So you went all in and made a huge batch of that addictively delicious crack chicken everyone’s talking about. Now your fridge is overflowing with leftovers and you’re wondering, “What on earth am I gonna do with all this leftover crack chicken?” Don’t worry – I’ve been there too many times to count!
As someone who regularly cooks for my family (and always seems to make too much), I’ve become something of an expert at transforming those creamy, cheesy leftovers into brand new meals that nobody will recognize as yesterday’s dinner.
In this article, I’ll share my top 10 favorite ways to breathe new life into leftover crack chicken, plus some storage tips to keep it fresh and safe to eat. Let’s dive in and make those leftovers work for us!
What Is Crack Chicken Anyway?
For those who somehow missed this internet sensation, crack chicken is that irresistibly creamy dish made with chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It got its name because it’s so addictively good – one bite and you’re hooked! The combination of creamy, savory, cheesy goodness is simply unbeatable.
Storing Your Leftover Crack Chicken Properly
Before we jump into the recipes, let’s talk about how to safely store your leftovers
- Cool it quickly: Divide into smaller portions to speed up cooling
- Refrigerate promptly: Store in airtight containers for 3-4 days
- Freeze for later: Freezes well for 2-3 months in freezer-safe containers
- Reheat thoroughly: Always heat to 165°F before eating
Now, let’s get to the fun part – transforming those leftovers!
1. Crack Chicken Pasta Bake
This is my family’s absolute favorite way to use leftover crack chicken! It’s basically a whole new meal that’s ready in under 45 minutes.
What you’ll need:
- Leftover crack chicken
- 4 cups rotini pasta (or any shaped pasta)
- Extra cream cheese if needed
- Evaporated milk
- Extra cheddar and mozzarella cheese
- Bacon bits for topping
How to make it:
- Cook pasta according to package directions
- Mix pasta with your leftover crack chicken
- Add a bit of evaporated milk if it seems dry
- Transfer to a 9×13 baking dish
- Top with extra cheese and bacon bits
- Bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until bubbly
This pasta bake is super adaptable – I sometimes add broccoli or peas to sneak in some veggies. My kids never notice!
2. Crack Chicken Quesadillas
These are perfect for a quick lunch or dinner when you’re short on time but still want something delicious.
- Spread leftover crack chicken between two tortillas
- Add extra cheese (because more cheese is always better!)
- Cook in a skillet until golden and crispy
- Cut into triangles and serve with sour cream or salsa
So simple but so good! The tortilla gets nice and crispy while the filling stays creamy and flavorful.
3. Crack Chicken Stuffed Peppers
This is one of my favorite ways to fancy-up leftovers when we have company:
- Cut bell peppers in half and remove seeds
- Mix leftover crack chicken with cooked rice or quinoa
- Stuff the mixture into the pepper halves
- Top with more cheese (always more cheese!)
- Bake until peppers are tender, about 25-30 minutes at 350°F
These look so impressive, nobody will ever guess you’re serving leftovers!
4. Crack Chicken Sliders
Perfect for game day or when you’ve got a bunch of hungry kids to feed:
- Split mini slider buns
- Pile on the leftover crack chicken
- Add pickles, cheese, or any other toppings you like
- Warm them in the oven until the buns are toasty
I usually make these when my kids have friends over – they disappear in minutes!
5. Loaded Crack Chicken Baked Potatoes
This is my husband’s favorite leftover transformation:
- Bake potatoes until tender (or use the microwave if you’re in a hurry)
- Split them open and fluff the insides
- Top with warmed leftover crack chicken
- Add extra toppings like green onions, bacon bits, and sour cream
It’s a complete meal that’s super filling and satisfying!
6. Crack Chicken Soup or Chowder
When the weather turns cool, transform your leftovers into a comforting soup:
- In a pot, combine chicken broth, diced potatoes, and vegetables
- Simmer until potatoes are tender
- Add your leftover crack chicken
- Heat through and adjust seasonings
The ranch and cream cheese in the crack chicken make the soup naturally creamy and flavorful!
7. Crack Chicken Breakfast Hash
Don’t forget breakfast! This is unexpected but amazingly good:
- Dice some potatoes and cook them until crispy
- Add diced peppers and onions
- Mix in chopped leftover crack chicken
- Make wells in the hash and crack eggs into them
- Cover and cook until eggs are set
This hearty breakfast will keep you full till lunchtime!
8. Crack Chicken Enchiladas
Give your leftovers a Mexican twist:
- Fill tortillas with leftover crack chicken
- Roll them up and place in a baking dish
- Cover with enchilada sauce and cheese
- Bake until bubbly
The ranch flavors in the chicken pair surprisingly well with the enchilada sauce!
9. Crack Chicken Salad
For a lighter option that’s perfect for lunch:
- Chop your leftover crack chicken into smaller pieces
- Mix with a bit of extra mayo if needed
- Add diced celery, onion, and a touch of mustard
- Serve on bread, croissants, or over lettuce
This is my go-to lunch option when I’m trying to be “good” but still want something satisfying.
