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Irresistible Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Close-up of a baked Irresistible Crack Chicken Casserole topped with crispy bacon and chives.
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A creamy, cheesy, and flavorful chicken casserole with bacon and pasta, baked to perfection. Easy to make and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green onion, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup, undiluted
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup milk or half-and-half
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 ounce packet ranch dressing seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Instructions

  1. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook bacon slices in a skillet until crispy. Remove, drain, and dice.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced yellow onion until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, black pepper, salt, and onion powder. Stir until smooth.
  5. Add cooked macaroni, chicken, sautéed onions, and half the cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir to coat evenly.
  6. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle diced bacon and remaining cheddar cheese over the top.
  7. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbly.
  8. Let cool for 5 minutes. Garnish with sliced green onions and serve warm.

Notes

  • For extra crispiness, broil for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
  • Use cooked rotisserie chicken to save time.
  • Substitute low-fat sour cream and cream cheese for a lighter version.
  • Leftovers refrigerate and reheat well.
  • Do not overcook the macaroni initially.

Nutrition

Keywords: crack chicken casserole, chicken casserole recipe, easy casserole, bacon cheddar casserole, pasta bake, comfort food, american cuisine

Find it online: https://www.meltitclean.com/crack-chicken-casserole-recipe/