Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

This Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese takes traditional mac and cheese up a notch by adding juicy shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, and the irresistible flavor of ranch seasoning. And let’s not forget the option to toss in bacon bits, because everything’s better with bacon, right? This dish is creamy, cheesy, and downright indulgent the perfect comfort food for a cozy dinner at home or a potluck gathering.

Jump to Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Cheesy Goodness: A blend of cheddar and mozzarella makes this macaroni and cheese ultra creamy with the perfect cheese pull.
• Hearty & Filling: With the added chicken, this dish is a complete meal—packed with protein and bursting with flavor.
• Versatile: Bacon bits add a smoky crunch, but you can easily leave them out or swap for other add-ins like sautéed veggies.
• Simple to Make: In just 35 minutes, you can have this dish ready to serve, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to whip up this Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese:

• 1 lb rotini or elbow macaroni: These pasta shapes are perfect for soaking up all that creamy, cheesy goodness.
• 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken: You can use rotisserie chicken or any leftover chicken you have on hand.
• 1 (10 oz) can cream of chicken soup: This adds a rich, savory base to the cheese sauce.
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened: For that extra creamy texture.
• 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp cheddar brings a bold flavor.
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded: Mozzarella melts beautifully and adds a gooey texture.
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix: The star ingredient that gives this dish its “crack” flavor.
• 1/2 cup bacon bits (optional): For a crunchy, smoky kick.
• Salt and pepper to taste: To season to your preference.
• Chopped green onions for garnish: Adds a pop of color and freshness.

Step-by-Step Directions for Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

1. Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini or elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Prepare the Creamy Cheese Sauce

In the same pot, let’s make that dreamy cheese sauce. Combine the cream of chicken soup, softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the cheeses are fully melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. Make sure everything is well-blended—this is where all that cheesy magic happens!

3. Add the Shredded Chicken

Once your cheese sauce is ready, stir in the shredded chicken. If you’ve got leftover rotisserie chicken, now’s the time to use it! Mix it well until the chicken is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

4. Fold in the Bacon Bits (Optional)

This step is totally up to you, but if you’re a bacon lover, go ahead and fold in about 1/2 cup of bacon bits for a smoky, savory crunch. It adds a lot of flavor and texture to the dish, but it’s optional if you’re looking for a simpler version. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Combine with the Pasta

Add your cooked pasta to the pot with the creamy chicken and cheese sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that rich, cheesy sauce.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese to a serving dish and garnish with chopped green onions for a touch of freshness and a burst of color. Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in!

Tips for Making the Perfect Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

• Use Freshly Shredded Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best creamy texture, shred your own cheese.
• Leftover Chicken? No Problem!: This recipe is a great way to use up leftover chicken from a roast or grilled dinner. You can even use turkey if you have it on hand.
• Add More Veggies: Want to sneak in some extra nutrition? Stir in some cooked broccoli, peas, or spinach for a veggie boost.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
• Crumbly Topping: For extra texture, sprinkle the top of your macaroni with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking for a few minutes.

Variations to Try

• Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Add 1/4 cup of buffalo sauce to the cheese sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
• BBQ Chicken Mac: Swap out the ranch seasoning for BBQ sauce for a smoky, sweet flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Version: Skip the chicken and bacon, and add more veggies like roasted mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
• Extra-Cheesy: If you’re a cheese fanatic, feel free to add more cheddar or mozzarella—or even mix in some Parmesan for extra richness.

What to Serve with Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

This dish is hearty and filling on its own, but if you want to serve it alongside something, here are some ideas:

• Green Salad: A light salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.
• Garlic Bread: Because more carbs are always a good idea when it comes to comfort food.
• Roasted Vegetables: Something like roasted Brussels sprouts or broccoli would add a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Soup: A simple tomato or vegetable soup can pair wonderfully with this cheesy dish.

Storing and Reheating

• To Store: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• To Reheat: Reheat individual servings in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to keep the cheese sauce creamy. You can also reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

Final Thoughts

Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s a meal that will have your family asking for seconds (and thirds!). Whether you’re making it for a cozy night in or bringing it to a potluck, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. The combination of creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and the option of bacon makes it a go-to recipe when you want something indulgent and delicious.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: 500 kcal per serving