Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese Recipe – THE BEST macaroni and cheese EVER! Campanelle pasta, butter, flour, ranch seasoning, heavy cream, milk, salt, pepper, cheddar cheese, chicken and bacon. Can make in advance and refrigerate or freeze for later. Comfort food at its best!

bowl of chicken macaroni and cheese on a table with text overlay

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Cheddar Bacon Ranch Macaroni and Cheese

This Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese is dangerously delicious. It’s a creamy, comforting dish that’s a true crowd-pleaser. Tender pasta coated in a velvety sauce made with a hint of ranch dressing mix, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese and loaded with chicken and bacon. This is the ultimate comfort food! It’s the kind of dish that’ll have you coming back for seconds! It’s impossible to resist!

What does CRACK mean?

If a recipe has “crack” in the title it means that the recipe has cheddar, bacon, and ranch in the ingredients. It all started with my Crack Dip way back in 2007. I made the dip for a Titans football game. Everyone went crazy over it. We couldn’t stop eating it and said it was like crack. The name stuck.

According to the dictionary, the definition of crack is “of superior excellence or ability”. We think the flavor combination of cheddar, bacon, and ranch fits this definition! This recipe is most definitely of superior excellence!

scooping chicken macaroni and cheese from a baking dish with a wooden spoon

How to Make Crack Chicken Mac & Cheese

This pasta is super easy to make with only a few simple ingredients. Bring a large pot of water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook according to the package directions for al dente pasta. Drain and set aside.

In a large saucepan, melt unsalted butter over medium heat. Add all-purpose flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for a few minutes until the roux turns golden brown. Slowly whisk in heavy cream to the flour mixture. Add milk and ranch seasoning. Cook over medium-high heat until thickened. Remove the pan from the heat and add shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted. Add the cooked pasta and crumbled bacon to the cheese sauce and toss to coat. Pour the pasta mixture into a large baking dish sprayed with non-stick spray. Sprinkle the top of the pasta with a few tablespoons of panko bread crumbs. Bake in a preheated oven until bubbly. Garnish with fresh parsley.

Helpful Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

I use rotisserie chicken in this recipe. You can use any cooked chopped chicken.
- Chicken breasts, chicken thighs, chicken tenderloins, or canned chicken.
You can use any shape of pasta that you prefer. Elbow macaroni, cavatappi pasta, rigatoni, penne, bowtie pasta – anything goes!
- I buy campanelle pasta at Target: https://www.target.com/p/barilla-campanelle-pasta-16oz/-/A-13156079#lnk=sametab
Here is our recipe for Homemade Ranch Dressing Mix made with buttermilk powder, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, chives, dill, salt, and pepper: https://www.plainchicken.com/homemade-ranch-dressing-mix/
If you are sensitive to ranch seasoning, adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Variations/Additions:
- onions
- peppers
- hot sauce
- spinach
- broccoli
Can Chicken Mac & Cheese be made in advance? Yes! You can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until you are ready to bake. You will need to add 5 or 10 minutes to the cooking time.
Can Chicken Macaroni & Cheese be frozen? Yes! Assemble the casserole and cool completely. Cover the baking dish with plastic wrap and aluminum foil and freeze. When ready to bake, thaw and cook as directed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the microwave.

bowl of chicken macaroni and cheese on a table

What to Serve with Crack Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

This baked pasta is a family favorite! We absolutely love the flavor combination. When it comes to what to serve with this cheesy pasta, I’ve got some delicious options for you.

To complement its rich flavors, consider serving it alongside a crisp, garden-fresh salad with homemade dressing. The refreshing contrast of the salad’s greens and veggies balances out the richness of the mac and cheese.
Roasted or steamed vegetables like green beans or asparagus can also be a fantastic addition, adding a pop of color and a healthy element to your meal.
And if you’re feeling extra indulgent, some warm, buttery garlic bread or dinner rolls on the side can round out your feast.

No matter what you choose, one bite and this is sure to earn a spot in your dinner rotation! Looking for more side dish ideas? Here are some popular recipes from the website:

Vegetables