Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Introduction

This Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish that’s packed with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a flavorful ranch twist. Easy to prepare and perfect for family dinners, this casserole will quickly become a weeknight favorite.

Ingredients

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese (softened)
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (1-ounce) package Ranch Seasoning Mix
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds chicken breast (cut into 1-inch pieces)
• 8 ounces shell pasta
• 6 slices bacon (cooked until crisp and chopped)
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (freshly shredded)
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (freshly shredded)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and spray a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
2. Step 2: Beat the cream cheese in a large bowl until easily spreadable, then add the sour cream, ranch dressing mix, salt, and pepper. Mix until fully combined.
3. Step 3: Add the chicken pieces to the cream cheese mixture and stir until the chicken is well coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.
4. Step 4: While the chicken bakes, boil the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Step 5: Remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir. Fold in the cooked pasta and chopped bacon, then add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the casserole. Bake for an additional 5 to 10 minutes until hot and bubbly.
7. Step 7: Turn on the broiler and broil the casserole on high for 3 minutes or until the cheese on top is golden and bubbly. Watch closely to avoid burning.
8. Step 8: Garnish with sliced green onions if desired before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture.
• Substitute rotini or elbow macaroni if you don’t have shell pasta on hand.
• Use cooked shredded chicken as a shortcut to save baking time.
• Try different cheese combinations like pepper jack or gouda for a twist.
• Adding steamed broccoli or spinach can boost the veggie content without sacrificing taste.

Storage

Store any leftover casserole in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire dish in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until heated through. Avoid reheating under the broiler to prevent burning.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this casserole?

Yes, but make sure to thaw the chicken completely before coating and baking to ensure even cooking.

Can I prepare this casserole ahead of time?

Absolutely! Assemble the casserole up to step 5, cover, and refrigerate. Bake and broil when ready to serve.

Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 101 reviews

This delicious Crack Chicken Casserole combines tender pieces of chicken breast, creamy ranch-seasoned sauce, crispy bacon, and a blend of melted cheddar and mozzarella cheeses baked to bubbly perfection. It’s a comforting and hearty dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.

• Author: Amaya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Casserole
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Chicken and Sauce

• 1 (8-ounce) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 (1-ounce) package Ranch Seasoning Mix
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 pounds chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces

Pasta and Cheese

• 8 ounces shell pasta
• 6 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and chopped
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, freshly shredded

Instructions

1. Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly spray a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray; set it aside for use later.
2. Mix the creamy base: In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until it becomes spreadable. Then add the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper, mixing until smoothly combined to create the flavorful sauce.
3. Coat the chicken: Add the cut chicken breast pieces into the cream cheese mixture and stir well until all chicken pieces are evenly coated in the ranch sauce.
4. Bake the chicken: Transfer the coated chicken into the prepared casserole dish and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to cook through slightly and absorb the flavors.
5. Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, cook the shell pasta following the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
6. Combine and add cheese: Remove the chicken from the oven and gently stir to break up any pieces. Fold in the cooked pasta and chopped crispy bacon, then add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses and stir to melt slightly.
7. Bake and broil: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the casserole’s top, bake again for 5 to 10 minutes until heated through and cheese is melted, then switch to broil on high for 3 minutes or until the cheese topping is golden and bubbly.
8. Garnish and serve: Optionally garnish with sliced green onions for a fresh finish before serving your creamy, cheesy crack chicken casserole.

Notes

• Ensure the chicken is cut into uniform 1-inch pieces to cook evenly.
• Cook bacon until crispy for the best texture contrast in the casserole.
• You can substitute shell pasta with other short pasta shapes like elbow macaroni or penne.
• Broil carefully as cheese can burn quickly; watch closely during the last 3 minutes.
• Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Keywords: crack chicken casserole, creamy chicken casserole, ranch chicken recipe, cheesy chicken bake, bacon chicken pasta