Name: Crack Chicken Penne
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Ingredients: For the Dish:; 12 ounces penne pasta (or your preferred pasta shape); 2 cups cooked shredded chicken (rotisserie chicken works well); 6 slices of bacon (cooked until crispy and crumbled); 1 8 oz block of cream cheese (softened); 1 cup ranch dressing (homemade or store-bought); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (plus extra for topping); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/4 cup milk (optional, to adjust sauce consistency); 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon onion powder; Salt and pepper (to taste); Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Crack Chicken Penne has quickly become one of the most beloved recipes in the world of comfort food. This creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible dish combines tender shredded chicken, rich cream cheese, tangy ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon bits—all tossed together with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal to serve at gatherings, this recipe delivers every time. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about making Crack Chicken Penne, from its origins to expert tips and creative variations.

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What is Crack Chicken Penne?

A large serving of crack chicken penne pasta on a wooden board, garnished with extra shredded cheese and fresh parsley. — A family-friendly meal that everyone will love—crack chicken penne!

The Origin of the Name

The term “Crack Chicken” might sound unusual, but it perfectly describes the addictive nature of this dish. Much like crack, once you take a bite, you can’t stop! The combination of savory chicken, creamy cheese sauce, and smoky bacon creates a flavor profile so irresistible that people often find themselves going back for seconds (and thirds). While the exact origin of the name remains unclear, it likely stems from social media platforms where food bloggers and home cooks began sharing their versions of this dish under the catchy moniker.

This comforting pasta dish gained traction due to its simplicity and deliciousness, becoming a staple in households across America. It’s no wonder why it’s considered comfort food at its finest—perfect for lazy Sundays or busy weekdays when you want something quick yet satisfying.

Key Ingredients in Crack Chicken Penne

At its core, Crack Chicken Penne relies on just a few key ingredients that come together to create magic:

Chicken Breast : Lean and flavorful, chicken breast provides the protein base for this dish. You can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs depending on your preference.
Cream Cheese : A crucial component of the sauce, cream cheese adds richness and creaminess. Brands like Kraft Philadelphia are popular choices because they melt smoothly into the sauce.
Ranch Dressing Mix : This powdered mix enhances the flavor profile with herbs and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, and dill. Hidden Valley Ranch is a widely used brand for this purpose.
Bacon Bits : Crispy bacon pieces add texture and smokiness to the dish. For convenience, Hormel Real Bacon Pieces work well, though you can also fry fresh bacon strips if preferred.
Shredded Cheese : Typically cheddar or a blend of cheeses, shredded cheese melts beautifully into the sauce, creating a decadent finish.
Penne Pasta : Short, tube-shaped penne pasta holds the sauce exceptionally well, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.

Together, these ingredients form the foundation of what makes Crack Chicken Penne so special.

Why People Love This Dish

There’s more than one reason why Crack Chicken Penne has captured the hearts—and taste buds—of so many:

Creamy Texture : The cream cheese and ranch dressing mixture creates a velvety sauce that coats each piece of pasta and chicken, offering unparalleled indulgence.
Easy Preparation : Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or even an Instant Pot, this recipe requires minimal effort while delivering maximum results.
Family-Friendly : Kids and adults alike adore this dish, making it ideal for family dinners or potlucks.
Versatility : Customize the recipe by adding vegetables like broccoli or spinach, or switch up the pasta type to suit dietary needs.

With its ease of preparation and universal appeal, it’s no surprise that Crack Chicken Penne has become a go-to recipe for countless home cooks.

How to Make Crack Chicken Penne

Step 1 – Prepare Your Ingredients

Before diving into the cooking process, gather all your ingredients and prepare them ahead of time. Here’s what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
Cream cheese (room temperature for easier melting)
Ranch dressing mix
Shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend works best)
Cooked penne pasta
Optional: Freshly cooked bacon or pre-cooked bacon bits

If using raw chicken, ensure it’s properly thawed and patted dry before cooking. If substituting gluten-free penne, check the package instructions for cooking times, as gluten-free pasta may require slightly different handling.

Step 2 – Cook the Chicken

To cook the chicken, follow these steps:

Stovetop Method : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sear on both sides until golden brown, then reduce the heat and cover the pan to allow the chicken to cook through completely. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding it with two forks.
Slow Cooker Option : Place the chicken in a slow cooker along with some broth or water to prevent drying out. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours. Afterward, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Instant Pot Alternative : Seal the lid of your Instant Pot and set it to manual mode for 15 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally before opening the pot and shredding the chicken.

Whichever method you choose, aim for tender, juicy chicken that will blend seamlessly with the sauce.

Step 3 – Mix the Sauce

Creating the signature sauce is simple but crucial to achieving the right consistency:

In a separate bowl, combine softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix. Stir until smooth, ensuring there are no lumps.
Gradually add shredded cheese to the mixture, stirring continuously until melted and incorporated.
If needed, thin out the sauce with a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired thickness.

