The Ultimate Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese Recipe You’ll Love

Comfort food reaches new heights with this mouthwatering crack chicken macaroni and cheese that blends creamy, cheesy goodness with tender, seasoned chicken.

Families and friends can’t resist the irresistible combination of rich flavors and hearty textures.

Every bite promises a delightful explosion of cheesy, savory satisfaction.

The recipe combines classic mac and cheese with a zesty chicken twist that elevates the entire dish.

Crispy, golden edges and a velvety interior make this meal a true crowd-pleaser.

Bold seasonings and melted cheese create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to be transported to a world of pure culinary bliss with this ultimate comfort food masterpiece.

Mac And Cheese Storage Made Simple

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the dish fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Transfer cooled macaroni and cheese to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, maintaining optimal taste and texture.
• Place individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of milk to prevent drying, and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Preheat oven to 350F, spread leftovers in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent burning, and warm for 15-20 minutes until heated thoroughly, adding a splash of milk if needed.

FAQs

• What are the key ingredients that make this Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese unique?

The recipe combines classic macaroni with cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, multiple cheese varieties, ranch dressing mix, cooked chicken, and turkey bacon for a rich and flavorful twist on traditional mac and cheese.

• Is this recipe suitable for a potluck or family gathering?

Absolutely! This dish serves a large group, is easy to prepare, and has crowd-pleasing ingredients that most people love. It’s a comfort food that’s perfect for sharing and guaranteed to be a hit at any gathering.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the entire dish in advance and refrigerate it before baking. Simply cover the assembled casserole and store in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.

Crack Chicken Macaroni & Cheese: Comfort In A Bowl

• Indulge in a creamy, cheesy dish that combines classic mac and cheese with savory chicken and crispy bacon for an irresistible meal everyone will love.
• Whip up this delightful casserole with simple ingredients and minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.
• Elevate traditional mac and cheese with ranch dressing mix, multiple cheese varieties, and protein-rich chicken, creating a mouthwatering combination that stands out from ordinary recipes.
• Serve as a hearty main course, potluck favorite, or crowd-pleasing side dish that works perfectly for family dinners, game nights, or casual get-togethers.

Cheesy Mac And Chicken Must-Haves

• Macaroni: A classic pasta that serves as the hearty base for this comforting dish.
• Chicken: Cooked chicken provides protein and adds a savory flavor to the macaroni and cheese.

• Cream Cheese, Shredded Cheddar Cheese, Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: These cheeses create a rich, creamy, and melty texture that makes the dish indulgent and delicious.

• Cream of Chicken Soup, Sour Cream, Ranch Dressing Mix, Milk: These ingredients contribute to the creamy consistency and add depth of flavor to the macaroni and cheese.

• Turkey Bacon: Adds a crispy and smoky element to the dish, providing extra texture and flavor.

• Cooking Spray: Helps prevent the macaroni and cheese from sticking to the baking dish.

Kitchen Gear For Mac & Cheese Success

• Large baking dish (9×13 inch): Essential for creating and baking the entire casserole.
• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for combining all creamy ingredients and mixing macaroni.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked macaroni quickly and efficiently.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring ingredients smoothly and evenly.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure ingredients like milk and cheese.
• Cooking spray: Ensures the baking dish is non-stick and easy to clean.
• Cheese grater: Useful if you're shredding cheese from blocks instead of using pre-shredded.

Creamy Chicken Mac Assembly Guide

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven

Crank the oven to 350°F and give your 9×13-inch baking dish a quick spray of cooking oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

Cook the macaroni following the package instructions.

Once done, drain and set aside, keeping those noodles ready for action.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Base

• Cream cheese
• Cream of chicken soup
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Ranch dressing mix

Stir everything together until smooth.

Fold in the cooked chicken and crispy turkey bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Mixture

Add the cooked macaroni to the creamy mixture.

Pour in some milk and mix thoroughly, ensuring every noodle gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle a generous layer of sharp cheddar cheese on top for that irresistible golden crust.

Step 6: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the top turns golden brown and the edges start bubbling with cheesy goodness.

Tips For Extra Creamy, Flavorful Mac

• Use rotisserie chicken for extra juicy, pre-seasoned meat that adds depth to the dish.
• Swap full-fat dairy with low-fat cream cheese, sour cream, and reduced-fat cheeses to lighten the recipe.
• Replace turkey bacon with crispy regular bacon, vegetarian bacon bits, or omit for a lighter version.
• Let the dish rest for 5-10 minutes after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
• Use gluten-free macaroni and check that ranch mix is gluten-free to make the recipe safe for sensitive diets.

Macaroni Mix-Ins & Twists To Try

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace chicken with crispy tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, maintaining the creamy ranch flavor while creating a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free macaroni and ensure ranch seasoning mix is certified gluten-free for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute macaroni with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles, reducing carbohydrate content while keeping the rich, cheesy texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the cheese mixture for those who enjoy a zesty, warming flavor profile.

Dishing Up Crack Chicken Mac And Cheese

• Game Night Delight: Serve this creamy, cheesy dish during movie marathons or friendly game nights for a crowd-pleasing comfort meal that keeps everyone happy and satisfied.
• Potluck Superstar: Bring this crowd-favorite macaroni to family gatherings or community potlucks where its rich flavors and hearty texture will make you the star of the event.
• Meal Prep Magic: Portion leftovers into individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week, ensuring a delicious and convenient meal is always ready.
• Garnish Glow-Up: Sprinkle fresh chopped chives, green onions, or crispy additional bacon bits on top to add a pop of color and extra crunch before serving.

Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Creamy crack chicken macaroni and cheese combines tender pasta with a rich, cheesy sauce and savory chicken. Rich flavors merge perfectly, making you crave each comforting bite of this irresistible Southern-style dish.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) elbow macaroni
• 2 cups (226 grams) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 2 1/2 cups (340 grams) cooked, chopped chicken

Dairy and Cheese Ingredients:

• 1 (8-ounce/227 grams) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) sour cream
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) milk
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup (113 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese

Seasoning and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 (10.75-ounce/305 grams) can cream of chicken soup
• 1 (1-ounce/28 grams) packet ranch dressing mix
• 1/2 cup (57 grams) cooked, crumbled turkey bacon

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Cook macaroni until al dente, following package instructions, then drain and set aside.
3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, cheddar, mozzarella, and ranch dressing mix until smooth and creamy.
4. Fold in cooked chicken and crumbled turkey bacon, ensuring even distribution throughout the mixture.
5. Gently incorporate the cooked macaroni into the creamy mixture, stirring carefully to coat each pasta piece.
6. Add milk and stir thoroughly to create a uniform, silky consistency.
7. Transfer the entire mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
8. Sprinkle additional sharp cheddar cheese over the top for a golden, crispy finish.
9. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the cheese is melted, bubbling, and develops a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Notes

• Customize the ranch seasoning by using homemade mix to control sodium and flavor intensity.
• Replace turkey bacon with crispy regular bacon or vegetarian bacon bits for varied textures and dietary preferences.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-sodium cream of chicken soup to make the dish lighter without compromising taste.
• For gluten-free version, swap regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta and ensure all other ingredients are certified gluten-free.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 548
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 870 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg