Description: Indulge in a comforting and flavorful twist on classic lasagna with this Crack Chicken Lasagna recipe. Creamy, cheesy, and packed with the irresistible flavors of chicken, bacon, and ranch, this lasagna is guaranteed to be a family favorite. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 3 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works great!)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature for easy mixing
- 1 cup ranch dressing (store-bought or homemade, your preference)
- 1 cup cooked, crumbled bacon (about 10-12 slices, cooked until crispy)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (sharp or mild, depending on your preference)
For the Lasagna Layers:
- 9 lasagna noodles, cooked al dente according to package directions (about 8-10 minutes in boiling water)
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese (low-moisture, part-skim mozzarella works well)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade, use a good quality one if store-bought)
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is best for flavor)
Preparation:
Step 1: Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures even cooking throughout the lasagna. Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. This prevents the lasagna from sticking to the bottom and makes serving easier. Set aside.
Step 2: Cook Lasagna Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the lasagna noodles and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Al dente means they should be cooked through but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked noodles will become mushy in the lasagna. Drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 3: Prepare the Chicken Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, softened cream cheese, ranch dressing, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese. The key here is to ensure the cream cheese is properly softened. You can microwave it in 30-second intervals if needed. Mix all the ingredients together until evenly combined. Don’t overmix, as this can make the chicken mixture tough. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. You might want to add a pinch of salt and pepper.
Step 4: Assemble the Lasagna: Spread a thin layer of Alfredo sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. This prevents the noodles from sticking and adds flavor. Place three lasagna noodles over the sauce, overlapping them slightly to cover the bottom of the dish. Top with one-third of the chicken mixture, spreading it evenly over the noodles. Sprinkle with about one-third of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat the layers two more times: noodles, chicken mixture, mozzarella cheese. For the final layer, spread the remaining Alfredo sauce evenly over the top. Sprinkle with the remaining mozzarella cheese and the shredded Parmesan cheese. The Parmesan cheese will add a nice golden-brown crust.
Step 5: Bake the Lasagna: Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil. This will trap the moisture and help the lasagna cook evenly without drying out. Bake for 25 minutes. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly, melted, and golden brown. Removing the foil allows the cheese to brown nicely. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Step 6: Cool and Serve: Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving. This allows the layers to set and prevents the lasagna from falling apart when you cut it. Garnish with additional crumbled bacon or fresh parsley, if desired. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes can also add a little heat.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This Crack Chicken Lasagna is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of creamy Alfredo sauce, savory chicken, crispy bacon, and melted cheese creates a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. It’s incredibly easy to make, using simple ingredients that you can easily find in your local grocery store. This lasagna is perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying dinner, or for potlucks and gatherings where you want to impress your friends and family. The creamy texture and rich flavors make it a comforting and indulgent dish that everyone will love. Plus, it’s a great way to use up leftover cooked chicken. The bacon adds a smoky, salty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo and tangy ranch dressing. The layers of cheese create a gooey, cheesy delight that’s irresistible. This recipe is also highly customizable. You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences. For example, you can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the chicken mixture, or use a different type of cheese. You can also adjust the amount of bacon and ranch dressing to your liking.
COOKING Rating:
Easy
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side salad: A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing is a perfect complement to the richness of the lasagna.
- Garlic bread: Crusty garlic bread is a classic side dish for lasagna.
- Steamed vegetables: Steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are healthy and delicious options.
- A glass of wine: A light-bodied red wine, such as Pinot Noir, pairs well with lasagna.
Tips:
- Use rotisserie chicken to save time and effort.
- Cook the lasagna noodles al dente to prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Soften the cream cheese completely for easy mixing.
- Don’t overbake the lasagna, or the cheese will become dry and rubbery.
- Let the lasagna cool for at least 10 minutes before slicing and serving.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken mixture.
- You can prepare the lasagna ahead of time and bake it just before serving.
- Leftover lasagna can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat lasagna, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.
Prep Time:
20 minutes
Cook Time:
40 minutes
Total Time:
1 hour
Nutritional Information:
(Estimated, may vary based on specific ingredients and serving size)
- Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories per serving
- Protein: Approximately 30-40 grams per serving
- Sodium: Approximately 800-1000 mg per serving
Conclusion
Crack Chicken Lasagna is a decadent and delightful dish that combines the comforting flavors of lasagna with the irresistible appeal of chicken, bacon, and ranch. It’s an easy-to-make recipe that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, potlucks, and gatherings. With its creamy texture, cheesy layers, and savory flavors, this lasagna is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a culinary masterpiece! Enjoy!
Questions and Answers:
Q1: Can I use different types of cheese in this recipe? A: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor to your liking. Some great options include provolone, Monterey Jack, or even a blend of Italian cheeses.
Q2: Can I make this lasagna ahead of time? A: Yes, you can definitely assemble the lasagna ahead of time. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. When you’re ready to bake, simply remove it from the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking as directed in the recipe.
Q3: Can I freeze this lasagna? A: Yes, you can freeze the lasagna. Assemble the lasagna in a freezer-safe dish and wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and then with aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 3 months. To bake, thaw the lasagna in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake as directed in the recipe, adding about 15-20 minutes to the baking time. You can also bake it from frozen, but it will take significantly longer (about 1.5-2 hours).
Q4: Can I add vegetables to this lasagna? A: Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a great way to boost the nutritional value of this lasagna. Some good options include spinach, mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or zucchini. Simply sauté the vegetables until they are tender before adding them to the chicken mixture.
Q5: Can I use a different type of sauce instead of Alfredo sauce? A: Yes, you can substitute the Alfredo sauce with a different type of sauce if you prefer. A tomato-based sauce, such as marinara or arrabbiata, would also be delicious. You could also use a creamy pesto sauce for a unique twist. Just make sure the sauce complements the other flavors in the lasagna.
