Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Irresistible Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe for Comfort

Creamy comfort takes on a whole new meaning with this crack chicken macaroni and cheese that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Layers of rich, melted cheese blend seamlessly with tender pasta and juicy chicken pieces.

Unexpected spices create a flavor explosion you won’t forget.

Crispy bacon bits add a salty crunch that perfectly complements the smooth sauce.

Each forkful promises pure indulgence without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients.

Quick to assemble and impossible to resist, this dish turns an ordinary meal into a celebration.

Dig in and watch everyone ask for seconds!

Reasons to Love Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Skyrocket Comfort Food: Crack chicken macaroni and cheese delivers ultimate satisfaction with its creamy, cheesy goodness that transforms a classic dish into an irresistible meal everyone will love.
  • Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick additions like bacon, peas, or different cheese types, making it perfect for personalizing to suit individual tastes and cleaning out refrigerator ingredients.
  • Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Guaranteed to make kids and adults happy with its rich flavors, simple preparation, and familiar mac and cheese base that feels like a warm culinary hug.
  • Quick One-Pot Wonder: Minimal kitchen cleanup with straightforward cooking steps that combine everything in a single bowl, reducing dish washing and simplifying meal preparation for busy households.

Ingredients Needed for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Main Ingredients:
  • Macaroni: A classic pasta shape that provides the perfect base for this creamy, cheesy dish.
  • Chicken: Shredded protein that adds heartiness and flavor to the mac and cheese.
Cheese Components:
  • Cream Cheese: Creates a smooth and rich base for the sauce.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Adds a sharp and classic cheese flavor to the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese: Provides extra melty and stretchy texture to the sauce.
Flavor Enhancers:
  • Ranch Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: Seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Milk: Helps create a creamy and smooth sauce consistency.
Optional Add-Ins:
  • Frozen Peas, Crumbled Bacon: Extra ingredients that add texture and additional flavor to the mac and cheese.
Garnish:
  • Green Onions, Parsley: Fresh herbs that provide a pop of color and bright flavor to the finished dish.

Cooking Instructions for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Cook macaroni in a large pot of salted water following package directions until tender. Drain water completely and set pasta aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Create Creamy Ranch Sauce

Warm a saucepan over medium heat. Combine cream cheese, milk, and ranch seasoning. Whisk ingredients continuously until cream cheese melts and sauce becomes silky smooth.

Step 3: Melt Cheese Blend

Stir in shredded cheeses:
  • Cheddar
  • Mozzarella

Continuously mix until cheeses melt completely and sauce turns rich and velvety.

Step 4: Mix Delicious Components

In a large mixing bowl, combine:
  • Cooked pasta
  • Shredded chicken
  • Cheese sauce
  • Frozen peas
  • Crumbled bacon

Season with salt and pepper. Stir until everything is evenly distributed and coated with sauce.

Step 5: Prepare for Baking

Preheat oven to 350F. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. Transfer macaroni mixture into the dish, spreading evenly with a spatula.

Step 6: Bake Until Bubbly

Slide baking dish into preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until edges turn golden and center becomes hot and bubbling.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove from oven and let rest for a few minutes. Sprinkle chopped green onions or parsley on top. Serve warm and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Helpful Tips for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Choose rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy protein boost that adds incredible flavor to the dish.
  • Rinse pasta under cold water after draining to prevent overcooking and maintain perfect texture.
  • Grate cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded for smoother, more velvety sauce consistency.
  • Control sodium levels by using low-sodium ranch seasoning and carefully salting throughout cooking process.
  • Prep ingredients beforehand to streamline the cooking process and reduce overall kitchen time.

Flavor Variations of Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Spicy Ranch Chicken Mac: Add diced jalapeños and hot sauce to the cheese sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Southwestern Style: Mix in black beans, corn, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a zesty southwestern flavor.
  • Herb Garden Chicken Mac: Incorporate fresh chopped herbs like basil, thyme, and rosemary into the cheese sauce for an aromatic upgrade.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Blend in crumbled feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and chopped spinach for a Mediterranean-inspired variation.

Suggested Pairings for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Perfectly Paired Wine Selection: Crisp chardonnay or light pinot grigio cuts through the richness of the creamy mac and cheese, balancing the dish's heavy flavors with refreshing acidity.
  • Complementary Beer Companion: Amber ale or wheat beer provides a malty backbone that stands up to the robust cheese and chicken, creating a harmonious flavor profile that enhances the overall meal experience.
  • Side Salad Harmony: Bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette offers a zesty, peppery contrast to the creamy, decadent macaroni, cleansing the palate between bites and adding a fresh, light element to the hearty main course.

Storage Advice for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent moisture loss.
  • Transfer cooled macaroni and cheese to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Removes air to prevent freezer burn. Stays good for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
  • Place single serving in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of milk to restore moisture. Cover with damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Stir until evenly heated.
  • Preheat oven to 350F. Spread leftovers in baking dish.

Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

  • Can I use rotisserie chicken for this recipe?

Yes, shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly and saves time in meal preparation.

  • Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! Most kids love mac and cheese, and the ranch and chicken make it extra tasty and appealing.

  • How can I make this dish healthier?

Consider using whole wheat pasta, reducing cheese amount, adding more vegetables like spinach or broccoli, and using low-fat dairy options.

  • Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the entire casserole in advance and refrigerate. Just add 10-15 minutes to baking time when cooking from cold.

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Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe


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4.7 from 25 reviews

  • Total Time: 35-40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy crack chicken macaroni and cheese brings southern comfort to dinner tables with irresistible cheesy goodness. Loaded with tender chicken, crispy bacon, and ranch seasoning, this dish promises a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein Ingredients:

  • 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
  • 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (optional)
  • 4 ounces (113 grams) cream cheese, softened

Cheese Ingredients:

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Base and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces (226 grams) elbow macaroni
  • 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup frozen peas (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Green onions or parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni in a generously salted water bath until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside in a spacious mixing vessel.
  2. Create a velvety sauce foundation by gently melting cream cheese in a simmering saucepan, whisking in milk and ranch seasoning until silky and uniform.
  3. Incorporate shredded cheddar and mozzarella into the warm sauce, stirring continuously until the cheese dissolves completely, creating a luxurious, smooth consistency.
  4. Fold the prepared chicken into the cheese sauce, ensuring each morsel is generously coated with the creamy mixture.
  5. Combine the sauced chicken with the drained macaroni, introducing crispy bacon crumbles and optional frozen peas for added texture and flavor complexity.
  6. Transfer the decadent mixture into a lightly greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent heat distribution.
  7. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake the macaroni for 22-25 minutes, watching for golden bubbling edges and heated center.
  8. Allow the dish to rest for 3-4 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps the sauce settle and intensifies flavors.
  9. Garnish with freshly chopped green onions or parsley for a vibrant finishing touch, serving immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free options to accommodate dietary restrictions and add extra nutritional value.
  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ranch seasoning and choosing reduced-fat cheese varieties without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Boost vegetable content by adding roasted broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers for increased nutrition and color variety.
  • Create a lighter version by using Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese and incorporating lean protein like rotisserie chicken breast for fewer calories.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Boiling
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 435 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 650 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 28 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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