Dinner

Crack Chicken Mac And Cheese Recipe

BySarah Summers October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese is a rich, comforting dish that combines creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crispy bacon with classic elbow macaroni. This hearty recipe is perfect for a cozy night in or when you want a crowd-pleasing meal with minimal fuss.

A pan filled with a golden baked macaroni and cheese dish topped with chunks of browned cauliflower and sprinkled with green parsley bits. The top layer is crispy and browned with bubbly melted cheese stretching from a wooden spoon lifting a portion from the pan. Underneath, the macaroni pasta is creamy and bright yellow from the cheese sauce, mixed with soft cauliflower pieces. The pan sits on a wooden surface with a gray cloth nearby, set against a dark, blurred background replaced with a white marbled texture. 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 is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, mix the cooked macaroni, shredded chicken, half of the cheddar cheese, and the creamy sauce until fully combined.
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 the dish for 15–20 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 6: Remove from the oven and let cool slightly before garnishing with chopped green onions. Serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk or half-and-half to the cheese sauce mixture.
Substitute sharp cheddar with a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a milder flavor.
Use turkey bacon or omit bacon for a lighter version of the dish.
Add diced jalapeños to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Make it a one-pot meal by cooking the pasta directly in the sauce before baking.

Storage

Store leftover Crack Chicken Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between for even heating.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a baked macaroni and cheese dish in a black round pan, resting on a wooden surface with a gray cloth beside it. The dish features two main layers: a bottom layer of creamy, smooth, golden-yellow macaroni pasta with melted cheese visible between the curls, and a top layer of browned and crispy roasted cauliflower florets with a golden crust and some dark charred spots. Small bits of green parsley are sprinkled on top, adding a fresh pop of color. The cheese is stringy and stretchy as a wooden spoon lifts a scoop from the pan. The background is dark and blurred, highlighting the warm, rich tones of the food. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken. Make sure it is fully thawed and shredded before mixing it into the dish.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free elbow macaroni and ensure your ranch dressing and chicken broth are gluten-free as well.

Sarah Summers