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Creamy and delicious, Crock Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe does not disappoint. Loaded with tons of ranch flavor, cream cheese and bacon for a meal that your family will go crazy for.

Crack chicken casserole in a crock pot with a wooden spoon
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Crock Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe:

We love making crockpot recipes for busy seasons of life. It is so nice to come home to dinner ready and waiting for everyone to enjoy.

If you love our Crock Pot Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken or our Crack Potatoes Recipe, your entire family will love this tasty Crock Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe. The ranch flavor combined with the bacon and cream cheese make this casserole anything but boring.

The kids will gobble this up and it is so easy to prepare. Spend less time in the kitchen and more time with your family. I love making recipe that my whole family enjoys.

Crack chicken casserole in a crock pot with a wooden spoon

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Casserole is a family favorite!

If you enjoyed our Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe, you will love this delicious casserole. The chicken is so tender and amazing with lots of great flavor. This is very similar but in a casserole form.

We used egg noodles but really you can use any type of pasta. This chicken is amazing with anything. From penne and elbow to spaghetti and more use what you have.

Crack chicken casserole in a crock pot with a wooden spoon

What is Crack Chicken?

You may be wondering what exactly is crack chicken and why does everyone go crazy over it. It is the best chicken recipe! Crack chicken combines delicious chicken, cream cheese, bacon and ranch to make a mixture so tasty.

We added pasta to give Crack Chicken a twist. We love that everything cooks in the crock pot for a crowd pleasing meal.

Ingredients needed - elbow macaroni, chicken, bacon, cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning packet, pepper, cheddar cheese, green onions

Ingredients for Crock Pot Chicken Casserole recipe:

  • Dry Elbow Macaroni 
  • Chicken Breast, Diced into 1 inch pieces 
  • Bacon, cooked and diced 
  • Cream of Chicken Soup
  • Chicken Broth
  • Cream Cheese, softened at room temperature 
  • Sour Cream 
  • Ranch Seasoning Packet (1 oz) 
  • Black Pepper 
  • Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided 
  • Green Onions, thinly sliced

That is all you need. If you have just these few ingredients, you can make this amazing dinner for your family!

Keep scrolling for the full recipe. It is so simple and easy to make!

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Casserole:

  • Combine Ingredients – In a large size bowl, beat together ingredients. Mix the cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix and pepper with a hand held mixer until creamy.  
Mixing together the cream cheese, sour cream with a bowl of cheese and diced chicken on the side
  • Add other ingredients – Then gently mix in the chicken, half of the cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon.  Stir by hand carefully until the ingredients are completely combined. 
Crack chicken mixture in a clear bowl
  • Spoon in mixture to crock pot – Pour the chicken mixture into the crock pot.
Crack Chicken in the crock pot
  • Cook Crack Chicken Casserole – Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through. We do not recommend cooking this one on high.
  • Melt the Cream Cheese – Once the chicken is cooked through, stir in the cream cheese allowing it to melt.
  • Cook Pasta – Cook the pasta based on the box instructions to al dente.
  • Stir in Cook Pasta – After the cook time, gently stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot mixture.  
  • Add your favorite toppings – Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon and the sliced green onions.
  • Melt cheese, then serve and enjoy – Cover and let the heat from the meal melt the cheese. Serve warm and enjoy.

Can I bake Crack Chicken Casserole?

Yes, you can bake this crack chicken casserole recipe. The process and the recipe is still the same, you will just pour the ingredients into a casserole dish. Then bake in a preheated oven of 350 degrees.

Once it has baked for about 30 minutes, stir in pasta and top with cheese. This would be a great option if you have cooked chicken that you have leftover. Shred the chicken and add to the cream cheese mixture.

Can I make Crack Chicken and Rice Casserole?

Yes! Simply replace the pasta with rice for an amazing chicken and rice casserole type dish. It truly is the easiest recipe and just so simple to use what you have on hand.

We have used white rice, brown rice, and even cauliflower rice for a low carb option.

Crack Chicken Casserole on a plate topped with cheese and green onions.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chicken Casserole:

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Casserole is a hearty meal, so we tend to make sides that are light. Here are some of our favorites.

Crack Chicken Casserole on a plate topped with cheese and green onions.

Tips for Crock Pot Chicken Casserole:

  • Cheese – When adding in the cheese, make sure you shred your own. Pre-shredded cheese contains added ingredients.
  • Chicken – We used chicken breast, but you can easily chicken thighs or chicken tenderloins. We have even used rotisserie chicken for an easy option.
  • Cooking in the Crock Pot – We recommend cooking this casserole on low only.
  • How to cook in the Instant pot – Try our Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe

Variation Ideas:

  • Change the Pasta – We used elbow macaroni pasta, but you use penne, rigatoni or even spaghetti.
  • Add in Vegetables – Mix in some broccoli, bell peppers, or anything that you have on hand.
  • Use Rice – Instead of using pasta, mix in some white rice or cauliflower rice.
  • Cheese Variations – We used Cheddar Cheese but you can also use other types. Colby Monterrey Jack Cheese or Pepper Jack Cheese is a great option.
  • Ranch Seasoning – You can use the dry seasoning packet or you can make Homemade Ranch Seasoning.

