Description
Crack Chicken is a rich and creamy dish that’s packed with flavor, thanks to its combination of tender chicken, bacon, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and melted cheese. This dish is often a crowd-pleaser, perfect for potlucks, weeknight dinners, or family gatherings. The smoky bacon, creamy cheese, and zesty ranch seasoning meld together in a comforting, indulgent way that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Whether served over rice, on its own, or as a filling for wraps, Crack Chicken is sure to satisfy your taste buds.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 2 pounds)
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (about 8 strips)
- 1/2 cup green onions (optional, for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Ingredient Highlights
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are easy to cook and absorb the flavors of the dish well.
- Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is the base for the creamy sauce that makes Crack Chicken so irresistible.
- Bacon: Bacon adds a savory crunch that contrasts perfectly with the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
- Ranch Dressing Mix: The ranch seasoning mix gives the dish its signature zesty, tangy flavor that ties everything together.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: The melted cheddar cheese adds a gooey, melty element to the dish that everyone will love.
Instructions
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the Chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with a little salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side, until browned. The chicken doesn’t need to be cooked through at this point—just a quick sear to lock in flavor.
- Transfer to a Baking Dish: After searing, place the chicken breasts into a baking dish in a single layer.
Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese and ranch dressing mix. Stir until well combined. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon, mixing until everything is evenly incorporated.
- Top the Chicken: Spread the creamy sauce mixture evenly over each chicken breast in the baking dish. Make sure the chicken is fully covered with the creamy sauce.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C). The sauce will be bubbly and the chicken tender.
Serve:
- Garnish and Serve: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the oven. Garnish with chopped green onions, if desired. Serve the Crack Chicken over rice, mashed potatoes, or in wraps, or enjoy it on its own.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-450 kcal
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 30g