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Avatar photoEmily Garcia

Crack Chicken Casserole

Crack Chicken Casserole is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy, cheesy base infused with tangy ranch seasoning, shredded chicken, and crispy bacon. This hearty pasta casserole is baked until it achieves a golden, bubbling mozzarella crust.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Rest 5 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Casserole, Main Dish, Pasta
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (Chicken & Base)
  • 8 oz Cream cheese, softened (Chicken & Base)
  • 1 cup Sour cream (Chicken & Base)
  • 4 cups Cooked pasta (penne or rotini) (Chicken & Base)
  • 1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning mix (Flavor & Seasoning)
  • 0.5 tsp Garlic powder (Flavor & Seasoning)
  • 0.5 tsp Onion powder (Flavor & Seasoning)
  • Salt and pepper (Flavor & Seasoning)
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil (Flavor & Seasoning)
  • 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded (Cheese & Topping)
  • 1 cup Bacon bits (Cheese & Topping)
  • 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded (Cheese & Topping)
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish)

Equipment

  • 9 x 13 inch baking dish
  • large skillet for cooking chicken
  • large mixing bowl

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to $375^{circ}text{F}$ ($190^{circ}text{C}$). Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Sear for 7–8 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through ($165^{circ}text{F}$ internal temperature). Remove, let rest briefly, then shred the chicken using two forks.
  3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix vigorously until the base is completely smooth and free of lumps.
  4. Add the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and bacon bits to the cream cheese mixture. Stir until everything is well combined and coated in the sauce.
  5. Transfer the mixture into a lightly greased $9 times 13$-inch baking dish. Smooth the top and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the surface.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the mozzarella cheese on top is bubbling and turns a rich, golden brown.
  7. Remove from the oven and let it sit for about 5 minutes to help the casserole set. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving warm.

Notes

Ensure the cream cheese is softened before mixing with the sour cream and ranch seasoning for a smooth base. Do not overcook the pasta; drain it when it is al dente. This dish can be assembled up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated before baking. Garnish with fresh parsley for color. Pair with a simple garden salad to cut through the richness.