Baked crack chicken – Satisfy your cravings with our recipe, for Baked Crack Chicken. This mouthwatering dish combines tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a creamy blend of cream cheese and cheddar. It’s incredibly easy to make making it the perfect choice for a satisfying dinner on any weeknight. Get ready to experience the flavors that have made this dish a favorite across the country.
The first time I tried making Baked Crack Chicken it felt like a revelation. The enticing smell of sizzling bacon filled the kitchen attracting my husband and child instantly. I can still remember the excitement, in their eyes as I prepared the cheese mixture layering it with cheese, bacon, and seasoned chicken. When it came out of the oven, golden and bubbling. Their faces lit up with delight. One taste was all it took for this dish to become a family favorite. The combination of deliciousness and crispy bacon was a hit. It was such a heartwarming moment knowing that this recipe had earned its place among our family dishes – bringing us comfort and joy with every bite.
What makes this Baked crack chicken stand out?
What makes this recipe stand out is the combination of tender, crispy chicken breasts, flavorful bacon, and a creamy mixture of cream cheese infused with ranch dressing. Each bite is a blend of cheesy deliciousness enhanced by the smoky touch of paprika and the earthy richness of dill and chives. The real magic happens when it’s baked to perfection resulting in a gooey and cheesy masterpiece that’s both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re hosting a dinner or simply craving a weeknight meal this dish will transport you to culinary bliss. It’s like comfort food reinvented, where every mouthful is a celebration of goodness.
What You Need To Make This Baked Crack Chicken Recipe?
Bacon: The thick slices of bacon provide a savory element to this dish. They are cooked until crispy. Then used as a topping adding a crunch and a rich burst of flavor.
Chicken Breasts: We use boneless skinless chicken breasts that have been pounded to an even thickness. This ensures that they cook quickly and remain tender and juicy.
Seasonings: We create a blend by combining garlic powder, smoked or sweet paprika, salt, and freshly ground pepper. These seasonings infuse the chicken with a well-balanced taste.
Cream Cheese Mixture: Our creamy and tangy layer is made by combining cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and dried chives. It perfectly complements the richness of the chicken.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: We generously sprinkle cheddar cheese on top of the dish. You can choose between yellow cheese (even mix them) for a melty and cheesy coating.
Vegetable Oil and Butter: To achieve that golden crust on the chicken we use vegetable oil and butter for cooking.
Garnishes: For added freshness and vibrancy we garnish the dish, with parsley leaves and sliced green scallions. They provide a pop of color while balancing out its richness.
Steps To Make Baked Crack Chicken:
Step 1: We’re diving headfirst into bacon heaven! Grab a skillet and toss in those bacon slices. Cook them until they reach the perfect level of crispiness. The heavenly aroma of sizzling bacon filling your kitchen is the beginning of something amazing.
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Step 2: Now let’s prepare our chicken breasts for their journey. Take a mallet. Give them a tap to even out their thickness aiming for around ¼ to ½ inch. Season them with a sprinkle of salt, freshly ground pepper, garlic powder, and a touch of smoked or sweet paprika for that smoky flavor.
Step 3: Time to bring back that sizzling skillet! Add a splash of oil to enhance the remaining bacon goodness in the pan. Carefully place those seasoned chicken breasts into the bath of flavors. A quick sear, on each side will result in golden-brown perfection.
Step 4: While your chicken is becoming all lovely and flavorful let’s work on our cream cheese magic. In a bowl combine cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and dried chives. Give it a taste test; remember you’re the chef here! Adjust those seasonings according to your preference.
Step 5: Now comes the pièce de résistance! Arrange those chicken breasts in a baking dish. Make sure to top them off with the cream cheese mixture. Don’t forget the bacon. Sprinkle half of it on top for that incredible crunch. Of course, cover it all with cheddar cheese. You’re creating a masterpiece of flavors.
Step 6: Put your creation in the oven. Let the magic happen. After 15 minutes you’ll be rewarded with cooked chicken, melted gooey cheese and a lightly browned and inviting top layer.
Step 7: Lastly, add the finishing touches. Sprinkle the remaining bacon, over your cheesy chicken paradise. Fresh parsley and sliced green scallions will bring color and a burst of freshness.
Step 8: Now it’s time to dig in! Serve up your baked crack chicken. Watch those smiles spread across the table. Each bite is a symphony of smoky and irresistibly delicious flavors. Enjoy with friends!
Tip:
If you’re looking to save time on preparation you might want to try using cooked bacon bits or microwaveable bacon. It’s a hack that will enable you acquire your goal of creating a chicken dish with a pleasurable blend of bacon and cheese in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon?
Definitely! Turkey bacon is an option that still adds flavor.
What sides go well with Baked Crack Chicken?
This dish goes well with steamed veggies, a salad, or even some roasted potatoes.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and cream cheese mixture in advance. Simply bake it when you’re ready. It’s a choice, for those, with busy schedules.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Baked crack chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 slices thick-cut bacon diced
- 1 tbsp. vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 4 1 lb. total boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked or sweet paprika
For the Ranch Cream Cheese:
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried dill weed
- ½ tsp dried chives
- 4 oz. shredded cheddar cheese white or yellow – I use a little of both
For Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Sliced green scallions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish that measures 9x13 inches.
- Using a skillet, over medium-high heat cook the diced bacon until it becomes crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet. Make sure to keep the bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder and paprika.
- In the skillet with the bacon fat add oil and cook the chicken breasts for approximately 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they turn a golden brown color.
- After removing the chicken breasts from the skillet place them in the baking dish.
- Combine softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed and dried chives in a bowl until well mixed.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of this cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast.
- Sprinkle half of the crispy bacon over the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast.
- Finish by topping it off with cheddar cheese.
- Bake this dish in your preheated oven for around 15 minutes. Until you see that the chicken is fully cooked through and that the cheese has melted and lightly browned on top.
- To complete your Baked Crack Chicken experience garnish it with any remaining crispy bacon pieces along, with parsley and sliced scallions.
- Now you can serve this meal. Enjoy!
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
2 Responses
Love your cooking site. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Sandra for your review