Crack Chicken Casserole
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This indulgent Crack Chicken Casserole makes a hearty dinner out of my addictive Crack Chicken Dip!
A combination of pasta, tender chicken, buttery crackers, and a creamy sauce, the bold and savory flavors of this appetizer turned main course makes an easy dinner option everyone will love!
I know, I know. Some people are hesitant when they hear the word casserole. But trust me when I say casseroles can be modern, comforting, and delicious!
Similar to my Crack Chicken Dip recipe, this casserole pairs juicy chicken with a homemade sauce, vegetables, gooey cheese, and pasta. Add bacon for some smoky flavor and crushed crackers for a buttery crunch and you’ve got yourself the ideal entree!
In addition to this recipe, my lazy lasagna casserole or this Greek-inspired spanakopita casserole are proof that casseroles will never go out of style.
Why you will love this ritz cracker chicken casserole recipe
- Promoted to main course: You know when an appetizer is so good you can’t help but eat too much and then you’re too full for the actual meal? This solves that problem by turning your favorite dip into a filling main course!
- Family friendly: Not only is this casserole recipe delicious for both adults and kids, but it makes enough food to feed everyone plus leftovers!
- Uncomplicated: This recipe is super simple and straightforward. It’s perfect for when you need a hassle and stress-free dinner that’s still delicious.
Ingredients you will need
- Pasta: I like to use cavatappi for its curly shape, it holds lots of the sauce and chicken so you get tons of flavor in every bite!
- Veggies: A simple combo of red bell peppers and green onions does the trick here, but feel free to add other vegetables.
- Creamy ingredients: A mix of cream cheese, sour cream, and whole milk ensures that this casserole is hearty and rich.
- Cream of chicken soup: Adds even more richness to the texture, as well as extra chicken flavor.
- Seasonings: Kosher salt or sea salt, blacked pepper, and a packet of ranch dressing mix are all the seasonings you’ll need!
- Bacon: Sprinkling crispy bacon bits into the casserole adds more salty, smoky flavor.
- Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese pairs perfectly with the other ingredients.
- Chicken: Use leftover chicken (like from this slow roasted whole chicken recipe), buy a rotisserie chicken at the grocery store, or bake some chicken breasts and shred them.
- Crackers: Ritz crackers act as a top layer that provides a nice crunch and buttery flavor to pull everything together.
*For a detailed list of instructions, ingredients and measurements, please reference the recipe card down below.
Substitutions
- Pasta: Cavatappi is my choice, but any pasta shape will do the trick. Rotini, penne, ziti, and farfalle are great options!
- Breadcrumbs: Instead of the crackers, you can top the dish with some Panko. Just spritz with olive oil before baking.
- Half and half: Use in place of milk for an even creamier result.
- Cheese: You can use colby jack, monterey jack, pepper jack, or mozzarella in place of cheddar. You just want something with lots of flavor that will get nice and melty in the oven!
Healthy Substitutions
- Low Fat:
- Use low fat sour cream and low fat cream cheese for a lighter casserole.
- You can also use a lighter milk than whole milk.
- Omit the bacon or use turkey bacon instead.
- Low Carb: The cracker topping can be left off to cut down on carbs and the casserole will still taste great!
- Added veggies: Other great veggies to add are spinach, broccoli, green beans, asparagus, and zucchini.
How to make crack chicken casserole
Step 1: Cook pasta. Follow the directions on the box for al dente pasta.
Step 2: Sauté veggies. Sauté the red peppers until softened and add green onions.
Step 3: Make the creamy ranch sauce. Combine the cream cheese, chicken soup, sour cream, milk, and seasonings. Stir in pasta, chicken, veggies, cheese, and bacon.
Step 4: Bake. Transfer the mixture to your prepared dish and sprinkle with remaining cheese and bacon. Bake until golden brown, then top with crushed crackers!
variations
- Chicken Tater Tot Casserole: Instead of crushed crackers, add a layer of frozen tater tots before baking.
- Crack Chicken and Rice Casserole: Use rice instead of pasta.
- Chicken and Broccoli Casserole: Chicken, cheddar, and broccoli are a super great combination! Add some roasted or steamed broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Storing and Reheating
Allow the casserole to cool, then cover well with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You could also keep leftovers in a separate airtight container. Keep your crack chicken casserole in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Place your covered casserole back in the oven and bake until heated all the way through, about 20-25 minutes. For individual or smaller portions, the microwave is also a fine option and will be quicker.
What to serve with crack chicken casserole
Pair this hearty casserole with a light and refreshing salad, like this cucumber radish salad or a classic chopped vegetable salad. For a special dinner, serve your casserole with green beans almondine, an asparagus salad with lemon vinaigrette, or these yummy glazed slow cooker carrots.
FAQs
If you find your casserole turns out a bit too thin or runny, you may need to cut down on the amount of milk in the mix. This can also happen if you’re using chicken that’s been frozen and thawed.
Absolutely! Prepare everything as instructed then refrigerate, covered, and pop it in the oven to bake when it’s time to eat! Hold off on the crackers until just before serving so they don’t get soggy.
Plain and simple, it’s called crack chicken because it’s so addicting! The flavors in this dish will have you going back for seconds and thirds every time.
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Crack Chicken Casserole
Ingredients
- 2 cups cavapatti pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 4 green onions, diced
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 1 cup sour cream
- 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup
- 1/4 cup whole milk
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken,
- 1/2 cup ritz crackers, crushed
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with oil.2 tbsp olive oil,
- Bring a large pot of boiling water to a low simmer and add the pasta. Cook according to the box instructions, until al-dente. Drain, rinse and drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, then toss to combine to prevent the noodles from sticking.2 tbsp olive oil,, 2 cups cavapatti pasta
- Add 1 tbsp of olive oil to a non-stick skillet and heat on a medium-low heat. Add the diced red pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Add the green onions for 1-2 more minutes until soft. Remove from the heat and set aside. In a mixing bowl, add the cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, sour cream, milk, ranch powder, salt, and pepper. Using a spatula or spoon, combine until smooth.Mix in the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, cooked peppers and onion, 1/2 the shredded cheese and 3/4 of the cooked bacon.1 red bell pepper,, 4 green onions,, 4 oz cream cheese, 1 cup sour cream, 1 can unsalted cream of chicken soup, 1/4 cup whole milk, 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning, 1/4 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, 1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 3 cups shredded cooked chicken,, 1 cup bacon,
- Spoon the chicken mixture into your prepared baking dish and spread with a spatula until even. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese and bacon. Then bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.1.5 cups shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup bacon,
- Top the casserole with crushed ritz crackers and serve.1/2 cup ritz crackers,
Notes
- Let the cream cheese come up to room temperature for easier mixing.
- Give the top of your casserole a light drizzle with ranch dressing and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives for an elevated presentation.
- Place the finished casserole under the broiler for a minute or two to get the crushed crackers nice and toasty.
- Add onion powder and/or garlic powder to lean into those savory flavors.
