Cheesy Crack Chicken Stew 🐔

Ingredients

3 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

Bacon:

12 slices bacon cut into 1-2 inch pieces

Chicken :

1.5-2lbs cubed uncooked chicken

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

1/2 tablespoon paprika

Vegetables :

1 diced green pepper

1 medium onion, diced

2 tablespoons chopped garlic

Cheese mixture:

3 tablespoons of butter

1/3 cup flour

3 cups of milk

1 package (1 oz) Dry Ranch Seasoning Mix optional

1 package (8 oz) cream cheese temperature

3 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 can (10 3/4 oz) cream of chicken, condensed

Toppings:

chopped cooked bacon

1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/4 cup panko crusty bread crumbs optional

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni as directed on the package. Aim for al dente, drain once done and set aside.

Cook the bacon:

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook bacon, stirring frequently, until crisp. Remove from skillet and set aside. Drain the fat, leaving only 2 tablespoons in the pan.

Cook the chicken:

Add the cubed chicken to the pan, and season with salt, pepper and paprika. Cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown and no longer pink in the center. Remove from pan and add to a large bowl.

Cook vegetables:

Add the diced onion, diced pepper and chopped garlic to the pan and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until soft and Remove from the pan and add to the bowl with chicken.

Cheese mixture:

In the same pan, over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Stir in flour until dough forms.

Gradually stir in the milk, beating with a whisk until completely combined.

Stir in ranch seasoning mix if using, condensed cream of chicken soup and cream cheese, and stir until

Next, reduce heat to low and add 3 cups cheddar cheese, stir until completely melted. Remove heat.

Combine :

To the bowl with meat and vegetables add the mixture of cooked pasta and cheese. Stir well to combine and transfer to a 13x9 inch (3 quart) baking dish.

Top with 1 cup grated cheese, and cooked bacon, and sprinkle panko bread crumbs on top if desired.

Cook in the oven :

Bake for 20-30 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese is completely melted.

Let cool for 10 minutes, then serve and enjoy! ❤️❤️