Crack Chicken Casserole
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
Directions
- 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.
Crack Chicken Casserole
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate comfort food casserole that brings everyone happily to the table? This easy Crack Chicken Casserole is designed to be one of those delicious recipes that truly hits the spot every time, making it simple to get a flavorful, beloved dinner on the table without fuss.
The genius of this Crack Chicken Casserole lies in its irresistible blend of creamy textures and savory depth. It masterfully combines tender elbow macaroni, succulent cooked chicken, and crispy bacon with a rich, velvety sauce. This sauce, made from a thoughtful mix of softened cream cheese, sour cream, cream of chicken soup, and that essential ranch dressing seasoning packet, guarantees a robust flavor that sets it apart and makes it incredibly satisfying.
Prepare for a truly comforting and hearty meal that boasts a delightful symphony of textures and tastes. You'll enjoy perfectly cooked elbow macaroni, nestled in a luxuriously creamy and cheesy sauce, punctuated by tender pieces of cooked chicken breast and savory, diced bacon. A hint of sautéed yellow onion and a dash of onion powder deepen the savory notes, while a generous topping of melted shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of fresh green onion offer a vibrant finish. It's the kind of satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
This Crack Chicken Casserole is wonderfully adaptable to what you have on hand. For a slightly different flavor profile, consider using cooked turkey instead of chicken. If you're short on time, pre-cooked bacon bits can be a quick alternative to cooking bacon from scratch, though freshly cooked bacon offers superior texture. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of garlic powder alongside the onion powder for an extra layer of savory aroma.
Perfect for a comforting family dinner on a chilly evening, this Crack Chicken Casserole is also an ideal dish to bring to a potluck or share at a casual gathering. Its robust flavors pair beautifully with a crisp green salad or some steamed vegetables to round out the meal.