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Crack Chicken Casserole

A delicious, comforting dish combining ranch flavors, cheddar cheese, and tender chicken, perfect for gatherings or weeknight dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (1 ounce)
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup bacon bits
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 4 cups cooked pasta (such as penne or rotini)
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain.
  2. In a skillet with olive oil, season and cook chicken breasts over medium heat for 7–8 minutes per side until cooked through. Shred the chicken and set aside.
Mixing
  1. In a large bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, sour cream, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
  2. Stir in the shredded chicken, cooked pasta, cheddar cheese, and bacon bits until well combined.
Baking
  1. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and bake for 20–25 minutes, until bubbly and golden.
  2. Let cool slightly, then garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Use rotisserie chicken for an even quicker prep time. Feel free to add favorite vegetables, like spinach or bell peppers, for extra nutrition. For a spicier version, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture. Keep an eye on the casserole while baking to avoid over-browning the cheese.