Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy, bacon-filled dish that's perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. Combining the richness of cream cheese and sour cream with the savory flavors of ranch seasoning, cooked chicken, and turkey bacon, this recipe is both hearty and indulgent. The macaroni is cooked to perfection and mixed with a blend of cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, creating a gooey, satisfying bite in every forkful. Topped with sharp cheddar cheese and baked until golden and bubbly, this dish is sure to be a hit with the whole family. Perfect for any occasion, it pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables.
Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is a deliciously creamy and cheesy dish that's perfect for a comforting meal. Below are the detailed ingredients needed to prepare this savory recipe.
INGREDIENTS
- Elbow Macaroni: 16 oz, cooked according to package directions and drained.
- Cream Cheese: 1 (8-oz) package, softened. Adds a rich, creamy texture.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: 1 (10.75-oz) can. Adds flavor and creaminess.
- Sour Cream: 1 cup. Enhances the creaminess and adds a slight tang.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup, to be mixed in. Provides a classic cheesy flavor.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: 1 cup, to be mixed in. Adds a gooey, melty texture.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: 1 (1-oz) packet. Infuses the dish with a tangy ranch flavor.
- Cooked, Chopped Chicken: 1½ cups. Adds protein and makes the dish hearty.
- Cooked, Crumbled Turkey Bacon: ½ cup. Adds a smoky flavor and crunchy texture.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups, to be used as a topping. Adds a strong cheesy flavor and crispy top layer.
- Milk: 1 cup. Helps to mix and bind all the ingredients together.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly spray a 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Step 2:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 3:
- In a large bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and the ranch dressing mix. Stir until well combined.
- Step 4:
- Add the cooked, chopped chicken and crumbled turkey bacon to the mixture. Stir to incorporate evenly.
- Step 5:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the mixture and stir well. Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir until thoroughly combined.
- Step 6:
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
- Step 7:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese hot, garnished with additional crumbled turkey bacon if desired.
- This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat leftovers in the oven at a low temperature or in the microwave until heated through.
Helpful Notes
- For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of cheeses like gouda or gruyere in addition to cheddar and mozzarella.
- Substitute turkey bacon with regular bacon for a more traditional flavor if desired.
- Add some chopped green onions or parsley on top before serving for a fresh touch.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Ina Garten: "Using high-quality cheeses can elevate the dish and add depth to the flavors."
- Chef Alton Brown: "Mixing the pasta with the cheese sauce before baking ensures even coating and better flavor distribution."
- Chef Rachael Ray: "Don’t skip pre-cooking the macaroni; it helps achieve the perfect texture after baking."