Description
Creamy, cheesy baked crack chicken delivers irresistible comfort on a plate. Zesty seasonings and crispy bacon create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 8-ounce (226 grams) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- 1 1-ounce (28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the cooking surface by heating the oven to 375F (190C) and lightly coating a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick spray or butter.
- Arrange raw chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish, ensuring they are evenly spaced and not overlapping.
- Season the chicken with a light dusting of garlic powder and freshly ground black pepper, massaging the spices gently into the surface.
- Create a creamy topping by blending cream cheese, ranch seasoning mix, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until achieving a smooth, uniform consistency.
- Carefully spread the cheese mixture over each chicken breast, using a spatula to ensure complete and even coverage.
- Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven and cook uncovered for 20-25 minutes, monitoring until the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Remove the dish from the oven and immediately distribute crumbled bacon pieces across the surface of each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese over the bacon, creating a rich and indulgent layer.
- Return to the oven for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and become golden and bubbly.
- Once completed, garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish.
- Serve immediately, optionally accompanied by rice, roasted vegetables, or as a hearty sandwich filling.
Notes
- Trim chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and prevent dry edges.
- Use full-fat cream cheese for richer, more decadent flavor and smoother texture.
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to help spices adhere better and enhance browning.
- Check internal temperature with a meat thermometer to guarantee perfectly cooked, juicy chicken without overcooking.
- Swap ranch seasoning for low-sodium options if watching salt intake.
- For gluten-free version, verify ranch seasoning packet ingredients carefully.
- Crisp bacon separately and crumble to control texture and prevent soggy result.
- Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or sharp cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
- Prepare ahead by assembling dish and refrigerating, then bake when ready to serve.
- Allow chicken to rest 5 minutes after baking to redistribute juices and maintain moisture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 58 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg