This Crock Pot Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy comfort food dish that’s easy to make and perfect for busy weeknights. Made with tender chicken, crispy bacon, creamy ranch seasoning, and rich cheddar cheese, this casserole is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love. Using your slow cooker, it’s a hands-off recipe that’s both convenient and flavorful. With elbow macaroni and a tangy sour cream base, this dish is the ultimate in creamy, cheesy goodness. Whether you’re looking for a chicken casserole recipe, a family-friendly dinner, or a comfort food casserole, this crack chicken casserole is sure to satisfy your cravings! It’s the perfect meal for busy families and makes great leftovers too.

Ingredients:

3 Chicken Breasts (diced into 1-inch pieces)
8 oz Cream Cheese (softened at room temperature)
1 can Cream of Chicken Soup (10.5 oz)
1 packet Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (1 oz)
½ cup Chicken Broth
12 slices Bacon (cooked and diced, divided)
1 cup Sour Cream
½ tsp Pepper
1 ½ cups Elbow Macaroni
3 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese
2 Green Onions (thinly sliced)

Instructions:

Prepare the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, beat together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix, and pepper with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy.
Combine the Chicken and Bacon: Gently stir in the diced chicken, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, and half of the diced bacon. Mix by hand until everything is evenly combined.
Cook in the Crock Pot: Pour the chicken mixture into the crock pot, cover, and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked through. Avoid cooking on high to prevent the dish from drying out.
Prepare the Pasta: While the chicken mixture is cooking, cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions, ensuring it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Finish the Dish: Once the chicken is cooked, stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into the mixture. Then, gently fold in the cooked pasta, ensuring it is evenly coated with the creamy chicken mixture.
Add the Toppings: Top the casserole with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon, and sliced green onions. Cover the crock pot and allow the heat to melt the cheese.
Serve and Enjoy: Once the cheese has melted, serve the casserole warm and enjoy the delicious, creamy flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Crock Pot Crack Chicken Casserole is a comfort food dream! With creamy chicken, crispy bacon, and rich cheddar cheese, it’s a savory dish that’s sure to satisfy the whole family. The ranch seasoning adds a burst of flavor, while the crock pot makes it a convenient, hands-off meal. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for an easy weeknight dinner, this casserole is the perfect go-to dish.

Tips

Don’t Overcook the Chicken: For the best texture, make sure not to overcook the chicken in the crock pot. It should be tender and juicy, not dry.
Use Full-Fat Cream Cheese: For a rich, creamy texture, use full-fat cream cheese rather than reduced-fat versions.
Adjust the Seasoning: If you prefer a stronger ranch flavor, feel free to add extra ranch seasoning or a little garlic powder to taste.

Variations and Substitutions

Pasta Type: If you don’t have elbow macaroni, you can use any other pasta such as penne, rotini, or bowtie pasta.
Meat: Swap the chicken for ground turkey, sausage, or even shredded rotisserie chicken for quicker prep.
Dairy-Free Option: To make this casserole dairy-free, use dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese substitutes.
Vegetables: Add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

FAQs

Can I cook this on high in the crock pot? It’s best to cook this dish on low for 5-6 hours to keep the chicken tender and moist. Cooking on high may cause the chicken to become dry.
Can I make this ahead of time? Yes! You can assemble the casserole the night before, store it in the fridge, and cook it the next day. This makes it a perfect make-ahead meal.
Can I freeze this casserole? Yes, this casserole can be frozen before or after cooking. Simply store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to serve, thaw and reheat in the crock pot or oven.

Serving

This Crack Chicken Casserole is a hearty, satisfying meal on its own, but it pairs well with a side salad or some roasted vegetables. For a complete dinner, serve it with some crusty bread or garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

Suggestions

Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove for a quick and easy meal.
Meal Prep: This casserole is perfect for meal prepping! Make a large batch and portion it out for lunch or dinner throughout the week. It’s just as delicious reheated.