If you’re looking for a delicious and hearty meal that can satisfy the whole family, look no further than Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole. This comforting dish combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese to create a flavor explosion in every bite. Perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends, this casserole is a true crowd-pleaser. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special and how you can whip it up in no time!

Why Make This Recipe

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With its layers of cheesy goodness, crispy bacon, and succulent chicken, this dish is sure to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. Plus, it makes a generous portion that’s perfect for feeding a family or meal prepping for the week. It’s simple, requires minimal prep time, and uses ingredients that are often already in your kitchen. Treat your loved ones to a dish that’s creamy, cheesy, and absolutely irresistible!

How to Make Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Making Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is straightforward and rewarding. Begin by cooking elbow macaroni until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, fry up some diced bacon until it’s crispy and set it aside. In the same skillet, cook cubed chicken and then add nicely diced vegetables for a burst of flavor.

The creamy base comes together by making a simple roux and mixing in milk, cream cheese, and seasoned chicken soup. Combine everything in a large bowl and pour it into a greased baking dish. Top it off with breadcrumbs and some extra cheese before baking to perfection. It’s a simple process that results in a rich and comforting casserole that you and your family will love!

Ingredients:

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
12 slices bacon (diced into 1-2 inch pieces)
1.5-2 lbs uncooked chicken (cubed)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon paprika
1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 tablespoons minced garlic
3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 package (1oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
1 package (8oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed
Chopped cooked bacon (for topping)
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, for topping)
1/4 cup panko crispy bread crumbs (optional)

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain it once done and set it aside.
In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, then set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked.
Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk while stirring constantly and cook until thickened.
Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix (if using), cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chicken, vegetables, and cheese mixture, mixing well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs and extra cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

How to Serve Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is perfect to serve hot right out of the oven! Garnish it with some fresh parsley or chives for a pop of color. You can serve it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables to make a complete meal. It’s also great for potlucks or family gatherings—everyone will want a second helping! Enjoy this flavorful casserole with loved ones, and watch it disappear quickly.

How to Store Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

To store leftover Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it instead. Just make sure to pack it tightly to avoid freezer burn, and it can be stored for up to 2-3 months.

Tips to Make Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

For a little extra flavor, use smoked bacon instead of regular bacon.
If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken makes a great substitute for uncooked chicken. Just shred or chop it up and mix it in!
Experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack, for a spicier kick.
If you want a crunchier topping, consider broiling the casserole for the last few minutes of cooking.

Can You Freeze Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole?

Yes, Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole can be frozen! First, let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to label your containers with dates and contents. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed, adding a few extra minutes if needed to ensure it’s heated through.

How to Reheat Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

To reheat Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the casserole in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until it’s heated through. If you want to crisp up the top, remove the foil for the last 5-10 minutes. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions for a quick reheating option, though the oven method keeps the top crunchier.

Variation

Feel free to customize Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole to your liking! You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to sneak in some extra nutrients. For a different flavor profile, consider using a taco seasoning mix instead of Ranch seasoning for a fun twist! Each variation can make this dish unique and exciting every time you make it.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just cook according to package directions.
Is this casserole spicy?
Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is mildly seasoned. If you prefer it spicier, you can add diced jalapeños or use pepper jack cheese.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for the roux to make this casserole gluten-free!

By following this simple recipe for Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, you can enjoy a hearty and delicious meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy cooking!

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

A comforting casserole combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy cheese, perfect for family meals or meal prepping.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 30

Total Time 50

Course Casserole, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Calories 550 kcal

Ingredients

Pasta and Meat

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni Cook according to package instructions
12 slices bacon (diced into 1-2 inch pieces) Crispy bacon for flavor
1.5-2 lbs uncooked chicken (cubed) Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep

Vegetables

1 green bell pepper (diced)
1 medium onion (diced)
2 tablespoons minced garlic

Cheesy Mixture

3 tablespoons butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 package (8oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed
1 package (1oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional) Add for extra flavor
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1/2 tablespoon paprika

Toppings

1/4 cup panko crispy bread crumbs (optional) For crunch
1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded, for topping) Adds extra cheesy goodness
Chopped cooked bacon (for topping)

Instructions

Preparation

Preheat the oven to 375°F.
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, cook the diced bacon until crispy, then set it aside.
In the same skillet, cook the cubed chicken until fully cooked.
Add the diced green bell pepper, onion, and minced garlic, cooking until the vegetables are tender.

Making the Cheese Sauce

In a separate saucepan, melt butter and stir in flour to create a roux. Slowly add milk while stirring constantly and cook until thickened.
Stir in the Ranch seasoning mix (if using), cream cheese, cheddar cheese, cream of chicken soup, and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.

Assembly and Baking

In a large bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, chicken, vegetables, and cheese mixture, mixing well.
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with panko breadcrumbs and extra cheddar cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.

Notes

Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or chives. Great for potlucks and family gatherings. Can be frozen and reheated easily.

Keyword casserole recipe, Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Family Meal

Written by khadija — founder of Dailypan, sharing easy, cozy homemade recipes for every occasion.

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