Crack Chicken Casserole

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

We love having simple casserole recipes to make on a busy night. Be sure to check out this Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole and Chicken and Rice Casserole. Both are quick and tasty dinner dishes.

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MORE CASSEROLE RECIPES:
Cheeseburger Casserole | Cabbage Roll Casserole

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INGREDIENTS FOR CRACK CHICKEN CASSEROLE

You will need:

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

SUBSTITUTIONS AND ADDITIONS

Pasta: Any type of small pasta noodle could be used. Penne, bowtie, rotini, rigatoni, ziti, or shells are some that would work great.

Bacon: You can cook fresh bacon and dice it yourself or use store-bought bacon bits.

Cream Cheese and Sour Cream: For both of these you can use low fat versions or full fat.

Shredded Cheese: You can make your own shredded cheddar cheese by shredding a block of cheese, or buy a package. You could also swap out the cheddar cheese for various different types of cheese such as colby jack, provolone, gouda, or monterey jack.

HOW TO MAKE THIS CRACK CHICKEN CASSEROLE RECIPE

STEP ONE: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

STEP TWO: Lightly spray a 9×13 baking dish.

STEP THREE: Fill a medium sized saucepan 3/4 of the way full with water. Bring to a low rolling boil and add in the elbow macaroni. Cook the macaroni until it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and set aside.

STEP FOUR: 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 and 7 minutes. They should be translucent and starting to turn golden/light brown. Remove from the heat and set aside.

STEP FIVE: In a medium size mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, the sour cream, cream of chicken soup, the milk or half-and-half, and the 1 oz package of ranch dressing powder.

STEP SIX: Using a handheld mixer, combine the sour cream mixture on medium speed until creamy.

STEP SEVEN: Continue mixing on low and add the kosher salt, black pepper, and the onion powder. Mix until well combined.

STEP EIGHT: Transfer the sour cream mixture to a large mixing bowl. Add in the cooked macaroni, the cubed chicken breast, cooked yellow onion, 1 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese, and 3/4 of a cup of the cooked bacon. Using a large wooden spoon, stir until all the ingredients are completely combined.

STEP NINE: Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.

STEP TEN: Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and the thinly sliced green onion.

STEP ELEVEN: Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the top layer of cheese is melted and gooey.

STORAGE

IN THE FRIDGE: Store leftovers in an air tight container and place in the fridge for 4 to 5 days.

IN THE FREEZER: To freeze, make sure that you have your casserole in a freezer safe dish. Then, cover it tightly in aluminum foil and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, bake it frozen at 350 for 1 hour.

It’s always nice to have a quick and simple casserole recipe on hand when things get busy around the house. 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.

more recipes you’ll love

• Crockpot Crack Chicken
• Broccoli and Rice Casserole
• Ranch Crack Dip
• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese