Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

A creamy, cheesy delight combining the comforting flavors of mac and cheese with the heartiness of chicken and bacon, perfect for family dinners or potlucks.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 550

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

Pasta

16 oz elbow macaroni

Cheese Mixture

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened Make sure to use soft cream cheese for easier mixing.
1 can (10.75 oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup milk
1 packet ranch seasoning mix Adjust the amount to suit your taste.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese 1 1/2 cups for mixture, 1/2 cup for topping.

Chicken and Bacon

2 cups cooked chicken, shredded Rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience.
1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled For extra crunch, add more bacon as a garnish.

Toppings

1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs For a crunchier topping, bake a few minutes longer until golden brown.
2 tbsp melted butter Mixed with breadcrumbs.
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Method

Preparation

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
Cook the macaroni according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
In a large bowl, mix the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, milk, and ranch seasoning until smooth.
Stir in the shredded chicken, bacon, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, and the cooked macaroni.

Assembly

Transfer the mixture to the greased baking dish. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese.
Mix the breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the top.

Baking

Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden, bubbly, and heated through.
Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce.