Crack Chicken Casserole

When life gets busy, nothing beats the comfort of a cheesy, creamy casserole straight from the oven. This Crack Chicken Casserole combines tender chicken, crispy bacon, pasta, and plenty of cheese, all brought together with a rich ranch-flavored sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a family favorite. The best part? It’s easy to make ahead of time, making it the perfect dish for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or cozy weekends at home.

At deesviral, we love sharing recipes that feel indulgent yet are simple enough for everyday cooking. This casserole delivers on flavor, comfort, and convenience.

Ingredients

• 1 ½ cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

• 3 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or cubed

• 15 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled

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• 3 tablespoons butter

• 1 small yellow onion, diced

• 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup

• 2 cups sour cream

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

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• ½ cup half-and-half (or milk)

• 1 oz ranch seasoning mix

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 3/4 teaspoon onion powder

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• 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the flavor base: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.

3. Make the creamy mixture: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, half-and-half, ranch seasoning, salt, pepper, and onion powder until smooth and combined.

4. Assemble the casserole: Stir in the cooked chicken, macaroni, sautéed onion, crumbled bacon (reserve some for topping), and 2 cups of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.

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5. Bake: Transfer the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, along with the reserved bacon.

6. Cook to perfection: Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25–30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and golden on top.

7. Serve: Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped green onions if desired.

Closing

This Crack Chicken Casserole is the definition of comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The combination of chicken, bacon, and ranch creates a rich and savory dish that feels like a hug in food form. Serve it with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for a complete meal that’s sure to please everyone at the table.

At deesviral, we believe that the best meals are the ones that bring families together, and this casserole does exactly that. Try it once, and you’ll find yourself making it again and again for busy nights, gatherings, or whenever you need a dish that’s guaranteed to satisfy.