How to Store, Freeze and Reheat Crack Chicken:

  • Storing – Store crack chicken casserole in an air tight container and place in the refrigerator. It will be good for about 3 days. We think it taste best the next day as all the ingredients have really marinated together.
  • Reheating – You can place the casserole in a sauce pan to reheat or in the microwave. We like heating in the sauce pan so you don’t get hot spots from heat in the microwave.
  • Freezing – If you plan on freezing the crack chicken, I would not mix in the pasta. Keep separate until you are ready to serve then mix in cooked pasta.

Print Recipe here for Crock Pot Crack Chicken Casserole:

Crock pot Crack Chicken Casserole Recipe

4.98 from 192 votes
Crock Pot Chicken Casserole Recipe is creamy and delicious. It is loaded with cream cheese, bacon and ranch flavor that your family will go crazy for!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 5 minutes
Servings 8
Cuisine American
Course Main Course
Calories 672

Ingredients

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Instructions

  • In a large size bowl, beat together the cream of chicken soup, sour cream, chicken broth, ranch seasoning mix and pepper with a hand held mixer until creamy. ย 
  • Then gently mix in the chicken, half of the cheddar cheese and half of the chopped bacon.ย  Stir by hand carefully until the ingredients are completely combined.ย 
  • Pour the chicken mixture into the crock pot.
  • Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours until the chicken is cooked through. We do not recommend cooking this one on high.
  • Cook the pasta based on the box instructions to al dente.
  • After the cook time, stir in the cream cheese until melted.
  • Next, gently stir the cooked pasta into the crock pot mixture. ย 
  • Top with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese, bacon and the sliced green onions.
  • Cover and let the heat from the meal melt the cheese. Serve warm and enjoy!

Recipe Video

Recipe Notes

Refrigerate the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.ย 
ย 

Nutrition Facts

Calories 672kcal, Carbohydrates 26g, Protein 38g, Fat 45g, Saturated Fat 22g, Polyunsaturated Fat 4g, Monounsaturated Fat 13g, Trans Fat 1g, Cholesterol 164mg, Sodium 956mg, Potassium 553mg, Fiber 1g, Sugar 3g, Vitamin A 1053IU, Vitamin C 2mg, Calcium 370mg, Iron 1mg

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About the Author

Hi, I’m Carrie. Welcome to Eating on a Dime!

I’m on a mission to help you cook delicious meals without busting your budget. Together we are going to cook real food… for real families!

4.98 from 192 votes (181 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes I think that would work great!

  2. Susan M. says:

    5 stars
    I was wondering if I could add sugar stringless sugar snap peas? I just like a little veggie in my food usually but I didn’t know if that would be too heavy invitation throw it off or not Thank you in advance.

  3. Carrie Barnard says:

    Great question Steve! The pasta measurement is when it’s raw.

  4. Steve P. says:

    Hello! Is that 1.5 cups of elbow macaroni measured uncooked, or 1.5 cups of cooked macaroni? In other words, do I cook 12 ounces (1.5 cups) of macaroni? I know it doesnโ€™t go in uncooked, but 1.5 cups of uncooked macaroni once cooked is going to significantly be more than 1.5 cups cooked. Thank you.

  5. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes, I use 1/2 cup chicken broth in this recipe.

  6. Carrie Barnard says:

    Erin – I haven’t tested it yet but if you want to try it, add 2 cups of chicken broth to the crock pot and cook the pasta for the last 20-30 minutes of the cooking time before mixing in the cheese. Let me know how it works out!

  7. Erin says:

    Is it possible to cook the noodles in the crockpot with the meal? my husband and i are truck drivers and just need a simple meal that does not use many dishes.

  8. Lena says:

    Do you u add chicken broth or not? The top of the page instructions don’t have the broth but at the bottom it does.

  9. Carrie Barnard says:

    Sue the recipe can be found at the bottom of the post and you can also click on the jump to recipe button at the top to get their quicker. I hope you enjoy this easy crock pot recipe!

  10. Sue harris says:

    Need recipe for chicken casserole for crockpot

  11. Susan Scheuermann says:

    5 stars
    Loved it! The only little nuance I changed was putting chicken and bacon in crockpot, then poured sauce over. Thanks great recipe.

