Description
Creamy baked crack chicken delivers irresistible comfort with minimal effort. Cheesy, zesty layers of tender chicken promise a quick dinner solution you’ll crave repeatedly.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 8 oz (1 package) cream cheese (softened)
- 1 oz (1 packet) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 6 bacon slices (cooked and crumbled)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ cup green onions (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Position the oven rack in the center and preheat to 375F (190C), then lightly coat a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray.
- Chicken Foundation: Arrange chicken breasts in the prepared dish, seasoning generously with garlic powder and freshly cracked black pepper for an aromatic base.
- Creamy Topping Creation: Whisk cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and half the cheddar cheese into a velvety mixture, spreading it evenly across the chicken to create a rich, flavorful blanket.
- Initial Baking Stage: Slide the dish into the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, ensuring the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165F (75C).
- Final Flourish: Withdraw the dish from the oven, crown with crispy crumbled bacon and remaining cheese, then return for an additional 5 minutes until the cheese transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece.
- Presentation & Serving: Garnish with vibrant chopped green onions, then serve immediately – perfect alongside rice, roasted vegetables, or nestled between bread for a versatile meal.
Notes
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches exactly 165F for perfect doneness and food safety.
- Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before mixing to create a silky, lump-free topping that spreads evenly.
- Pre-cook bacon slightly before crumbling to guarantee extra crunch and prevent soggy texture on the final dish.
- Replace ranch seasoning with homemade low-carb version and serve over cauliflower rice for keto-friendly alternative.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 9
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg