Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole
- Author: Cindy Schumacher
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 Minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Category: Chicken, Pasta, Casseroles, Cheese
- Original Air Date: August 21, 2019
Ingredients
3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
12 slices bacon diced into 1-2 pieces
1½ to 2 pounds uncooked chicken, cubed
½ tsp. salt
½ tsp. pepper
½ tsp. paprika
1 green bell pepper diced
1 medium onion diced
2 Tbsp. minced garlic
3 Tbsp. butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1 package dry Ranch mix
1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese
3 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 can cream of chicken soup
¼ cup crispy bread crumbs
Instructions
Heat oven to 375. Cook and drain macaroni. Cook bacon until crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Drain grease and leave 2 tablespoons in skillet. Add cubed chicken to skillet, season with salt, pepper and paprika. Cook, stirring frequently until golden. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Add diced onion, peppers and garlic and cook 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft.
Remove from skillet and set aside. In same skillet on medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
Stir in flour with whisk until a paste forms. Gradually stir in milk, beating with whisk. Stir in Ranch mix. Stir in chicken soup and cream cheese. Stir in 2½ cups cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chicken, vegetables and cheese mixture.
Stir well to combine and transfer to 9 X 13 baking dish. Top with cooked bacon and ½ cup shredded cheese and sprinkle bread crumbs on top. Bake 20-30 minutes.
