Description
Crack Chicken Casserole is a rich, creamy, and cheesy dinner packed with shredded chicken, crispy bacon, ranch seasoning, and Colby Jack cheese. It’s the ultimate comfort food—easy to make, quick to bake, and a family favorite everyone will crave.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta: adds structure and holds the sauce well
- 3 cups cooked and shredded boneless skinless chicken: provides protein and heartiness
- 1 (8-ounce) package softened cream cheese: base of the creamy sauce
- 1 cup sour cream: adds tang and smooth texture
- 1 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch dressing mix: gives the dish its signature flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: enhances savory depth
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper: adds mild spice
- 1 cup half and half: contributes creamy consistency
- 1 cup cooked and chopped bacon: adds salty crunch and flavor
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Colby Jack cheese, divided: melts beautifully and adds richness
- Chopped green onion: optional garnish for freshness and color
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F and spray a 13 x 9-inch baking dish with non-stick spray.
- Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, beat cream cheese, sour cream, ranch dressing mix, onion powder, and pepper until smooth.
- Mix in the half and half until the sauce is well incorporated.
- Fold in shredded chicken, cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheese.
- Transfer mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining 1/2 cup of cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
- Garnish with green onions and extra bacon if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- Use rotisserie chicken for quicker prep and richer flavor.
- Grating cheese fresh enhances melt and flavor quality.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- To freeze, assemble and wrap tightly before baking. Thaw overnight before cooking.
- For a low-carb version, replace pasta with steamed cauliflower florets.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 988 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 721 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 77 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg
Keywords: Crack Chicken Casserole, cheesy chicken casserole, ranch chicken bake, bacon chicken pasta, creamy chicken dinner