  12. Carrie Barnard says:

    Follow steps 1-3 and stir in the cooked shredded rotisserie chicken. Cook on low for 1-2 hours to heat all the ingredients through. Then follow the remaining steps 5-9.

  13. Carrie Barnard says:

    Yes

  14. Moni Vecc says:

    How do you make this with leftover rotisserie chicken? Like cooking times and when to add cream cheese. Thanks!

  15. Carrie Barnard says:

    You add in the cooked pasta, so it needs to be cooked before you stir it in the crock pot.

  16. Patricia Lavery says:

    4 stars
    Reading the reviews, do you put prepared cooked pasta in/ or is it uncooked and cooks in crock pot? Thank for clarifying

  17. Jasmine Thornberg says:

    Is the 1 1/2 cups of macaroni measured uncooked?

  18. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m so glad you loved it!

  19. Trinity says:

    5 stars
    Itโ€™s been hard finding something my 2 1/2 year twins will eat. They have been extra picky lately all of a sudden. They loved this and even asked for seconds. Toddler approved! Will definitely be adding this to our rotation!

  20. Carrie Barnard says:

    You can, but I like to wait and add the cream later to prevent it from separating.

  21. Kaylie says:

    5 stars
    What if I added everything at one time? I like cream cheese and all in the first step??????

  22. Sarah G says:

    5 stars
    Very easy and super delicious recipe. I will make this again.

  23. Julie Edwards says:

    Loved this recipe! I had to โ€œDo You Booโ€. I had 3 bone in thighs frozen! So I put them in the crockpot with the broth and cooked 4 hrs. Took them out and deboned and shredded. Then mixed everything else together except the bacon and half of the cheese. Poured that back into the crockpot and cooked on low for 1 hour. Stirred in the macaroni, covered with the remaining cheese and bacon. Covered and let cook about 30 minutes. It was perfect!

    I also thought the next time I would put into foil pans, cover with cheese and bacon and freeze for meals later. There are just two of us so this recipe will make us about 4 meals total! Great value!

    Thank you both for what you do!

    Julie

  24. Carrie Barnard says:

    I just updated it. You add the cream cheese and allow it to melt, before stirring in the pasta.

  25. Stephanie says:

    You still never updated when to put in the cream cheese.

  26. Carrie Barnard says:

    I’m sorry I normally add the cream cheese right after I shred it. I will update it right now.

  27. Tammy says:

    You donโ€™t mention when to add the cream cheese??

  28. Cindy Beirne says:

    4 stars
    Loved this! Tasted great but the directions had different ingredients listed than the recipe. The recipe said nothing about Cream of Chicken soup or chicken broth. The directions added those two ingredients to the chicken, sour cream, ranch dressing and pepper. I added the Cream of Chicken soup but no broth because it seemed like it would become too soupy.

  29. Carrie says:

    Jill – I recommend cooking the rice separately and mix it into the crock pot right before serving. Thank you.

  30. Jill says:

    If making with rice to I just add uncooked rice ? Would I add extra chicken broth to it when I add rice?

  31. Dawn says:

    5 stars
    This is the first recipe I made from Eating on a Dime. Instant hit! Even my picky daughter and grandaughter love it. When my husband says “When are you going to make that chicken stuff?”, I know exactly what he is asking for. It is the only meal he specifically asks for!

  32. Robin Setty says:

    This is definitely a keeper recipe. We loved it! DELISH!!!!!

  33. Pattie Neves says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is my house hold favorite. Its a quick easy low cost but most of all it is DELICIOUS!!! You can serve on a bun or by its self.

  34. Carrie says:

    Lisa – It tastes more cheesy than like cream cheese. I hope you try it and let us know if his likes it!

  35. Lisa says:

    Tempted to make this but worry about cream cheese (husband is not fan) does this have a strong cream cheese taste?

  36. Carrie says:

    Thanks for sharing Terri! I’m glad your husband and you both enjoyed this recipe!

  37. Terri Taylor says:

    5 stars
    Made this for the first time yesterday for dinner. It was awesome! My husband said it is a keeper recipe. Thanks for your website and cooking club! Enjoy trying new things and prepping ahead of time for easier dinners. Time and money savers!!!

  38. Carrie says:

    Kate – It’s uncooked noodles. I add them for the last 30 minutes of the cook time and they cook in the crock pot. Thank you!

  39. Kate says:

    Sounds delicious! Is it cooked or uncooked egg noodles?

  40. Carrie says:

    Phyllis – Yes, I think this could be made in the instant pot as well!

  41. Regina says:

    5 stars
    Love crockpot recipes. I work night shift in a nursing home and I can put things in the crockpot and my family has a hot meal when they are ready to eat. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes.

  42. Phyllis Bohannon says:

    Can you make this in Instant Pot?