This is one dish that is sure to crack up your usual casserole menu! Cracked-Up Chicken Bake is delicious in its purest form, combining juicy chicken with succulent bacon, melty sharp cheddar, and soft golden onions! The sauce is creamy, savory, tangy, and zesty, with notes of classic ranch seasoning, exactly what you want from your casserole! Cracked-Up Chicken Bake will have you cracked up with delight!
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 (10.5-ounce) can cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half
- 1 (1-ounce) packet ranch dressing seasoning
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 3 cups chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cooked and cubed
- 3 cups cheddar cheese, shredded, divided
- 16 slices bacon, cooked and diced, divided
- 1 green onion, sliced thin, for topping
Directions
Step 1 –Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Step 2 –Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish.
Step 3 –Cook the macaroni until al dente, according to the package directions.
Step 4 –Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Step 5 –In a medium skillet, add the butter and the onions and cook over medium-high heat, stirring the onions with a wooden spoon until they are translucent, softened, and turning golden, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 6 –In a large mixing bowl, add the softened cream cheese, the cream of chicken soup, the sour cream, the milk, and the ranch dressing mix, combining with a handheld mixer on medium speed until creamy.
Step 7 –Reduce the mixing speed to low and add the salt, the black pepper, and the onion powder to the cream cheese mixture and mix until well-combined.
Step 8 –Add the cooked macaroni, the chicken, the cooked onions, 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar cheese, and 3/4 cup of the cooked bacon and stir with a wooden spoon until it is completely combined.
Step 9 –Pour the chicken mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out evenly.
Step 10 –Sprinkle the remaining cheese and the remaining bacon over the top.
Step 11 –Bake until the top layer of cheese is melted, about 35-40 minutes.
Step 12 –Top the bake with the green onions and serve.