Crack Chicken Lasagna is a deliciously indulgent twist on the classic Italian dish. Combining creamy ranch, smoky bacon, tender chicken, and gooey cheese, this lasagna is a flavor-packed comfort meal that will have your family and friends coming back for seconds. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this recipe will soon become a favorite in your home.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well)
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon
- 1 ½ cups cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup sour cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
For the Lasagna:
- 9 lasagna noodles (no-boil or cooked according to package instructions)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Mixture:
In a large mixing bowl, combine shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, sour cream, bacon, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended and set aside. - Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish. - Prepare the Alfredo Sauce Mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together the Alfredo sauce and chicken broth until smooth. This will make the sauce thinner and easier to layer. - Layer the Lasagna:
- Spread a thin layer of the Alfredo sauce mixture on the bottom of the prepared baking dish.
- Place 3 lasagna noodles on top.
- Spread ⅓ of the chicken mixture evenly over the noodles.
- Sprinkle with ⅓ of the shredded mozzarella cheese.
- Pour a layer of Alfredo sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat these layers two more times, finishing with a final layer of Alfredo sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese on top.
- Bake:
Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. - Rest and Garnish:
Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serving: Serve the Crack Chicken Lasagna with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The creamy, cheesy layers are best enjoyed warm.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: This lasagna freezes well. Wrap the entire dish tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought Alfredo sauce?
Yes, store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly for this recipe. For a homemade touch, you can make your own Alfredo sauce with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese.
2. What’s the best type of chicken to use?
Rotisserie chicken is a great option because it’s already cooked and flavorful. You can also use boiled, grilled, or baked chicken breast.
3. Can I make Crack Chicken Lasagna ahead of time?
Absolutely! Assemble the lasagna and refrigerate it (uncooked) for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, follow the instructions, adding 10-15 minutes to the baking time if it’s cold.
4. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Use gluten-free lasagna noodles and ensure your Alfredo sauce and ranch seasoning are gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should be naturally gluten-free.
Enjoy this rich and savory Crack Chicken Lasagna with its irresistible flavors—it’s sure to be a hit!
PrintCrack Chicken Lasagna
Crack Chicken Lasagna is a delightful twist on the classic Italian dish, combining tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch-flavored sauce, all layered with lasagna noodles and melted cheese. This comforting casserole is sure to become a family favorite.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 12 lasagna noodles
- 3 cans (12 ounces each) evaporated milk
- 2 packets (1 ounce each) ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 3 cups shredded cooked chicken (such as rotisserie chicken)
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 3 ounces cooked bacon, crumbled (about 3 strips)
- Chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven:
- Set your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the Noodles:
- Prepare the lasagna noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set them aside.
- Make the Creamy Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together the evaporated milk and ranch seasoning. Cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture starts to thicken.
- Add the cubed cream cheese to the saucepan and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the Lasagna:
- Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Spread ¾ cup of the creamy sauce on the bottom of the dish.
- Place a layer of lasagna noodles over the sauce.
- Evenly distribute half of the shredded chicken over the noodles.
- Sprinkle ½ cup each of mozzarella and cheddar cheese over the chicken.
- Drizzle 1 cup of the creamy sauce over the cheese.
- Repeat the layers: noodles, remaining chicken, ½ cup each of mozzarella and cheddar, and 1 cup of sauce.
- Finish with a final layer of noodles, top with the remaining sauce, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Scatter the crumbled bacon over the top layer of cheese.
- Bake:
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Rest and Serve:
- Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before slicing.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Notes
- For the best melting and texture, it’s recommended to shred your own cheese rather than using pre-shredded varieties.
- Ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature before adding it to the sauce to help it blend smoothly.
- Letting the lasagna rest before serving helps it set and makes slicing easier.