Crack Chicken Baked Ziti
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
30 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 servings
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Calories
579 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crack Chicken Baked Ziti
Description
Starting with cooked ziti pasta, cubed chicken is pan-seared with salt, pepper, and paprika to develop a golden crust and cooked center. A creamy cheese sauce is made directly in the skillet using a roux of butter and flour, combined carefully with milk, ranch seasoning, minced garlic, and cream cheese for smoothness. Sharp cheddar cheese is melted into this base to create a luscious sauce. Mixing the chicken, sauce, and pasta together before transferring to a baking dish ensures even coating and flavor throughout.
The casserole is topped with crispy bacon pieces and additional shredded cheddar before baking at 375°F until bubbly and cheese fully melted. The layered flavors of smoky bacon, seasoned chicken, ranch-infused cream sauce, and cheddar combine to make a hearty, comforting pasta bake with a creamy texture and cheesy finish.
Ingredients
- 3 cups ziti pasta uncooked
Bacon:
- 12 lices Bacon baked until crispy and cut into 1 inch pieces
Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs chicken cubed, uncooked
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ground
- 1/2 tablespoon paprika
Cheesy Mixture:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 dry ranch mix optional, package
- 1 package 8oz cream cheese, room temperature and cubed
- 3 cups cheddar cheese shredded
Toppings:
- Bacon cooked
- 1 cup cheddar cheese shredded
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375degrees F.
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
Cook Chicken:
- Add the cubed chicken to a large skillet with some oil, season with salt, pepper and paprika. Cook stirring frequently, until golden and no longer pink in the center. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cheesy Mixture:
- In same skillet, on medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter.
- Stir in flour whisking until a paste forms.
- Gradually stir in milk, beating with the whisk to combine.
- Stir in Ranch Mix and garlic.
- Stir in cream cheese until fully combined.
- Stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese. Remove from heat.
Combine:
- In a large bowl combine: cooked pasta, chicken and cheese mixture. Stir well to combine and transfer to a 13x9-inch (3-quart) baking dish.
- Top with the cooked bacon, 1 cup shredded cheese.
Bake:
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until mixture is bubbly and cheese is fully melted. Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 579 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 579kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Protein | 33g | 66% |
| Fat | 37g | 57% |
| Saturated Fat | 14g | 70% |
| Cholesterol | 100mg | 33% |
| Sodium | 770mg | 32% |
| Potassium | 404mg | 9% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 6g | 12% |
| Vitamin A | 845IU | 17% |
| Calcium | 398mg | 40% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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