Baked Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish made with tender chicken breasts smothered in cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. This irresistible dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and can be served with rice, pasta, or veggies for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Packed with creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors
- Easy to make with minimal ingredients
- Great for meal prep and reheats well
- Naturally low-carb and keto-friendly
- Family-friendly comfort food
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Ranch seasoning mix
- Cooked bacon, crumbled
- Garlic powder
- Green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven: Set to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Prepare the chicken: Season chicken breasts with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Place in the baking dish.
- Make the topping: In a bowl, mix cream cheese, shredded cheddar, and ranch seasoning. Spread the mixture over the chicken breasts.
- Bake: Cover with foil and bake for 25 minutes. Remove foil, top with crumbled bacon, and bake uncovered for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with green onions and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Loaded Crack Chicken: Mix in chopped spinach or mushrooms.
- Extra Cheesy: Use a mix of mozzarella and cheddar.
- Bacon-Wrapped: Wrap the chicken in bacon before baking.
- Casserole Version: Shred cooked chicken and mix with cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch before baking.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes or microwave in short bursts.
FAQs
Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?
The combination of cheese, ranch, and bacon is so addictive, it’s nicknamed “crack” chicken.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, thighs will be juicier and just as delicious.
What sides pair well with crack chicken?
Mashed potatoes, roasted veggies, salad, or cauliflower rice.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes! Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
How do I make it keto-friendly?
This recipe is already keto-friendly—just pair with low-carb sides.
Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?
Yes! Mix dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley.
Can I add more veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble ahead and bake when ready.
What’s the best cheese for this dish?
Cheddar is classic, but Monterey Jack or Colby work well.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cover with foil for the first half of baking and use an oven thermometer to avoid overcooking.
Conclusion
Baked Crack Chicken is an easy, flavorful dish loaded with creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy bacon. Perfect for meal prep or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to be a hit. Serve it with your favorite sides and enjoy a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal!
Print
Baked Crack Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This baked crack chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Made with juicy chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, bacon, and melty cheese, it’s a perfect low-carb dinner or sandwich filling.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8-ounce) package cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
-
Prepare the Chicken:
- Place chicken breasts in the baking dish.
- Sprinkle with garlic powder and black pepper.
-
Make the Topping:
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and half of the shredded cheddar cheese until smooth.
- Spread this mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
-
Bake:
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
-
Add Bacon & Cheese:
- Remove from the oven and top with crumbled bacon and the remaining cheese.
- Return to the oven for 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
-
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions and serve warm.
- Enjoy as is, over rice, with roasted veggies, or in a sandwich!
Notes
- Use boneless thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness.
- Make it spicy by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
- Low-carb/Keto-friendly! Serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.