Description
This Creamy Crack Chicken Casserole is a comforting, cheesy dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a luscious blend of cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning, combined with cooked pasta and topped with crispy bacon and cheddar cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this baked casserole is rich, flavorful, and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Casserole:
- 3 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great)
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow macaroni)
For the Topping:
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for baking the casserole evenly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray to prevent the casserole from sticking during baking.
- Mix Creamy Base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Add Chicken and Cheese: Stir in the shredded chicken, shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and cooked pasta into the creamy base, mixing well to evenly coat all the ingredients.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
- Add Cheese Topping: Sprinkle ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top of the casserole for a cheesy crust.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the casserole is bubbling around the edges.
- Add Bacon and Green Onions: Remove the casserole from the oven and immediately sprinkle the crumbled cooked bacon and chopped green onions over the top for added flavor and texture.
- Rest Before Serving: Let the casserole sit for 5 minutes to set, which helps improve texture and makes it easier to serve.
Notes
- Rotisserie chicken can save time and add extra flavor.
- Feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer, just ensure it is cooked al dente before mixing.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the mixture.
- Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the oven or microwave.
- Green onions are optional but add a fresh contrast to the creamy casserole.