10. Crack Chicken Dip
And finally, turn those leftovers into an awesome party appetizer:
- Shred or chop the leftover chicken
- Mix with extra cream cheese to make it more dip-like
- Add a touch of sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Heat until warm and bubbly
- Serve with chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables
This dip is always a hit at gatherings – people always ask me for the recipe, and I just smile!
Storage Safety Tips
Remember these important tips when handling your leftover crack chicken:
- Never leave it at room temperature for more than 2 hours
- Divide large amounts into smaller containers for quicker cooling
- Label with the date when freezing
- Use refrigerated leftovers within 3-4 days
- Frozen leftovers are best used within 2-3 months
Final Thoughts
Leftover crack chicken is truly a gift that keeps on giving! With these creative ideas, you’ll never get bored of eating the same thing two days in a row. Plus, you’ll save money and reduce food waste – it’s a win-win!
My personal favorite from this list is definitely the pasta bake – it’s like getting a whole new comfort food dish with minimal effort. But honestly, all these options are delicious in their own way.
Do you have other creative ways to use leftover crack chicken? I’d love to hear your ideas! Drop a comment below or share your own leftover transformations.
Remember, leftovers don’t have to be boring – with a little creativity, they can become the star of a whole new meal that your family will love just as much as (or maybe even more than!) the original.
Happy cooking and leftover transforming!
FAQ About Leftover Crack Chicken
How long can I safely store leftover crack chicken in the refrigerator?
Leftover crack chicken can be safely stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days in an airtight container.
Can I freeze leftover crack chicken?
Yes! Crack chicken freezes well for 2-3 months. Store in airtight containers or freezer bags.
What’s the best way to reheat frozen crack chicken?
Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat thoroughly to 165°F using a microwave, oven, or stovetop.
My leftover crack chicken got too thick in the fridge. How can I fix it?
Add a little chicken broth, milk, or cream cheese and stir well until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I make a lighter version of crack chicken using leftover chicken?
Absolutely! Try using light cream cheese, reduced-fat bacon, and Greek yogurt to create a lighter version with similar flavors.
Crack Chicken Pasta Recipe
- ▢ 4 strips frozen bacon
- ▢ 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces*)
- ▢ 1 ounce ranch seasoning mix (1 packet)
- ▢ 8 ounces dry penne pasta (½ box**)
- ▢ 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ▢ 4 ounces cream cheese (room temperature)
- ▢ 1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- ▢ 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- ▢ Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- ▢ Fresh parsley
- In a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet set over medium heat, cook the frozen bacon. When crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.4 strips frozen bacon
- Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and add the chicken. Cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown.1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Sprinkle the ranch mix over the chicken and stir to coat.1 ounce ranch seasoning mix
- Add the pasta and pour in the chicken broth. Stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the pasta is just past al dente. Stir occasionally.8 ounces dry penne pasta, 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- Remove the lid and add the cream cheese. Stir until it has melted and becomes a creamy sauce.4 ounces cream cheese
- Add the bacon crumbles and 1 cup each of cheddar and mozzarella cheese into the skillet. Stir until well combined and melted.1½ cups freshly shredded cheddar cheese, 1 cup freshly shredded mozzarella cheese
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta and cover with the lid for about 1 minute to allow the cheese to melt. Serve garnished with Parmesan and parsley.Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Add a second packet of ranch seasoning if you want to intensify the flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the chicken in step 2 – about 3 minutes should be enough time. It will finish cooking throughout the next steps of the recipe.
- Nutritional information does not include optional garnishes.
How to Make Crack Chicken Pasta Step by Step
Prep: Gather all of your ingredients. I recommend setting the cream cheese out on the counter for 30 minutes before starting, so that it’s soft enough to cut and melt into the pasta.
Cook the Bacon: In a large sauté pan or cast iron skillet set over medium heat, cook the 4 strips of frozen bacon and chop into crumbles. When crispy, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
Brown the Chicken: Cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Leave the bacon fat in the skillet and add the chicken, then cook for 2-3 minutes until it begins to brown.
Add Ranch Seasoning: Sprinkle 1 ounce of ranch seasoning mix (1 packet) all over the chicken, and stir to coat.
Add Pasta and Broth: Add 8 ounces of dry penne pasta, then pour in 4 cups of low sodium chicken broth.
Cook the Pasta: Stir everything together and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be just past al dente (softened with a slight bite).
Add Cream Cheese: Remove the lid and add 4 ounces of softened cream cheese, cut into cubes. Stir until it melts and turns into a creamy sauce.
Stir the Cheese and Bacon: Add the bacon crumbles back to the skillet, then add 1 cup each of shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until well combined and melted.
Finish and Serve: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta. Cover for about 1 minute to let the cheese melt. Serve crack chicken pasta garnished with Parmesan and parsley!
