Crack Chicken Casserole – Indulge in the delectable flavors of our Crack Chicken Casserole recipe, a true family favorite that will have your taste buds begging for more. This dish combines tender elbow macaroni, succulent chicken breast, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce to create a mouthwatering experience like no other. Perfect for cozy family dinners or potluck gatherings, this casserole will make you the star of any event. Don’t miss out on this irresistible and comforting delight that will leave you craving for seconds!
Let me tell you a little story about how this Crack Chicken Casserole has become a cherished recipe in our household. It all started when my husband took his first bite of this cheesy masterpiece. His eyes lit up with delight, and he couldn’t help but go back for seconds. From that day on, this casserole became a regular request at our family gatherings and an instant hit with our little ones. The combination of creamy textures, savory chicken, and crispy bacon created a symphony of flavors that has brought us countless moments of joy around the dinner table. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become an instant staple in your home too!
Why This Crack Chicken Casserole Will Steal Your Heart?
- A Winning Combination: Imagine tender elbow macaroni, succulent chicken breast, and crispy bacon dancing together in a luscious, creamy sauce. This casserole brings the perfect balance of flavors and textures to the table.
- Creamy Cheesy Goodness: With cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, and cheddar cheese, this casserole is a dream come true for cheese lovers. Each bite is a heavenly experience of rich, velvety goodness.
- Bursting with Flavor: The ranch dressing seasoning packet adds a delightful zing, while the diced onions bring a touch of sweetness. Seasonings like kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder enhance the overall taste, making it a truly flavorful dish.
- Versatile Delight: Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or attending a potluck, this casserole is your go-to recipe. It feeds a crowd, can be made ahead of time, and is always a hit among both kids and adults.
Ingredients:
- 340g (12 oz.) dry elbow macaroni
- 450g (1 lb.) skinless, boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
- 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced (about 225g/8 oz. cooked bacon)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 115g (4 oz.) cream cheese, softened
- 300g (10.5 oz.) cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 475ml (2 cups) sour cream
- 60ml (¼ cup) milk or half-and-half
- 28g (1 oz.) ranch dressing seasoning packet
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 340g (3 cups) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 green onion, thinly sliced
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water to a low rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium to high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk or half-and-half, and ranch dressing seasoning packet using a handheld mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
Transfer the sour cream mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked macaroni, cubed chicken breast, cooked yellow onions, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and ¾ cup of cooked bacon. Stir with a large wooden spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and thinly sliced green onion on top.
Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is melted and gooey.
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!
Notes:
- You can customize this recipe by adding your favorite veggies such as peas, bell peppers, or mushrooms.
- For a smoky twist, try using smoked cheddar cheese or adding a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Feel free to use gluten-free elbow macaroni or substitute with your preferred gluten-free pasta.
- If you prefer a crispy topping, broil the casserole for the last 1-2 minutes of baking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
In conclusion, this Crack Chicken Casserole is more than just a recipe—it’s a crowd-pleasing, flavor-packed experience that will win the hearts of your loved ones. With its irresistible combination of tender macaroni, juicy chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy, cheesy sauce, this dish brings comfort and satisfaction to every bite. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a potluck gathering, or simply a weeknight indulgence, this casserole will never disappoint.
So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and embark on a culinary adventure that will leave your taste buds in awe. Once you experience the creamy, savory goodness and the melty cheese that blankets every spoonful, you’ll understand why this Crack Chicken Casserole has become a beloved recipe in our household. Give it a try and watch as it becomes a staple in your own family’s culinary repertoire. Get ready to create lasting memories and moments of pure culinary bliss. Enjoy!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the casserole as instructed, cover it tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before placing it in the oven. Adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take a little longer to heat through.
Can I freeze the Crack Chicken Casserole?
Absolutely! Prepare the casserole as directed but omit the final baking step. Cover it tightly with foil and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw the casserole overnight in the refrigerator, remove the foil, and bake it at 375°F (190°C) for 45 to 50 minutes, or until heated through and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
Yes, you can use pre-cooked bacon for convenience. Simply dice it before adding it to the casserole. However, freshly cooked bacon adds an extra crispiness and flavor to the dish.
Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 340 g 12 oz. dry elbow macaroni
- 450 g 1 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
- 16 slices bacon cooked and diced (about 225g/8 oz. cooked bacon)
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion diced
- 115 g 4 oz. cream cheese, softened
- 300 g 10.5 oz. cream of chicken soup, undiluted
- 475 ml 2 cups sour cream
- 60 ml ¼ cup milk or half-and-half
- 28 g 1 oz. ranch dressing seasoning packet
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 340 g 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 green onion thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, bring water to a low rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until tender. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium-sized skillet, melt the butter over medium to high heat. Add the diced onions and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally until they become translucent and lightly golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk or half-and-half, and ranch dressing seasoning packet using a handheld mixer on medium speed until creamy.
- Reduce the mixer speed to low and add the kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
- Transfer the sour cream mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked macaroni, cubed chicken breast, cooked yellow onions, 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and ¾ cup of cooked bacon. Stir with a large wooden spoon until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and thinly sliced green onion on top.
- Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the top layer of cheese is melted and gooey.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy, comforting goodness!
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