If you're always on the lookout for quick, delicious casserole recipes, then this Crack Chicken Recipe is for you. Made with creamy ranch flavors, crispy bacon, and melty cheese, it's a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds.
The creamy texture and bold flavors make this recipe for crack chicken a hit with all ages. It is simple to make, whether you're an experienced home cook or just starting out.
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Crack Chicken Casserole
Crack chicken is more than just a catchy name—it's a game-changer for busy families. This dish combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and ranch with the savory goodness of bacon and cheese. It's a yummy meal that fits perfectly into a busy schedule.
When you're wondering what to make for dinner, try this easy casserole. With minimal prep and a short cooking time, it's perfect when you're short on time but still want a hearty, homemade meal. Crack chicken and pasta will become a regular in your house.
Recipes Made With Ranch Seasoning
Ranch seasoning is an ingredient that brings a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes, making it a go-to in many kitchens. It is a tasty blend of herbs and spices that can used in so many ways. Here are some of our favorite things to make with ranch seasoning.
- Bacon Ranch Potatoes Recipe
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta in the Instant Pot
- Ranch Chicken and Pasta Bake
- Keto Crack Chicken in the Crock Pot
Ingredients For Crack Chicken Recipe
- Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture to the chicken and pasta.
- Sour Cream: Enhances the tangy flavor.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: Provides the flavor of ranch dressing.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Cut into 1-inch chunks.
- Penne Pasta: My preference for casseroles, but other short pasta will also work.
- Bacon: Adds a nice crunch to the dish.
- Cheddar Cheese: Provides sharpness and a gooey texture.
- Fresh Parsley: For garnish.
How to Make Chicken Crack Recipe
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch chunks. In a large bowl, mix softened cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning.
Toss the chicken chunks into this creamy mixture until they're well-coated. Transfer the chicken mixture to the prepared casserole dish, spreading it around evenly. Bake the chicken for 30 minutes.
While the chicken bakes, fry the bacon in a medium skillet over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and chop it into small pieces.
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling water until al dente, then drain. Add the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and half the shredded cheddar cheese to the pot and mix.
After 30 minutes, remove the casserole from the oven, add the pasta mixture, and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake for an additional 5 minutes to melt the cheese. Finish by sprinkling chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.
Tips for Making Crack Chicken Recipe
Tip 1: To save time, you can fry the bacon ahead of time. Store it in the fridge until you're ready to assemble the casserole.
Tip 2: Feel free to add more ranch seasoning or cheese if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Tip 3: Sneak in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color. Just sauté them lightly before mixing them into the casserole when you add the pasta.
How To Store Crack Chicken?
To store leftovers safely, place them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. They will stay good for up to three days. When you are ready to enjoy this dish again, place it in the oven or microwave and heat until the chicken is 165 degrees.
What Pasta Is Best For Casseroles?
Penne is my favorite pasta to use in casseroles, but any sturdy pasta type like rigatoni or rotini works well. You want something that can hold up to sauces and the other ingredients in casseroles. Cooking times may vary slightly, so be sure to check the package.
Chicken Casseroles
Chicken casseroles are a cozy and comforting dish, which makes them a go-to choice for family dinners or potlucks. With their hearty ingredients and rich flavors, they're easy to prepare and even easier to enjoy. Here are some of our favorite chicken casserole recipes:
- Ritz Cracker Chicken Casserole
- Million Dollar Chicken Casserole
- Loaded Chicken and Potato Casserole
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
Casserole Essentials
To make any casserole, you'll need several kitchen tools, the most important being a 9x13-inch casserole dish. Measuring cups and spoons always come in handy, as does a casserole carrier if you plan to take this meal to a potluck.
You can easily find all these tools on Amazon and have them sent right to your home. Talk about simple!
Pyrex Basics 3 Quart Glass Oblong Baking Dish with Red Plastic Lid -9 inch x 13 inch x 2 inch - Original Genuine Pyrex - Made in the USA
Wisenvoy Casserole Dish 9x13 Baking Pan Casserole Dishes For Oven Baking Dish Ceramic Lasagna Pan Baking Dishes For OvenQEES Casserole Carrier For Hot or Cold Food,Casserole Carrier,Pie Carrier,Casserole Dish With Lid and Carrying Case,Insulated Casserole Food Carrier For Travel Party Picnic,Pioneer Woman Dish CarrierVuudh Quilted Double Decker Casserole Carrier - Expandable Dish Carrying Case for Hot or Cold Food, Lasagna Holder for Potluck Parties, Picnic, Beach, Fits 9VAKRATUNDA KITCHENWARES Copper Serving Spoon with Hammer Handle, Table Spoon for Kitchen, Dinnerware, Serve ware, Non-Slip Heat Resistant Copper Cooking Tools for Modern Kitchen, Set of 2, 8Zalaxt Gold Measuring Cups and Spoons Set with Fragrant Wood Handle, Measuring Cups, Metal Measuring Spoons and Measuring Cup Set for Cooking & Baking, Set of 8 pcs
Crack Chicken is a must-try recipe for any home cook looking to simplify dinner time but not sacrifice taste. With its creamy, savory flavors and minimal prep, it's a dish that you will make again and again.
Pasta Casseroles
📖 Recipe
Crack Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 oz Ranch Seasoning Mix
- 2 pounds chicken breast cut into 1-inch chunks
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 9 slices bacon
- 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1-2 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350 degrees and grease up a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch chunks.
- In a large bowl, mix together the cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning.
- Toss the chicken in the creamy mixture, then pour it all into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Bake for 30 minutes.
- While that’s cooking, throw some bacon in a medium pan and fry it over medium heat until it’s crispy. Remove it from the pan and chop it into small pieces.
- Cook your pasta in a large pot, boiling it on high heat until it’s al dente, then drain the water.
- In that pot, combine the cooked pasta, chopped bacon, and half of the cheese.
- Add this mixture to the chicken in the casserole dish.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top of the mixture and bake for another 5 minutes to melt it.
- Chop up some parsley and sprinkle it on top before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Save time by frying the bacon ahead and chilling it until you're ready to make the casserole.
- Add extra ranch seasoning or cheese for a bolder taste if you like.
- Throw in some veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for more nutrition and color. Just give them a quick sauté before mixing them into the casserole with the pasta.
Heather
This Crack Chicken recipe is fantastic! It’s creamy, flavorful, and so easy to make. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal. Thanks for sharing this great recipe!
Vicky
Thank you! Crack chicken casserole is so easy and delicious. Glad you enjoyed it!
Gabby
This was so simple to make and the ranch and bacon combo made this recipe absolutely mouthwatering! It was a big hit in our house.
Vicky
Thanks for the kind words! Bacon and cheese is always a winning combo.
Gianne
It's so creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor - the perfect comfort food. Super easy to make too, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Definitely a new family favorite!
Vicky
It makes busy nights a lot less stressful!
Anjali
Omg this looks so comforting, delicious and satisfying too! Perfect for an easy family dinner - can't wait to try it this week!
Vicky
Even the pickiest of kids will love crack chicken and pasta!
Jason Otis
Soooo darn tasty. Thanks a bunch!
Vicky
Glad you liked the crack chicken recipe!