Discover this easy and creamy Crack Chicken Casserole that combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch-flavored cream cheese sauce, all baked with pasta and topped with melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners or meal prep, this comforting casserole is sure to please everyone at the table. With simple ingredients and a quick preparation time, you can create a hearty dish that brings all the flavors of crack chicken into one delicious bake. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that everyone will love. Try this must-have recipe today!
Ingredients in Crack Chicken Casserole
- 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
How to Make Crack Chicken Casserole
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish with non-stick cooking spray.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth. Add the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper, mixing until well combined.
- Fold the chicken pieces into the cream cheese mixture until well coated, then transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Bake for 20 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, cook the shell pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir. Fold in the cooked pasta and chopped bacon, then add half of the shredded cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Top with the remaining cheese and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes. Broil on high for 3 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
What to Serve with Easy Crack Chicken Casserole
Pair this cheesy casserole with a fresh garden salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to create a balanced meal. For a bit of crunch, consider adding a side of crispy roasted potatoes.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This casserole can also be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 20-25 minutes if thawed, or 30-35 minutes if frozen.
Crack Chicken Casserole
Course: MainCuisine: American4
servings30
minutes40
minutesEnjoy this Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy ranch flavors, all baked with pasta and topped with melted cheese. It’s a quick and comforting dish perfect for family dinners or meal prep.
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
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a large oven-safe skillet or baking dish by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat the softened cream cheese until smooth and spreadable. Add the sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, salt, and pepper, mixing until everything is fully combined.
- Fold the chicken pieces into the cream cheese mixture, ensuring they are well-coated. Transfer the mixture to the prepared casserole dish and bake for 20 minutes.
- While the chicken bakes, cook the shell pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- After 20 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven and gently stir the chicken mixture. Fold in the cooked pasta and chopped bacon, then add half of the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, stirring until melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the casserole and return it to the oven. Bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, then switch to broil on high for 3 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- If desired, garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
Notes
- For a quicker option, you can substitute the uncooked chicken with approximately 3 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
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