This sauce forms the heart of the dish, bringing together the flavors of creaminess, tanginess, and richness.

Step 4 – Assemble and Serve

Once your components are ready, it’s time to bring everything together:

Toss the shredded chicken into the prepared sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the mixture, stirring gently to combine.
Garnish with additional shredded cheese and bacon bits for extra flair.
Serve hot alongside your favorite side dishes, such as garlic bread or a crisp salad.

Your Crack Chicken Penne is now ready to enjoy!

Variations of Crack Chicken Penne

A bowl of slow-cooker crack chicken penne pasta with steam rising from the top. — Hands-off cooking at its best—slow cooker crack chicken penne!

Slow Cooker Version

Using a slow cooker simplifies the process significantly, especially for those who prefer hands-off cooking. To adapt the recipe:

Combine uncooked chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and a small amount of broth in the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker after cooking and stir in cooked penne pasta toward the end.

This method ensures tender chicken without requiring constant attention.

Stovetop Method

For faster preparation, the stovetop method is ideal:

Begin by cooking the chicken as described earlier.
In the same skillet, melt the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix, then incorporate shredded cheese.
Add the shredded chicken and cooked penne pasta, tossing everything together until heated through.

This approach allows for quicker assembly and serving.

Instant Pot Option

The Instant Pot version combines speed and convenience:

Cook the chicken using the pressure cooking function.
Use the sauté mode to prepare the sauce by melting cream cheese, ranch dressing, and shredded cheese.
Combine the chicken, sauce, and pasta for a seamless finish.

Perfect for busy evenings, this method cuts down on overall cooking time.

Vegan-Friendly Adaptation

For plant-based eaters, here’s how to make a vegan version:

Replace chicken with chickpeas or seitan for protein.
Substitute dairy-based cream cheese with alternatives like Kite Hill almond-based cream cheese.
Use nutritional yeast instead of shredded cheese for a cheesy flavor.
Opt for gluten-free or whole grain penne pasta.

This adaptation retains the essence of the original recipe while catering to dietary restrictions.

Tips for Perfecting Your Crack Chicken Penne

Choosing the Right Pasta

While penne is the traditional choice for this dish, other short pastas like rigatoni, ziti, or fusilli can also work well. However, penne remains the top pick because its ridges trap the creamy sauce, enhancing the eating experience. Be sure to cook the pasta al dente according to package instructions to maintain texture.

Avoiding Common Mistakes

Here are a few pitfalls to watch out for:

Overcooking the Pasta : Overcooked pasta becomes mushy and absorbs too much liquid, altering the dish’s balance. Always taste-test the pasta before adding it to the sauce.
Not Mixing Thoroughly : Ensure the sauce fully coats the chicken and pasta; otherwise, parts of the dish may lack flavor.
Adding Too Much Liquid : Adding too much milk or broth to the sauce can dilute the flavors. Start with small amounts and adjust gradually.

By avoiding these mistakes, you’ll achieve consistent results every time.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage and reheating techniques ensure leftovers retain their quality:

Store leftover Crack Chicken Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore moisture, microwaving in short intervals until heated through.
Alternatively, reheat portions in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

“For a step-by-step guide on how to make this delicious dish, check out this fantastic recipe for Crack Chicken Penne by Jo Cooks.”

Serving Ideas and Pairings

Side Dishes That Complement Crack Chicken Penne

Enhance your dining experience with these complementary sides:

Caesar Salad : A crisp, refreshing salad balances the richness of the main course.
Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta.
Roasted Vegetables : Broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts add color and nutrition to the meal.

Drinks to Pair With Your Meal

Quench your thirst with these beverage options:

White Wine : A light Chardonnay complements the dish’s creamy flavors.
Sparkling Water : A fizzy drink offers a refreshing contrast.
Iced Tea or Lemonade : Classic Southern favorites pair wonderfully with comfort foods.

Dessert Suggestions

Finish your meal on a sweet note with these dessert ideas:

Chocolate Brownies : Rich and fudgy, chocolate brownies provide the perfect ending.
Fresh Fruit Platter : Light and healthy, sliced fruits offer a refreshing finale.

Conclusion: Why Crack Chicken Penne Deserves a Place in Your Kitchen

As we reach the end of our journey through the world of Crack Chicken Penne, it’s clear why this dish has become such a beloved favorite among home cooks and food enthusiasts alike. From its humble beginnings as a simple combination of chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, and bacon to its current status as a go-to recipe for busy weeknights and special occasions, Crack Chicken Penne exemplifies the perfect blend of convenience, flavor, and indulgence. Let’s take a moment to reflect on what makes this dish so special and why it deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen repertoire.