The ingredients list of our recipe leaves little to the imagination when it comes to why this recipe has become so popular. Tender, rotisserie chicken, rich cream cheese, aromatics, and shredded cheese melded together to make the comfort meal of a lifetime.
If you haven’t seen the crack recipe craze in the culinary world, the recipe we are sharing with you today is the perfect introduction to it: Crack Chicken. Crack Chicken is actually the OG in the crack recipe craze, finding its origin in a place not too far from me: Lansing, Michigan.
Our version took all of the immersive flavors and coupled them with the utmost convenience, because we translated it into a make-ahead freezer meal. While we are all about eating the most delicious food, we also have a slew of things happening in our world at any given moment, so convenience and ease are nonnegotiables.
The ingredients list of our recipe leaves little to the imagination when it comes to why this recipe has become so popular. Tender, rotisserie chicken, rich cream cheese, aromatics, and shredded cheese meld together to make the comfort meal of a lifetime. Garnish it with chopped bacon and green onions, and it becomes a next-level comfort recipe, impressing the guests just as much as the chef.
The cherry on top is this: the chef gets to enjoy the presence of the guests and the delicious meal. We are not fans of the whole run-around that happens when hosting or when simply trying to prepare dinner for our family, and the make-ahead nature of our Crack Chicken recipe omits all of the chaos.
With just a mixing bowl, a casserole dish, the ingredients, and less than ten minutes, dinner is prepared and waits for you in your freezer until the day of its debut. When that day comes, a simple freezer-to-oven transfer and ninety minutes of your day results in the most heavenly of meals for you and yours.
So, what do you say? Are you ready to join the crack recipe craze? (In my best Tone Loc voice) let’s do it!
Why You’ll Love this Crack Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
Versatile: Versatile both with the ingredients and serving methods, Crack Chicken is the perfect go-to recipe for all occasions.
Crowd Pleaser: This recipe is ideal for gatherings, ensuring everyone will enjoy your dish and even ask for the recipe.
School Lunch Suitable: Leftovers are a perfect option for school lunches.
Low-Maintenance Cooking: The prep and cooking methods require minimal effort, freeing up your evenings for what you want to do most.
Crack Chicken Freezer Meal Recipe
The ingredients list of our recipe leaves little to the imagination when it comes to why this recipe has become so popular. Tender, rotisserie chicken, rich cream cheese, aromatics, and shredded cheese melded together to make the comfort meal of a lifetime.
Label a 9×13 Pan/Dish with recipe name and cooking directions according to your preferred label method.
In a large mixing bowl, mix all ingredients, until everything is combined.
Add everything to the 9×13 dish and spread evenly.
Cover and freeze for up to 3 months.
Oven | Cooking Directions:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Remove Crack Chicken casserole from freezer and place in preheated oven covered with aluminum foil. Cook for 40 minutes.
Uncover and cook an additional 20-30 minutes.
Remove from oven, allow to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. Optional: Top with bacon crumbles and diced green onions.
Dietary Adjustments
Make it Gluten Free:
Ensure Alfredo sauce is Gluten-Free
Make it Dairy Free:
You could make a dairy free version of this recipe using DF cheese replacements;however we have not tested this recipe with the alternatives and cannot guarantee results.
Greek Yogurt: In lieu of the cream cheese, use Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content and add a tangy flavor. Greek yogurt can be a healthier option to cream cheese while not foregoing the creamy texture you desire in a Crack Chicken recipe.
Turkey Bacon: In place of regular pork bacon, you can use turkey bacon to lower the calorie and fat content. It still adds that scrumptious bacon flavor and crunch.
Additions:
Jalapeños: Include chopped jalapeños for a spicier version of Crack Chicken.
BBQ Sauce: Replace half the Alfredo sauce with BBQ sauce to alter the flavor profile entirely, bringing some of the South to your Crack Chicken.
How to Reheat and Store Crack Chicken
Best way to store Easy Crack Chicken Freezer Meal leftovers?
Leftovers, whats that? You more than likely will not have any with this recipe. But if you do, the best way to store your leftover Crack chicken is by allowing the recipe to cool. Once cooled, place in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
How long will Crack Chicken last in the fridge?
When properly stored in an airtight container, and cooled completely to room temperature, your crack chicken leftovers will stay fresh for three to five days in the fridge.
Can I freeze Crack Chicken Meal Prep?
Our meal prep method entails freezing recipes raw because it yields the most convenience and the best flavor and texture. While we think this recipe will be such a hit that you won’t have leftovers, if you find yourself with leftovers, you are welcome to freeze them. Just beware that the second round will be lacking in flavor and texture.
How to Reheat Healthy Crack Chicken Freezer Recipe?
This recipe is reheatable on the stovetop, in the oven, or in the microwave. Alternatively, you can use it as an appetizer the second day, keeping it warm and serving it in a slow cooker set to warm. Make sure when reheating to avoid overcooking, as that will change the flavor and texture of the recipe!
Budget Crack Chicken Freezer Meal FAQs
Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?
Lansing, Michigan is where Crack Chicken finds its origin. It all started with a seasoning that was sampled on chicken, and they kept coming back for more. Their “addiction” to the taste yielded the name “Crack Chicken,” and the rest is history.
How can you tell if chicken is bad?
The number one indicator of chicken gone bad is an unpleasant color. If it is gray-green, chances are it is no longer safe to eat. Also, the odor of the chicken can be a good indicator of freshness. Chicken that has gone bad emits an odor similar to ammonia.
What does crack chicken go with?
Some of the best pairings for crack chicken are steamed broccoli, mashed potatoes, green beans, rice, and a garden salad. As the base of the meal, it can really be served alongside anything you fancy.
What are some variations of Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken bears its name because it is insanely good, but if you’re looking to change it up a bit, try stirring in some diced jalapeños, chopped bacon, or your favorite salsa. Additionally, you could substitute the alfredo sauce (some or all) with BBQ for a different flavor profile.
What type of chicken works best in Crack Chicken?
While our recipe calls for rotisserie chicken, you can easily substitute for chicken breasts or thighs, according to your preferences and availability. Just be sure to alter your cooking methods accordingly.
Can Crack Chicken be used as a dip?
Crack Chicken is delicious as a dip. Serve it warm with tortilla chips, crackers, or sliced baguette. If you have a mini slow cooker, it is perfect for keeping Crack Chicken dip warm throughout your social gathering.
How do I thicken the sauce of my Crack Chicken?
To thicken the sauce of your Crack Chicken, try mixing a tablespoon of cornstarch with equal parts water. By stirring this into the Crack Chicken in the last half hour of cooking, the sauce will thicken up.
As a full time working mom of four, I know how hard it is to find time (or energy) to cook. That’s why I’ve spent over a decade perfecting freezer meal recipes to make sure they’re not only quick to prepare but packed with flavors the whole family will love!
