Description
Easy Crack Chicken Casserole is a creamy, cheesy, comfort-packed easy dinner loaded with tender chicken, pasta, ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and melty cheese. This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, family dinner ideas, potlucks, and make-ahead food ideas when you want a hearty dinner that feels cozy, simple, and seriously satisfying.
Ingredients
3 cups cooked shredded chicken
12 ounces penne pasta
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup sour cream
1 packet ranch seasoning mix
1 cup chicken broth
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
2. Cook the penne in salted water until al dente, then drain well.
3. In a large bowl, mix the softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth.
4. Stir in the cooked chicken, pasta, 1 cup cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, and most of the crumbled bacon.
5. Spread the mixture evenly into the prepared baking dish.
6. Top with the remaining cheddar cheese, remaining mozzarella cheese, and the rest of the bacon.
7. Mix the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle over the top.
8. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until hot and bubbly and golden on top.
9. Rest for 5 minutes, then finish with chopped parsley before serving.
Notes
Use rotisserie chicken to make this casserole even faster on busy nights.
Do not overcook the pasta before baking, or it can become too soft in the oven.
For extra richness, add a little extra cheddar on top during the last 5 minutes of baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 31g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: easy crack chicken casserole, crack chicken casserole, chicken casserole, easy dinner, dinner ideas, comfort food, baked pasta casserole, ranch chicken casserole, family dinner, easy recipe, food ideas