Crack Chicken Casserole
A creamy, cheesy casserole loaded with savory chicken, crispy bacon, and a crunchy topping—perfect comfort food for feeding a crowd.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken breast or rotisserie chicken
- 6 slices crispy, chopped bacon
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup milk
- 12 ounces cooked elbow macaroni or rotini
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (optional)
- 1 cup crushed crackers or breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and chop into bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine softened cream cheese, sour cream, milk, and ranch dressing mix. Whisk until smooth.
- Fold in shredded chicken and half of the cheddar cheese. Mix well.
- Add cooked pasta to the creamy chicken mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, followed by crushed crackers or breadcrumbs.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the casserole uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.
Notes
For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for 2-3 minutes after baking. Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting, and bring cream cheese to room temperature for smoother mixing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: comfort food, chicken casserole, cheesy casserole, bacon casserole, easy dinner, crowd-pleaser