Description

This Baked Crack Chicken is a rich and indulgent dish featuring tender chicken breasts topped with a creamy ranch-infused sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. It’s a comforting meal that’s perfect for family dinners or meal prepping.

Ingredients

Scale

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
2 (1-pound total) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced horizontally
1/4 teaspoon salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock
1 tablespoon garlic powder, divided
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Sliced green scallions, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Pound the chicken breasts to 1/4-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Cook the Bacon: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: In the same skillet, heat the vegetable oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear until golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, onion powder, Italian seasoning, and half of the garlic powder. Mix until smooth.
Assemble the Dish: Place the seared chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each piece. Pour the chicken stock around the chicken in the dish.
Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.
Add Toppings: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and cooked bacon over the chicken. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and sliced green scallions before serving.

Notes

This dish can be made ahead of time. Assemble the casserole, cover, and refrigerate for up to a day before baking

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

For a spicier version, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the cream cheese mixture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Baked Crack Chicken, Chicken Casserole, Cream Cheese Chicken, Bacon Chicken, Keto Chicken Recipe