Your entire family will beg you to make this crack chicken casserole recipe over and over again! Who can resist tender chicken, pasta, cheese, and bacon in a creamy ranch sauce?
For quick prep on busy weeknights, I like to use rotisserie chicken. But you can cook your own chicken, or use leftover chicken if you have it on hand.
Guys, this is seriously one yummy casserole. The first time I made it, everyone at my house scraped their plate clean.
It’s become a family favorite at my house, and I bet it will be at yours as well. You’ll love how easy it is to whip up!
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY CRACK CHICKEN CASSEROLE
- PASTA – In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente. Drain in a colander. While pasta is cooking, spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.
- SAUCE – While the pasta is in the colander, add the cream cheese and cream to the pot. Cook and stir over medium-low heat until the cream cheese is melted.
- COMBINE – Add the shredded chicken, pasta, dry dressing mix, garlic, pepper, bacon, and one cup of the cheese. Stir until combined.
Transfer to the prepared casserole dish. Sprinkle the rest of the cheese on top of the chicken mixture. - BAKE – Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
- SERVE – Serve hot. If desired, garnish with green onions and additional crispy bacon.
Leftover casserole can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I recommend reheating it in the microwave.
Since the pasta absorbs liquid as it sits, you may need to stir in some additional milk or water.
VARIATIONS:
- I have also made this dish with colby jack and mozzarella cheese with great results.
- You can use a cup of sour cream in place of the cream cheese.
- Leftover chicken can be used instead of rotisserie chicken. You can also use cooked chicken thighs.
MORE EASY CASSEROLE RECIPES
- Hamburger Rice Casserole
- Chili Relleno Casserole
- Hamburger Green Bean Casserole (low carb)
- Tater Tot Casserole with Corn
- Pepperoni Pizza Casserole
- Ham and Potato Casserole
- Chicken and Potatoes Recipe
Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 oz rotini pasta (dry)
- 8 ounces light cream cheese, softened to room temperature
- 1 ½ cups half & half cream
- 3 cups shredded rotisserie chicken (about 11 ounces)
- 2 Tbsp dry ranch dressing mix
- ¼ tsp granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 3 oz cheddar cheese, grated (1 1/2 cups)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water in a large pot until barely al dente. Drain in a colander.
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. Spray a 2 1/2 quart casserole dish with cooking spray.
- In the same pot you cooked the pasta, heat the cream and cream cheese over medium-low heat until the cream cheese melts.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, chicken, dry ranch dressing mix, garlic, pepper, crumbled bacon, and 1 cup of the cheese.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheddar cheese over the top.
- Cover with foil and bake at 350° for about 20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- If you don’t have shredded chicken, you can cook 1 1/2 pounds of chicken breast and shred it.
- You can use 3/4 cup of milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream instead of half & half.
- Full fat cream cheese makes a thicker sauce, so if I use it, I like to add an additional 1/4 cup of milk.
Nutrition
Next time you are looking for a delicious meal that comes together in minutes, give this chicken bacon ranch casserole a try!
Was very dry. Had to add extra cream
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So sorry it was dry for you John.
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