Cheesy Crack Chicken Casserole (590)

Ingredients:

• 3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
• 12 slices bacon (diced into 1-2 inch pieces)
• 1.5-2 lbs uncooked chicken (cubed)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 tablespoon paprika
• 1 green bell pepper (diced)
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 package (1oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix (optional)
• 1 package (8oz) cream cheese (room temperature)
• 3 cups cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken soup, condensed
• chopped cooked bacon
• 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/4 cup panko crispy bread crumbs (optional)

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the macaroni as directed on the package. Aim for al dente, drain once done, and set aside.
3. Over medium-high heat, cook the bacon in a large skillet, stirring frequently until crispy. Remove from skillet and set aside. Drain the grease, leaving only about two tablespoons in the skillet.
4. Add the cubed chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, and paprika. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and add to a large bowl.
5. Add the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until soft and tender. Remove from the skillet and add to the bowl with chicken.
6. In the same skillet, melt three tablespoons of butter on medium heat. Stir in the flour until the paste forms.
7. Gradually stir in milk, beating with a whisk until thoroughly combined.
8. Stir in the Ranch Seasoning Mix, if using, condensed cream of chicken soup and cream cheese until thoroughly combined.
9. Next, reduce the heat to low and add 3 cups of cheddar cheese, stirring until thoroughly melted. Remove from heat.
10. Add the cooked pasta and cheese mixture to the bowl with meat and veggies. Stir well to combine and transfer to a 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
11. Top with 1 cup shredded cheese and the cooked bacon, and sprinkle with some panko bread crumbs if desired.
12. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and cheese is fully melted.
13. Let it cool for 10 minutes; after that, serve and enjoy!