Easy Crack Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe: Comfort in a Dish

Whipping up a hearty crack chicken pierogi casserole brings comfort right to your dinner table.

My Polish grandmother would smile seeing this modern twist on traditional ingredients.

Creamy textures blend perfectly with crispy edges that promise deliciousness in every bite.

Cheesy layers meld together, creating a warm and inviting meal that feels like a culinary hug.

Simple ingredients come together quickly, making this dish perfect for busy weeknights.

Comfort food enthusiasts will absolutely adore how easily this recipe satisfies deep hunger.

Why Crack Chicken Pierogi Casserole Works

• Comfort Food Redefined: Combines classic ingredients like chicken, bacon, and pierogies into a rich, creamy dish that satisfies comfort food cravings in one simple baking pan.
• Versatile Meal Solution: Equally amazing for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings, this recipe adapts to multiple dining scenarios without requiring advanced cooking skills.
• Quick Assembly Magic: Requires just a few simple steps of mixing ingredients and baking, making it accessible for home cooks of all experience levels who want a hassle-free meal option.

Ingredients For Chicken Pierogi Casserole

• Pierogies: Soft, pillowy dough pockets filled with cheesy potato goodness.
• Chicken: Tender and juicy protein that adds heartiness to the casserole.
• Bacon: Crispy, salty meat that brings deep flavor and crunch.

• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that binds the ingredients together.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that provides rich, tangy flavor.
• Ranch Dressing Mix: Zesty seasoning blend that adds a cool, herbal kick.

• Cooking Spray: Light oil spray to prevent sticking and help browning.

Steps To Make Chicken Pierogi Casserole

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Zone

Set your oven to sizzle at 375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Give a quick spray of cooking oil to a 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Mix Flavor Powerhouses

• Creamy Alfredo sauce
• Shredded cooked chicken
• Crispy crumbled bacon
• Tangy cheddar cheese
• Zesty Ranch seasoning mix

Toss in the pierogies and gently mix until everything is beautifully coated.

Step 3: Arrange and Prepare

Transfer the fully coated pierogies into the prepared baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining cheese generously on top to create a golden, melty crown.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake uncovered.

The magic will happen in 35 to 45 minutes, transforming the ingredients into a bubbling, irresistible casserole.

Look for a golden-brown cheese topping and edges that are crispy and inviting.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let the casserole rest for a few minutes.

This helps the flavors settle and makes serving easier.

Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the creamy, cheesy, bacon-packed goodness.

Tips For Crack Chicken Pierogi Casserole

• Gently toss pierogies in the sauce mixture to ensure even, light coverage without breaking delicate pasta pockets.
• Crisp bacon beforehand for extra crunch and more intense flavor, preventing soggy texture in the final dish.
• Let casserole rest 5-10 minutes after baking to allow cheese to set and become perfectly melty and stringy.
• Swap chicken with shredded rotisserie chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Cover casserole with foil for first 25 minutes of baking to maintain moisture and prevent top from burning.

Save And Warm Chicken Pierogi Casserole

• Store leftover casserole in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from spreading.
• Wrap the cooled casserole securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the container with the date to track storage time.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Remove casserole from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 15 minutes. Cover with foil to prevent drying out, then bake for 20-25 minutes until heated thoroughly.
• Place individual portions on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming. Stop when the casserole reaches steaming hot temperature.

Sides To Match Chicken Pierogi Casserole

• Boost Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Chardonnay with buttery notes to complement the rich, creamy Alfredo sauce and enhance the chicken's savory profile.
• Craft Beer Match: Choose a hoppy pale ale that cuts through the casserole's heavy texture, balancing the bacon's smokiness and providing a refreshing contrast.
• Elevate Side Salad: Prepare a tangy mixed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to add brightness and lighten the dish's substantial, cheesy character.
• Enhance Garnish Option: Sprinkle fresh chives or green onions on top to introduce a clean, sharp flavor that lifts the casserole's richness and adds visual appeal.

Twist Ideas For Chicken Pierogi Casserole

• Gluten-Free Pierogi Delight: Replace traditional pierogies with gluten-free pierogi alternatives and use gluten-free Alfredo sauce and Ranch mix.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with plant-based chicken alternatives like tofu, tempeh, or jackfruit for a meat-free version.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Version: Replace pierogies with roasted cauliflower florets to reduce carbohydrate content while maintaining creamy texture.
• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free Alfredo sauce, vegan cheese alternatives, and coconut-based Ranch dressing to accommodate lactose-intolerant individuals.

FAQs

• What are pierogies?

Pierogies are traditional Eastern European dumplings made from unleavened dough and filled with various ingredients like potatoes, cheese, sauerkraut, or meat.

• Can I use frozen pierogies for this recipe?

Yes, frozen pierogies work perfectly and save time. Just thaw them slightly before mixing with other ingredients.

• Is Ranch dressing mix necessary for the recipe?

Ranch dressing mix adds a tangy flavor and helps bind the ingredients, but you can substitute with dry herbs if needed.

• What type of chicken works best in this casserole?

Rotisserie chicken or shredded cooked chicken breast are ideal for creating a tender and flavorful dish.

Crack Chicken Pierogi Casserole Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Comfort meets excitement in this crack chicken pierogi casserole, blending creamy textures with zesty flavors. Polish-inspired ingredients create a hearty meal that promises warmth and satisfaction for anyone craving a delicious dinner shortcut.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2 (16 ounces / 453 grams) packages frozen classic cheddar pierogies, thawed
• 3 cups chopped cooked chicken
• 2 (15 ounces / 425 grams) jars alfredo sauce

Protein Additions:

• 3/4 cup cooked chopped bacon

Seasoning and Cheese:

• 2 to 3 tablespoons ranch dressing mix
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

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Instructions

1. Prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish by coating it with a light layer of non-stick spray, ensuring complete surface coverage.
2. Mix the Alfredo sauce, shredded chicken, crispy bacon bits, half of the cheddar cheese, and Ranch seasoning in a spacious mixing bowl until thoroughly combined.
3. Gently fold the frozen pierogies into the creamy mixture, ensuring each pierogi is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
4. Transfer the sauced pierogies to the prepared baking dish, spreading them in an even layer to promote consistent heating.
5. Generously sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese across the top of the casserole, creating a golden, melty surface.
6. Place the uncovered dish in a preheated oven at 375°F and bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and slightly browned.
7. Remove from the oven and let the casserole rest for 5-7 minutes to allow the sauce to set and cool slightly before serving.
8. Garnish with optional chopped green onions or fresh parsley for added color and fresh flavor if desired.

Notes

• Customize the casserole by using gluten-free pierogies and ensuring all ingredients are gluten-free for those with dietary restrictions.
• Enhance flavor by using rotisserie chicken for a more intense, pre-seasoned meat that adds depth to the dish.
• Reduce sodium and calories by selecting low-fat Ranch dressing mix and using turkey bacon as a lighter alternative to traditional bacon.
• Prep ahead by assembling the casserole earlier in the day and refrigerating, then baking when ready to serve for maximum convenience.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 980 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg