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