Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Crack chicken casserole has its name for a reason: it’s an easy recipe that is downright irresistible. This oven-baked dish has noodles smothered in gooey cheese and creamy ranch sauce with tender pieces of bite-size chicken and crunchy bacon bits.

We love having easy casseroles to make on a busy night. Be sure to check out our chicken bacon ranch casserole and chicken and rice casserole. Both of them are quick and tasty dinner dishes.

Crack Chicken Casserole

Crack chicken casserole is one of those delicious recipes that hits the spot every time. It makes it so easy to get a flavorful dinner that everyone loves, on the table.

PREP TIME: 30 mins COOK TIME: 30 mins TOTAL TIME: 1 hr

COURSE: Main Course CUISINE: American

SERVINGS: 8 CALORIES: 566 kcal

INGREDIENTS

• 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
• 3 cups skinless boneless chicken breast, cooked and cubed
• 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced (this measures 1½ cups once cooked)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, diced
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 10.5 ounces cream of chicken soup, undiluted
• 2 cups sour cream
• ¼ cup milk or half-and-half
• 1 ounce ranch dressing seasoning packet
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 3 cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 1 green onion, sliced thin

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Lightly spray a 9x13 baking dish.
3. Fill a medium-sized saucepan ¾ of the way with water. Bring to a low rolling boil and add the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it is all done. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
4. In a medium-sized skillet, add the butter and diced onions. Cook over medium to high heat, stirring the onions with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking for about 5 to 7 minutes. They should be translucent and starting to turn golden/light brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.
5. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk or half-and-half, and package of ranch dressing powder.
6. Using a handheld mixer, combine the sour cream mixture on medium speed until creamy.
7. Continue mixing on low and add the kosher salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Mix until well combined.
8. Transfer the sour cream mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add in the cooked macaroni, the cubed chicken breast, cooked yellow onion, 1½ cups of cheddar cheese, and ¾ of a cup of cooked bacon. Using a large wooden spoon, stir until all the ingredients are completely combined.
9. Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
10. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and the thinly sliced green onion.
11. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top layer of cheese is melted and gooey.

NOTES

There are so many options for cooked chicken. You could even use leftover rotisserie chicken or cook up a chicken breast at home.

Al dente is the ideal consistency for pasta. The pasta will be tender and will still have a slightly firm texture when you bite into it.

NUTRITION

Sodium: 1422mg Calcium: 181mg Vitamin C: 3mg Vitamin A: 1895IU

Sugar: 2g Fiber: 1g Potassium: 253mg Cholesterol: 156mg

Calories: 566kcal Saturated Fat: 18g Fat: 35g

Protein: 43g Carbohydrates: 20g Iron: 5mg