Festive Crack Chicken Casserole topped with crispy bacon and herbs

Festive Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

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why make this recipe

Festive Crack Chicken Casserole is an easy and delicious meal that brings comfort to the table. Packed with flavors from chicken, bacon, and cheese, this dish is sure to please everyone. It’s perfect for family gatherings, holidays, or just a cozy night in. The recipe is designed for busy cooks who want a hearty and filling dish without spending all day in the kitchen.

how to make Festive Crack Chicken Casserole

Ingredients

  • 1½ cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 3 cups cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed
  • 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced (about 1½ cups cooked bacon)
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1 green onion, sliced thin
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 10.5 oz can cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • ¼ cup milk or half-and-half
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
  • 1 ounce packet ranch dressing seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

Directions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. Cook the bacon slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove, drain on paper towels, then dice into small pieces.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced yellow onion until translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. In a large bowl, combine the undiluted cream of chicken soup, sour cream, softened cream cheese, milk or half-and-half, ranch dressing seasoning, black pepper, kosher salt, and onion powder. Stir well until smooth and creamy.
  5. Add the cooked macaroni, cubed chicken, sautéed onions, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir thoroughly until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the diced cooked bacon evenly over the top, then add the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and lightly golden on top.
  8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for 5 minutes. Sprinkle the sliced green onions over the top as a fresh garnish. Serve warm and enjoy your festive crack chicken casserole!

how to serve Festive Crack Chicken Casserole

Serve Festive Crack Chicken Casserole warm right out of the oven. It pairs well with a simple green salad or some garlic bread for an extra special touch. This dish is perfect for sharing, so make sure to have enough servings for everyone.

how to store Festive Crack Chicken Casserole

If you have leftovers, place the casserole in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven at 350°F until heated through, or use a microwave if you prefer.

tips to make Festive Crack Chicken Casserole

  • Make sure to cook the bacon until it is crispy for the best texture.
  • Feel free to adjust the cheese amount to suit your taste preferences. More cheese equals more creamy goodness!
  • You can prepare the casserole ahead of time and keep it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.

variation

You can customize this casserole by adding vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli for extra nutrition. Switching out the chicken for turkey or using a rotisserie chicken can save you time and change the flavor slightly.

FAQs

Q1: Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or shells.

Q2: Is this casserole freezer-friendly?

Absolutely! You can freeze the uncooked casserole. Just cover it tightly and bake it when you’re ready to enjoy it.

Q3: How can I make this dish spicier?

To add a kick, consider mixing in some diced jalapeños or adding hot sauce to the sauce mixture.

Festive Crack Chicken Casserole

This easy and delicious casserole combines chicken, bacon, and cheese for a comforting dish perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1.5 cups dry elbow macaroni Cook according to package directions.
Meat
  • 3 cups cooked skinless, boneless chicken breast, cubed Use leftover chicken or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced Approximately 1½ cups cooked bacon.
Vegetables
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced Sauté until translucent.
  • 1 green onion, sliced thin Used for garnish.
Casserole Base
  • 3 tablespoons butter For sautéing the onion.
  • 10.5 oz cream of chicken soup (undiluted)
  • 2 cups sour cream
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 0.25 cup milk or half-and-half Use whichever you prefer.
  • 1 ounce packet ranch dressing seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
Cheese
  • 3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided Reserve half for topping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add macaroni, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet, cook the bacon until crispy, then remove and drain on paper towels before dicing.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté diced yellow onion until soft, about 3-4 minutes.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cream cheese, milk, ranch seasoning, black pepper, salt, and onion powder until smooth.
  2. Add the cooked macaroni, chicken, sautéed onions, and half of the cheddar cheese. Stir well.
Baking
  1. Transfer mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with diced bacon and remaining cheddar cheese.
  2. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and golden.
Serving
  1. Let cool for 5 minutes, garnish with green onions, and serve warm.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 30gFat: 35gSaturated Fat: 17gSodium: 1200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2g

Notes

Feel free to customize with vegetables like bell peppers or broccoli. Cheese amount can be adjusted to taste. This dish can be prepared ahead of time.

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