Save This pickle chip crusted chicken pasta bake transforms ordinary pasta night into something extraordinary with its tangy crunch and creamy interior. I discovered this recipe during a quest to use up leftover dill pickle chips and have been perfecting it ever since – it's now my go-to when I need comfort food with a twist.
I first made this on a rainy Sunday when my family was craving something cozy but different. The combination of tangy pickle flavor and creamy cheese sauce was an instant hit, and now it's requested at least twice a month in our rotation.
Ingredients
- Penne or rotini pasta: provides the perfect shape to hold the creamy sauce in every bite. Choose bronze-cut pasta for the best sauce adhesion
- Boneless skinless chicken breasts: create a lean protein foundation. Look for air-chilled chicken for better texture and flavor
- Olive oil: helps brown the chicken properly while adding subtle flavor
- Salt and pepper: are essential for layering flavors throughout the dish
- Garlic powder: adds depth to the chicken without overwhelming it
- Butter: creates the base for our roux and adds richness to both sauce and topping
- All purpose flour: thickens the sauce perfectly. Measure precisely for best results
- Whole milk: provides creaminess. Avoid low-fat versions which can make the sauce watery
- Cheddar cheese: brings sharp flavor. Use freshly grated for best melting properties
- Mozzarella cheese: adds that essential stretchy quality. Again fresh is best over pre-shredded
- Dijon mustard: cuts through richness with tangy depth. Choose a good quality brand
- Paprika: adds subtle color and smoky undertones to the sauce
- Fresh dill: brightens everything with herbaceous notes that complement the pickle flavor
- Dill pickle flavored potato chips: create our signature crunchy topping. Select a brand with robust flavor
- Panko breadcrumbs: add extra crunch and help absorb excess moisture from the chips
- Chopped dill pickles: intensify the signature flavor profile throughout the dish
Instructions
- Prepare Your Workspace:
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F and greasing your baking dish thoroughly. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier later. Position your oven rack in the middle position for even heat distribution.
- Cook The Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Add your pasta and cook until just al dente about 2 minutes less than package directions. The pasta will continue cooking in the oven so slightly undercooking it now prevents mushiness later. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse to preserve the starchy exterior that helps sauce adhesion.
- Prepare The Chicken:
- Heat olive oil in a skillet until shimmering but not smoking. Season your diced chicken pieces evenly with salt pepper and garlic powder making sure each piece is coated. Add chicken to the hot pan in a single layer without overcrowding to ensure proper browning. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes turning occasionally until golden on all sides and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. The browning creates flavor compounds that will enhance the entire dish.
- Create The Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat until foaming subsides. Sprinkle in flour and whisk continuously for a full minute to cook out the raw flour taste. This roux is the foundation of your sauce. Gradually pour in milk about a quarter cup at a time whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking as the sauce thickens which should take 3 to 5 minutes. You'll know it's ready when it coats the back of a spoon and a line drawn through it holds its shape.
- Finish The Sauce:
- Remove the thickened sauce from heat and immediately add both cheeses a handful at a time whisking until completely melted before adding more. Stir in Dijon mustard paprika and dill which will perfume the sauce with aromatic flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper remembering that the pickle elements will add saltiness later.
- Assemble The Base:
- In your largest mixing bowl combine the cooked pasta chicken sauce and chopped dill pickles. Fold gently but thoroughly ensuring every piece of pasta is coated with sauce. The mixture should be creamy but not soupy. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish spreading it into an even layer.
- Create The Crust:
- Crush pickle chips by placing them in a sealed bag and gently rolling with a rolling pin until broken into small pieces but not pulverized into dust. You want textural contrast. Combine these crushed chips with panko breadcrumbs and drizzle with melted butter tossing until evenly moistened. The butter helps the topping brown beautifully while adding richness.
- Top And Bake:
- Sprinkle your crust mixture evenly over the pasta ensuring complete coverage. Press down very gently to adhere the topping to the surface. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the edges are bubbling and the top is golden brown with a satisfying crunch. Watch carefully in the final minutes to prevent burning.
Save The dill pickle chips are truly the star ingredient here. I discovered their potential as a crust component entirely by accident when my son crushed a bag of chips onto his regular mac and cheese. The way they maintain their crunch while infusing the dish with tangy pickle flavor creates something truly special that elevates this from standard pasta bake territory.
Storage Tips
This pasta bake keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container. The pickle chip topping will soften somewhat but still provides delicious flavor. For best results when reheating, use a 350°F oven rather than microwave to help restore some crispness to the topping. Individual portions can be microwaved for 2 minutes, though the topping will remain soft.
If freezing, do so before adding the topping. Freeze the base in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, thaw overnight in the refrigerator, add freshly prepared topping, and bake as directed, adding an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Ingredient Substitutions
No pickle chips available? Regular potato chips mixed with a tablespoon of pickle brine and dried dill work surprisingly well. For a healthier option, try crushed seasoned crackers or even crushed pretzels mixed with dill.
The chicken can be swapped for cooked turkey, ham, or even smoked salmon for an interesting twist. Vegetarians can use roasted chickpeas or hearty mushrooms sautéed with the same seasonings.
For a tangier sauce, substitute half the cheddar with crumbled blue cheese or add a few tablespoons of sour cream to the finished sauce. The key is maintaining that balance of creamy and tangy that makes this dish special.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta bake pairs beautifully with light, crisp sides that balance its richness. A simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess perfectly. For a complete meal, add roasted broccoli or asparagus that can be prepared while the pasta bake is in the oven.
For entertaining, serve smaller portions as a unique side dish alongside grilled meats or a simple roast chicken. The unexpected pickle flavor always becomes a conversation starter at dinner parties.
A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a crisp lager complements the tangy notes in this dish beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon provides similar refreshment.
Save This chicken pasta bake is a flavor-packed dish that is sure to become a family favorite. The combination of creamy, tangy, and crunchy textures creates a truly satisfying meal.
Recipe Questions
- → How do you keep the pickle chip crust crisp?
Melted butter mixed with crushed pickle chips and panko helps achieve a golden, crunchy coating that stays crisp in the oven.
- → Can I substitute another protein instead of chicken?
Yes, turkey or even rotisserie chicken can be used for convenience without changing the flavor profile.
- → What type of pasta works best?
Penne or rotini are ideal as their shapes hold the sauce well and bake evenly with the crust.
- → Is this dish gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs, and check chip ingredients for any gluten sources.
- → How can I add more tang to the dish?
Adding a splash of pickle brine to the cheese sauce increases the zesty, tangy flavor throughout the bake.
- → What sides pair well?
A crisp green salad and a glass of dry white wine complement the creamy, crunchy casserole nicely.