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Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole

Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole is made with tender chicken, pasta, Ranch mix, and cheddar cheese and topped with lots of crispy bacon.
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Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 958
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 12 slices bacon (diced into 1-2 inch pieces)
  • 1.5-2 lbs uncooked chicken (cubed)
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 green bell pepper (diced)
  • 1 medium onion (diced)
  • 2 tablespoons minced garlic
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 package (1oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
  • 1 package (8oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
  • 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed
  • chopped cooked bacon
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
  • 1/4 cup panko crispy bread crumbs (optional)

Method
 

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni as directed on the package. Aim for al dente, drain once done, and set aside.
  3. Cook the Bacon:
  4. Cook the Chicken:
  5. Cook Veggies:
  6. Cheesy Mixture:
  7. Combine:
  8. Bake:

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 958kcalCarbohydrates: 58gProtein: 40gFat: 62gSaturated Fat: 30gPolyunsaturated Fat: 4gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 188mgSodium: 1172mgPotassium: 450mgFiber: 2gSugar: 8gVitamin A: 300IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

  • For perfectly cooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures it’s juicy and safe to eat without being dry.
  • If you want extra flavor, consider adding a splash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture for a little kick.
  • To prevent the casserole from drying out while baking, cover it with aluminum foil for the first 20 minutes, then remove it to allow the top to crisp up.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F for the best texture, or use the microwave if you're short on time.
  • For a quicker option, use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken and skip the initial cooking step, reducing your prep time significantly.

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