a cherished staple in our little family.
In our household, there’s always an air of excitement when the aroma of Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole fills the kitchen. It all started one lazy Sunday when I decided to experiment with some classic ingredients to create a comforting meal for my husband and our kids. Little did I know that this simple creation would become a beloved tradition, requested almost every week!
As I served the casserole for the first time, my husband’s eyes lit up with delight. He took the first bite and couldn’t stop praising how delicious it was. The kids, usually picky eaters, couldn’t get enough of this cheesy goodness! From that day on, the Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole has been a symbol of love and togetherness in our family. It’s become a dish that we prepare for family gatherings, potlucks with friends, and even when we need a bit of comfort on tough days.
Why This Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole?
- A Perfect Harmony of Flavors: The combination of juicy chicken, crispy bacon, sautéed veggies, and a luscious cheese sauce creates a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
- Creamy and Cheesy Bliss: The creamy cheese sauce, made with cream cheese, cheddar, and a hint of Ranch seasoning, elevates this casserole to a whole new level of deliciousness.
- Easy to Prepare: While it tastes like a gourmet dish, this casserole is surprisingly easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, you’ll have a scrumptious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients:
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (approx. 300g)
- 12 slices bacon, diced into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1.5-2 lbs. uncooked chicken, cubed (approx. 680-900g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk (approx. 720ml)
- 1 package (1oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
- 1 package (8oz) cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese (approx. 340g)
- 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) condensed cream of chicken soup
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet.
Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.
In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic until soft and tender. Add them to the bowl with the chicken.
In the skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a paste.
Gradually stir in the milk, whisking until fully combined. Add the Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (if using), condensed cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. Stir until well combined.
Reduce the heat to low and add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat.
Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the cheese mixture over the top and stir well to combine.
Transfer the mixture to a 13×9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
Top the casserole with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon. Sprinkle some panko bread crumbs on top if desired.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, and get ready to indulge in this comforting delight!
Notes:
- Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite veggies or using different types of cheese.
- For a healthier version, you can use turkey bacon and opt for reduced-fat cream cheese and milk.
In conclusion, our Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe; it’s a heartfelt journey filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable moments shared with our loved ones. This dish has become the heart and soul of our family gatherings, bringing comfort and joy to every occasion. Its irresistible combination of tender chicken, smoky bacon, sautéed veggies, and creamy cheese sauce has won the hearts of all who have tasted it.
As we bid farewell to this delightful culinary adventure, we invite you to create your own cherished memories with the Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. From lazy Sunday dinners to special celebrations, this dish is sure to bring smiles and contentment to everyone around the table.
So, gather your loved ones, fire up the oven, and embark on a flavor-filled experience that will leave a lasting impression. Make this casserole your own by adding your favorite twists and sharing it with those who matter most. As you savor every bite, let the warmth of the Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole wrap you in a comforting embrace, just like it has done for our little family.
Thank you for joining us on this journey, and we hope that this recipe becomes a beloved tradition in your household as well. May it bring you the same joy and togetherness that it has brought us. Until next time, happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with love and delicious moments!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare this casserole in advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you’re ready to bake it. Just remember to adjust the baking time accordingly.
Can I freeze the leftovers?
Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in the oven until warm.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Of course! This casserole is versatile, and you can use cooked turkey, ham, or even ground beef as delicious alternatives.
![](https://8fivefive.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/Cheesy-Crack-Chicken-Casserole-360x361.jpg)
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni approx. 300g
- 12 slices bacon diced into 1-2 inch pieces
- 1.5-2 lbs. uncooked chicken cubed (approx. 680-900g)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 green bell pepper diced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk approx. 720ml
- 1 package 1oz Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
- 1 package 8oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese approx. 340g
- 1 can 10 3/4 oz. condensed cream of chicken soup
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove the bacon and set it aside, leaving about 2 tablespoons of grease in the skillet.
- Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Cook until the chicken is golden and no longer pink in the center. Transfer the cooked chicken to a large bowl.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, diced bell pepper, and minced garlic until soft and tender. Add them to the bowl with the chicken.
- In the skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour until it forms a paste.
- Gradually stir in the milk, whisking until fully combined. Add the Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (if using), condensed cream of chicken soup, and cream cheese. Stir until well combined.
- Reduce the heat to low and add 3 cups of shredded cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted. Remove from heat.
- Add the cooked pasta to the bowl with the chicken and veggies. Pour the cheese mixture over the top and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to a 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- Top the casserole with 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon. Sprinkle some panko bread crumbs on top if desired.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20-30 minutes or until the casserole is bubbly and the cheese is fully melted.
- Let it cool for 10 minutes before serving, and get ready to indulge in this comforting delight!
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