Pickle Chip Chicken Pasta Bake (Print Version)

Enjoy creamy chicken pasta covered in a crispy pickle chip topping for a tangy, comforting main dish twist.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

→ Chicken

02 - 2 cups cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced

→ Sauce Base

03 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
04 - 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
05 - 2 cups whole milk

→ Sauce Flavorings

06 - 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
07 - 1/2 cup sour cream
08 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
09 - 1/2 tsp garlic powder
10 - 1/2 tsp onion powder
11 - 1/2 tsp black pepper
12 - 1/4 tsp salt

→ Pickle Chip Topping

13 - 2 cups dill pickle flavored potato chips, crushed
14 - 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
16 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill (optional)

→ Mix-ins & Garnishes

17 - 1/2 cup chopped dill pickles
18 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

# Directions:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Boil pasta in generously salted water until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly to form a paste. Gradually incorporate the whole milk, whisking continuously until the mixture thickens slightly, approximately 3–4 minutes.
04 - Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt. Continue to cook, stirring, until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
05 - In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, chopped dill pickles, and the prepared cheese sauce. Stir gently until all components are evenly coated. Transfer this mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out uniformly.
06 - In a small bowl, combine the crushed pickle chips, panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and fresh dill (if using). Mix well to ensure the breadcrumbs are moistened. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the surface of the pasta and chicken.
07 - Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake, uncovered, for 25–30 minutes. The casserole is ready when the topping is golden brown and the filling is visibly bubbling.
08 - Remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley just before serving, if desired.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour
  • Uses pantry staples and leftover chicken
  • Kid friendly with a grown up twist
  • Perfect make ahead meal for busy weeknights
02 -
  • Freezes beautifully for up to 3 months
  • Can be assembled a day ahead and baked when needed
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day
  • Perfect for potlucks and meal trains
03 -
  • For the crispiest topping, avoid opening the oven during baking as the steam release can soften the chips
  • If making for pickle enthusiasts, add an extra splash of pickle juice to the sauce for more pronounced flavor
  • Let the casserole rest for a full 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set properly and make for cleaner portions

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