Dinner

Crack Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

ByOlivia Monroe October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and crispy bacon for an irresistible meal. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, this recipe offers a flavorful twist on classic mac and cheese.

A close-up shows a black cast iron pan filled with macaroni and cheese topped with a golden brown crispy layer with some browned roasted cauliflower pieces mixed in. The creamy, melted cheese is thick and gooey, stretching as a wooden spoon lifts a serving from the pan, revealing the layered pasta covered in cheese sauce beneath the crispy top. Small green parsley pieces are sprinkled over the dish, adding a touch of color. The pan sits on a wooden board with a soft, crumpled gray cloth nearby against a white marbled texture background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded cooked chicken (can substitute with rotisserie chicken)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (divided)
1 cup cream cheese, cubed
1 cup chicken broth
1/2 cup ranch dressing
1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon paprika
1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine chicken broth, cream cheese, ranch dressing, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Heat over medium heat, stirring until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce. Stir well to blend all ingredients evenly.
Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the top.
Step 5: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use rotisserie chicken for a shortcut without compromising flavor.
For extra cheesiness, add a mix of mozzarella or pepper jack along with cheddar.
Swap ranch dressing for a homemade blend of mayonnaise and herbs if preferred.
Add steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms to incorporate some veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

The dish is a baked macaroni and cheese served in a black skillet on a white marbled surface with a gray cloth nearby. The top layer is golden brown with crispy, browned cheese spots and small green herb pieces scattered for garnish. Below the crust, there is a creamy, melted cheese sauce coating the macaroni pasta, which is pale yellow and smooth, showing some gooey, stretchy cheese being lifted by a wooden spoon from the right side. The pasta underneath looks soft and fully cooked, with cheese bubbling between the noodles, and a few small bits of toasted breadcrumb or seasoning add texture on top. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the dish a day in advance and keep it covered in the refrigerator. Bake it fresh when ready, adding a few extra minutes to the baking time if chilled.

Is it possible to freeze Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese?

Yes, this dish freezes well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating in the oven.