Last Updated on June 23, 2024
Welcome to my kitchen, lovely readers! Today, I’m thrilled to share with you one of my all-time favorite recipes: Crack Chicken Penne. This dish is a symphony of flavors, featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta.
Crack Chicken Penne has garnered a loyal following for its comforting and indulgent qualities. It’s a dish that brings warmth and satisfaction with every bite, making it a beloved choice for family dinners and gatherings with friends.
This article contains affiliate links, but these recommendations are based on objective product review and experience.
Crack Chicken Penne Ingredients
Gather these ingredients:
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 6 slices bacon, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences:
- My recipe is not so strict and you don’t necessarily need penne pasta, you can use any pasta that you have at home or if you prefer a different form.
I most often make pasta from this brand. It is moderately firm and does not fall apart when cooked, nor does it stick together into an unappetizing mass. I think housewives understand how annoying that can be.
- If you find bacon too fatty or are on a diet, try vegan or turkey bacon.
- In addition to the seasonings I have indicated, you can also add your favorite ones.
Crack Chicken Penne Cooking Instructions
Alright, let’s get this party started!
Cooking chicken
- Grab those chicken breasts and sprinkle on a generous pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and don’t forget a good dash of salt and pepper.
- Heat up a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, gently lay down those seasoned chicken pieces. Ah, can you hear that sizzle? Cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
Cooking the Pasta
- Get a pot of water boiling and add in your penne pasta. We want it will be not too soft, not too firm.
- Keep an eye on it, we’re aiming for that al dente perfection!
Making the Sauce
- In that same skillet where we cooked our chicken (because why dirty another pan, am I right?), toss in the chopped bacon and let it sizzle away until it’s beautifully crispy. Oh, that aroma! Once it’s golden and crispy, set it aside for later. Feel free to sneak a piece or two for yourself – chef’s treat!
Once upon a time, my friend gave me a reliable skillet, which has helped me more than once. Yes, it may not look very modern, but if my dishes turn out very tasty with it, then it’s worth it.
- Lower the heat and add our cream cheese, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and that packet of ranch seasoning mix. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy.
- Toss back in our cooked chicken and crispy bacon into that glorious sauce.
Combining Everything
- Finally, add our perfectly cooked penne pasta to the skillet.
- I spend a lot of time stirring the food in the pan, because I want each piece to be well soaked and juicy and tasty.
Serving Suggestions
- I love sprinkling the dish with green onions to keep the chicken bright and fresh.
- I like cheeses, so I couldn’t do without it in this dish either. I recommend cheddar for this chicken.
- Place the chicken on a sheet of fresh, crisp lettuce for the perfect presentation.
- Don’t forget to soak the gravy, and prepare garlic bread for this, you will get a real delight, I assure you.
Crack Chicken Penne Recipe: Tips and Tricks
- Use olive oil and butter for rich flavor when cooking the chicken.
- Be careful not to overcook the pasta; it should be tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by adding more chicken broth if needed.
Crack Chicken Penne Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave individual portions for convenience.
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Penne is a culinary masterpiece that combines the best flavors and textures in one delightful dish. With tender chicken, crispy bacon, and creamy sauce, it’s a recipe that’s sure to impress.
I hope this recipe inspires you to get creative in the kitchen and indulge in the deliciousness of Crack Chicken Penne. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with loved ones, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!
Crack Chicken Penne
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts diced
- 6 slices bacon chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 8 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- salt and pepper to taste
- chopped green onions, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Grab those chicken breasts and sprinkle on a generous pinch of garlic powder, onion powder, dried parsley, and don’t forget a good dash of salt and pepper. Heat up a skillet with a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s nice and hot, gently lay down those seasoned chicken pieces. Ah, can you hear that sizzle? Cook them until they’re beautifully golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
- Get a pot of water boiling and add in your penne pasta. We want it will be not too soft, not too firm. Keep an eye on it, we’re aiming for that al dente perfection!
- In that same skillet where we cooked our chicken (because why dirty another pan, am I right?), toss in the chopped bacon and let it sizzle away until it’s beautifully crispy. Oh, that aroma! Once it’s golden and crispy, set it aside for later. Feel free to sneak a piece or two for yourself – chef’s treat! Lower the heat and add our cream cheese, chicken broth, shredded cheddar cheese, and that packet of ranch seasoning mix. Stir it all together until it’s smooth and creamy. Toss back in our cooked chicken and crispy bacon into that glorious sauce.
- Finally, add our perfectly cooked penne pasta to the skillet.I spend a lot of time stirring the food in the pan, because I want each piece to be well soaked and juicy and tasty.
Nutrition
FAQ
What do you serve with crack chicken?
Crack chicken is often served with: Rice or cauliflower rice, Mashed potatoes, Pasta, Steamed vegetables, Salad, Dinner rolls or bread.
These sides complement the rich and creamy flavors of the dish.
Why is crack chicken called crack chicken?
Crack chicken is called “crack chicken” because of its highly addictive taste. The combination of creamy cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and chicken creates a dish that many find irresistibly delicious, prompting the nickname.
How to reheat crack chicken?
To reheat crack chicken:
1. Place the chicken in a microwave-safe dish, cover, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
2. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
3. Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How much protein is in crack chicken?
The protein content in crack chicken depends on the specific recipe and portion size. On average, a serving (about 1 cup) of crack chicken can contain approximately 20-30 grams of protein. For precise nutritional information, refer to the recipe’s ingredients and their respective dietary values.
My name is Ania, and I am very glad to see you here. I have always loved cooking; even some of my earliest memories are flipping through a cookbook and making pudding standing on a stool because I was too small to reach the stove.
You should know that I am not a professionally trained chef, just a big food lover who grew up in a family obsessed with cooking and focused on what we eat.
