Crack Chicken Casserole
Crack Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, combining all your favorite flavors into one hearty dish. This creamy, cheesy, and savory casserole is a must-try for anyone looking to impress family and friends at dinner. It features tender shredded chicken, crispy bacon, and pasta enveloped in a delicious ranch-infused sauce, making it the perfect dish for cozy nights in or casual gatherings. As your kitchen fills with delectable aromas, everyone will be drawn to the table, eager to dig into this crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving it at a potluck or for a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meals.
What sets this casserole apart is its simplicity and flavor depth. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a dish that feels indulgent yet comforting all at once. The combination of cream cheese and cheddar creates a luscious, melty topping that takes comfort food to the next level. Get ready to savor every delicious bite—your loved ones will be asking for seconds!
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly baked.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
A close-up view of the creamy mixture ready for baking.
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese for that gooey finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can substitute turkey for chicken or use a vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
- Optional Variations: Add vegetables such as broccoli or spinach for extra nutrients, or mix in some hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Storage or Reheating Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes
- Total time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Difficulty level: Easy
An image representing a comforting dish.
Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, chicken broth, and ranch seasoning. Mix until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
- Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Transfer the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese for that gooey finish.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly on top.
- Before serving, garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and flavor.