Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
40 mins
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Cook Time
30 mins
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Total Time
1 hr 10 mins
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Servings
6 servings
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Calories
962 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Crack Chicken Spaghetti Casserole
Description
This casserole begins by boiling chicken thighs or breasts until cooked through, then shredding the meat. Meanwhile, spaghetti is cooked to al dente and drained. The sauce blends condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, and chicken broth, combined with sautéed onions, garlic, mushrooms, ranch seasoning, salt, and pepper for a seasoned creamy base.
Layering cooked spaghetti, shredded chicken, cooked bacon, and sauce in a greased baking dish, the casserole is then topped with a mixture of melted butter, cracker crumbs, and cheddar cheese. Baking at 375°F results in a golden bubbly surface with a contrast between tender pasta and crispy topping. The cheddar adds sharpness balancing the creamy sauce.
This dish serves as a hearty entrée suitable for family meals, with flavors anchored by familiar ingredients and textures that provide richness and satisfaction.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds chicken thigh or chicken breast, boneless skinless
- 16 Bacon cooked and chopped, slices
- 1 pound spaghetti
- 2 condensed cream of mushroom soup canned
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 2 cups chicken broth or reserved liquid from cooking the chicken
- 2 cups cheddar cheese grated, sharp
- 1 onion diced, medium
- 8 ounces baby bella mushroom sliced
- 1 tablespoon garlic minced
- 1 oz ranch seasoning mix packet
- salt freshly ground, to taste
- black pepper freshly ground, to taste
Topping:
- 1 1/2 cups cracker crumbs I used Ritz crackers
- 8 tablespoons butter melted, unsalted
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese grated
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter or a drizzle of oil and set aside.
Cook Chicken:
- Add chicken thighs or breasts to a medium-large pot and cover entirely with water.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and cover with a lid.
- Depending on the size, boil the chicken for 15-25 minutes. Check the temperature with a meat thermometer. When inserted in the thickest part of the meat, it should read 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Remove chicken from the liquid, transfer to a large bowl, and shred using two forks.
Cook Spaghetti:
- In the meantime, add spaghetti to a pot with water; if needed, break it in half. Add a drizzle of oil and stir. Cook per package instructions, aiming for al dente or 1-2 minutes shy of the package cooking time.
- Once pasta is cooked, reserve 2 cups of cooking liquid and discard the rest. Drain the pasta.
Assemble:
- Add cooked spaghetti, condensed cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, grated cheese, diced onion, garlic, sliced mushrooms, Ranch seasoning, and half of the bacon to the large bowl with shredded chicken. Stir to combine.
- Add 1 cup of broth or reserved cooking liquid and adjust for salt and pepper. If the mixture needs more liquid, add 1 cup and stir well to combine.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and distribute it evenly.
Buttery Cracker Topping:
- Combine cracker crumbs with melted butter in a medium bowl until well blended.
- Spread the crumb mixture on top of the casserole. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of cheese on top. Distribute evenly.
- Add the remaining bacon.
Baking:
- Bake for 30-40 minutes or until the mixture is bubbly and the cheese fully melts.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 962 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 962kcal | 48% |
| Carbohydrates | 73g | 24% |
| Protein | 66g | 132% |
| Fat | 66g | 102% |
| Saturated Fat | 30g | 150% |
| Cholesterol | 275mg | 92% |
| Sodium | 1518mg | 63% |
| Potassium | 1028mg | 22% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1023IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 7mg | 8% |
| Calcium | 494mg | 49% |
| Iron | 4mg | 22% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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