Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the kind of dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese and the hearty, savory flavors of tender chicken and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or even gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is especially popular in American comfort food culture because it takes two beloved classics—macaroni and cheese, and ranch-seasoned chicken—and combines them into one indulgent masterpiece. Imagine diving into a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni with bites of juicy chicken and smoky turkey bacon, all tied together with a subtle kick of ranch seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Rich and Creamy: The sauce is a blend of cheddar, mozzarella, cream cheese, and a hint of ranch that makes it ultra-decadent.
- Full of Flavor: Tender chicken, crispy turkey bacon, and the tang of ranch seasoning bring this macaroni and cheese to a whole new level.
- Easy to Make: Simple ingredients and straightforward steps make this dish great even for novice cooks.
- Kid-Friendly: The mild ranch and cheesy flavors are always a hit with kids, while the addition of chicken and bacon makes it hearty enough for adults.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
How to Make Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Pro tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of butter or olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (this is called a roux) and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step removes the raw flour taste and adds a toasty flavor to the sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens—this should take around 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and the ranch seasoning packet. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the rich, cheesy aroma of the sauce!
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and crumbled turkey bacon to the cheese sauce. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Once everything is mixed, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tangy bite. Serve it up hot and watch as everyone digs into this irresistible dish.
Helpful Tips:
- Breadcrumb Topping: For a crispy finish, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes until golden and bubbly on top.
- Chicken Shortcuts: If you’re pressed for time, using store-bought rotisserie chicken is a quick and flavorful option.
- Add Some Heat: If you like a little spice, sprinkle in a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes while making the cheese sauce.
- Cheese Substitutions: Feel free to mix and match your favorite cheeses. Gouda or Monterey Jack can also add different layers of flavor to this dish.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove
- Cuisine: American Comfort Food
- Diet: Meat-based
Notes:
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to do this, wait to add the breadcrumbs until just before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for roasted veggies like broccoli or mushrooms and use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
- Calories: Approximately 650 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
- Sodium: 1150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 5g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other pasta shapes?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, shells, rotini, or penne would also work well. Just keep in mind that different shapes might slightly alter the cooking time.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance and refrigerate it. Reheat it gently on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove with a bit of milk to restore its creaminess.
Storage Instructions:
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place a portion in a microwave-safe dish and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. For larger portions, reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk if the sauce becomes too thick.
Related Recipes:
If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:
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Conclusion:
Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, blending creamy, cheesy goodness with savory chicken and smoky bacon. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting friends, this dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen. With easy ingredients and simple steps, even beginner cooks can whip up this delicious, crowd-pleasing meal. So go ahead and give it a try—you won’t be disappointed!
Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
Description
Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the kind of dish that brings together the best of both worlds: the comforting creaminess of mac and cheese and the hearty, savory flavors of tender chicken and crispy bacon. It’s the ultimate crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or even gatherings where you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. This dish is especially popular in American comfort food culture because it takes two beloved classics—macaroni and cheese, and ranch-seasoned chicken—and combines them into one indulgent masterpiece. Imagine diving into a warm bowl of creamy, cheesy macaroni with bites of juicy chicken and smoky turkey bacon, all tied together with a subtle kick of ranch seasoning. It’s the kind of meal that keeps people coming back for seconds (and thirds).
Ingredients
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 6 slices turkey bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2% works best)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 package (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually about 8-10 minutes). Drain and set aside. Pro tip: Toss the cooked pasta with a bit of butter or olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour to form a smooth paste (this is called a roux) and cook it for about 1-2 minutes until it’s lightly golden. This step removes the raw flour taste and adds a toasty flavor to the sauce. Gradually pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Keep stirring as the mixture thickens—this should take around 5 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the sauce coats the back of a spoon.
- Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, softened cream cheese, and the ranch seasoning packet. Keep stirring until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with black pepper to taste. At this point, your kitchen will be filled with the rich, cheesy aroma of the sauce!
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, and crumbled turkey bacon to the cheese sauce. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Once everything is mixed, transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions for a pop of color and a fresh, slightly tangy bite. Serve it up hot and watch as everyone digs into this irresistible dish.
Notes
- Make it Ahead: You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking. If you plan to do this, wait to add the breadcrumbs until just before baking to ensure they stay crispy.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux to make this dish gluten-free.
- Vegetarian Version: Swap out the chicken for roasted veggies like broccoli or mushrooms and use a plant-based bacon alternative.