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Crack Chicken Casserole

Crack chicken casserole combines ranch-seasoned chicken, tender pasta, crisp bacon, and cheddar in a creamy baked casserole. It comes out bubbling at the edges with a golden, cheesy top and is finished with fresh green onions.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 50 minutes
Resting 5 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 bacon slices
  • 12 oz short pasta such as rotini
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning
  • 3 cup chicken cooked shredded
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 2 cup cheddar cheese shredded, divided
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced

Equipment

  • 1 9x13-inch baking dish

Method
 

  1. Heat the oven to 375°F.
  2. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
  3. Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until crisp, 8–10 minutes.
  4. Drain the bacon on paper towels and chop.
  5. Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until just al dente, following the package time.
  6. Drain the pasta.
  7. Heat the chicken broth, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning in a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisking until smooth, about 4–6 minutes.
  8. Stir the chicken into the sauce and cook gently for 3–5 minutes, until hot.
  9. Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sour cream.
  10. Combine the pasta, sauce, chopped bacon, and 1 cup of the cheddar in the prepared baking dish.
  11. Spread the mixture evenly and sprinkle with the remaining 1 cup cheddar.
  12. Bake uncovered for 20–25 minutes, until bubbling at the edges and the center reaches 165°F.
  13. Let the casserole rest for 5 minutes.
  14. Scatter the green onions over the top and serve.

Notes

For the smoothest sauce, whisk the cream cheese into the warm broth until no lumps remain. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days; freezing is possible, though the sour cream sauce may change texture slightly. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free short pasta.