Description
This Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, and savory baked dish featuring shredded chicken, pasta, bacon, and green onions in a flavorful ranch-infused cream sauce. It’s an easy-to-make comfort food perfect for weeknight dinners, combining tender chicken, gooey cheese, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 4 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 2 cups cooked elbow macaroni or any pasta of choice
Dairy and Sauce
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 8 oz sour cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
Add-ins
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon, divided
- 1 cup diced green onions, divided
Additional
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray for greasing the baking dish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, sour cream, and milk. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Combine Main Ingredients: Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, 1 cup of cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the diced green onions to the cream cheese mixture. Mix thoroughly to evenly distribute all ingredients. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly for uniform cooking.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions evenly over the top of the casserole for a flavorful and attractive finish.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden on top.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool slightly to set before serving. This allows the casserole to firm up for easier portioning.
Notes
- You can substitute cooked rotini or penne pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in garlic powder or smoked paprika.
- To reduce calories, use low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated.
- Ensure the chicken is fully cooked before shredding for food safety.
