Crack Chicken Baked Ziti

$- 12 oz ziti pasta - 2 cups cooked, shredded chicken - 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened - 1 cup ranch dressing - 1 cup chicken broth - 1 tsp garlic powder - 1 tsp onion powder - 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - Fresh parsley for garnish Crack Chicken Baked Ziti is a dish that shines due to its simple yet rich ingredients. When I make this dish, I focus on each layer of flavor. The ziti pasta serves as the perfect base, providing a hearty and comforting texture. The chicken adds a great protein punch. I usually use cooked, shredded chicken, which blends nicely with the creamy sauce. Cream cheese brings a smooth richness, making every bite feel indulgent. For the pantry staples, I rely on ranch dressing to infuse bold flavor. The chicken broth adds moisture, ensuring the pasta stays tender during baking. The garlic and onion powders are my go-to spices. They bring depth to the dish without overpowering it. Cheese is where the magic truly happens. I love using a mix of cheddar and mozzarella. Cheddar gives a sharpness, while mozzarella melts beautifully, creating that gooey texture we all crave. Lastly, I always add fresh parsley on top. It brightens the dish and adds a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions included. You’ll see how these ingredients come together to create a comforting and satisfying meal. - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. - In a large pot, cook 12 oz of ziti pasta according to the package until al dente. Drain and set it aside. - In a mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of cooked, shredded chicken, 1 (8 oz) package of softened cream cheese, 1 cup of ranch dressing, and 1 cup of chicken broth. Add 1 tsp of garlic powder, 1 tsp of onion powder, and salt and pepper to your taste. Mix until smooth and well combined. - Fold the cooked ziti into the chicken mixture until every piece is coated. - Transfer half of this ziti mixture into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle half of 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese on top. - Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese. - Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes. - After 25 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden. - Once done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. For the full recipe, refer to the earlier section. - Ensure chicken is properly shredded. This step helps the flavors blend well. - Use a mix of cheeses for flavor. Cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy delight. - Refrigerate leftovers properly. Store in an airtight container for up to four days. - Reheating instructions: Use the oven for even heating. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes. - Garnishing techniques: Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a pop of color. - Serving suggestions: Pair with a simple green salad for a fresh contrast. {{image_2}} You can easily change the protein in this dish. Use turkey instead of chicken for a lighter option. This swap keeps the dish tasty while reducing fat. If you want a plant-based meal, try using shredded jackfruit or tofu. Both options soak up the flavors well. For those who love bacon, add crispy pieces for a savory burst. The smoky taste makes every bite more exciting. While ziti is classic, other pasta types work great too. Penne or fusilli are perfect substitutes. They both hold sauce well and add fun shapes. If you need gluten-free options, choose gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great taste and texture. Just cook them according to package instructions for the best results. Want to kick up the spice? Add sliced jalapeños to the mix. They bring heat and flavor in every bite. If you love herbs, add fresh thyme or basil. They brighten the dish and add depth. Experiment with these changes to make the recipe your own. You’ll find new favorites with each variation. To keep your Crack Chicken Baked Ziti fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help prevent it from drying out. Make sure the dish cools down before you put it in the fridge. It’s best to eat leftovers within three to four days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. - Freezing Instructions: - Let the baked ziti cool completely. - Cut it into portions for easy reheating. - Wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. - Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. - Label them with the date for easy tracking. In the fridge, your Crack Chicken Baked Ziti will last for about three to four days. After that, the taste and texture may change. Check for signs of spoilage. - Signs of Spoilage: - Any mold growth or off smell is a clear signal. - If the cheese looks dry or discolored, it’s best to toss it. When it comes to reheating, you have two main options: the oven or the microwave. While the microwave is quick, it can make the dish unevenly heated. The oven takes longer but warms it more evenly. - Oven Reheating: - Preheat to 350°F (175°C). - Cover the dish with foil to keep moisture in. - Heat for about 20 minutes, or until hot all the way through. - Microwave Reheating: - Place a portion in a microwave-safe bowl. - Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or plate. - Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until warm. To ensure even heating, always check the center of the dish. Enjoy your flavorful comfort food! Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Prepare it up to the baking step. Cover it tightly and refrigerate. When ready to bake, just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This helps the flavors blend well. Absolutely! Using rotisserie chicken saves time. It adds a tasty flavor without the work. Just shred the chicken and mix it with the other ingredients. This shortcut keeps your meal quick and simple. I suggest pairing it with a fresh salad. A side of steamed veggies works well too. Garlic bread complements the dish nicely. These sides balance the rich flavors of the baked ziti. You can make some easy swaps. Use whole wheat ziti for more fiber. Try low-fat cream cheese and dressings. Adding more veggies, like spinach or mushrooms, boosts nutrition without losing flavor. In this article, we explored how to make a delicious Crack Chicken Baked Ziti. You learned about the essential ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and clever tips for cooking and storage. Remember, this dish is tasty and easy to customize with different proteins and pasta. Whether you keep it simple or add flair, this meal satisfies. Try it out for yourself and enjoy a comforting dinner that everyone will love. With this guide, you create a dish that’s sure to impress. Happy cooking!$

Crack Chicken Baked Ziti is the ultimate comforting dish that's easy to make and packed with flavor! This simple recipe features ziti pasta, shredded chicken, creamy ranch dressing, and loads of cheese for a delicious family meal. Perfect for busy nights, it's a crowd-pleaser that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Click to explore the full recipe and bring this cheesy delight to your dinner table today!

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Ingredients

12 oz ziti pasta

2 cups cooked, shredded chicken

1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened

1 cup ranch dressing

1 cup chicken broth

2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

In a large pot, cook the ziti pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch dressing, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.

Fold the cooked ziti into the chicken mixture until evenly coated.

Transfer half of the ziti mixture into the greased baking dish, then sprinkle half of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese on top.

Layer the remaining ziti mixture on top, followed by the rest of the cheddar and mozzarella cheese.

Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden.

Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 15 mins | Total Time: 50 mins | Servings: 6-8