Description
Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering Crack Chicken Casserole, blending creamy textures with savory chicken and zesty seasonings. Hearty layers promise a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 pounds chicken breasts (cooked and shredded)
- 10 slices bacon (cooked and crumbled)
Dairy and Cheese Components:
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup sour cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 cups cooked pasta (rotini or penne)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chopped green onions
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 350°F, ensuring a perfectly warm environment for the casserole.
- Create a creamy base by whisking cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning until uniformly blended, then gradually incorporate chicken broth for a silky smooth consistency.
- Fold in shredded chicken, cooked pasta, crumbled bacon, and half the cheese varieties, seasoning with salt and pepper to enhance the flavor profile.
- Carefully transfer the mixture into a thoroughly greased baking dish, spreading evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top, creating a golden, melty crust that will develop during baking.
- Slide the casserole into the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, watching for a bubbling surface and attractive golden-brown coloration.
- Once removed from the oven, allow the dish to rest for a few minutes to set and stabilize its texture.
- Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped green onions to add a bright, crisp finishing touch before serving piping hot.
Notes
- Swap chicken for plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains creamy texture and flavor profile.
- Use gluten-free pasta and verify ranch seasoning ingredients for a celiac-friendly adaptation without compromising taste.
- Reduce sodium by selecting low-sodium chicken broth and cutting back on added salt, perfect for heart-conscious diners.
- Prep ingredients beforehand and assemble casserole up to 24 hours in advance, making this a convenient make-ahead meal for busy households.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 466 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 760 mg
- Fat: 33 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 13 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg