The Addictive Baked Crack Chicken Recipe Everyone Craves

Culinary enthusiasts adore this baked crack chicken recipe that promises an explosion of flavor in every single bite.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with savory seasonings for an irresistible meal.

Countless home cooks have fallen in love with its simple preparation and incredible taste.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary when you add this delectable dish to your menu.

Each ingredient works harmoniously to create a memorable experience that satisfies deep hunger and comfort food cravings.

Tender chicken emerges from the oven with a golden, crispy exterior that will make you want seconds immediately.

Dive into this mouthwatering recipe and transform an ordinary evening into a spectacular dining adventure.

Ingredients for Baked Crack Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein base that forms the core of the dish and absorbs the rich flavors of seasonings and cheese.

• Salt, Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Classic spice combination that enhances the chicken's natural flavor and provides a robust seasoning profile.

• Bacon, Bacon Fat: Adds a smoky, crispy texture and rich depth of flavor to the chicken.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps in achieving a golden-brown sear on the chicken.
• Butter: Contributes a rich, creamy texture and enhances overall taste.

• Cream Cheese: Creates a creamy, tangy spread that adds moisture and richness to the chicken.
• Cheddar Cheese: Provides a sharp, melty topping that creates a golden, crispy cheese layer.

• Chicken Stock: Helps deglaze the skillet and adds additional moisture and flavor to the dish.

• Italian Seasoning: Introduces a blend of dried herbs that complement the chicken's flavor.
• Parsley, Green Scallions: Fresh herbs that add a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Prepare Baked Crack Chicken

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Heat your oven to 400°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a light coating of cooking spray to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Step 3: Crisp Up the Bacon

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss in bacon pieces and cook until they’re wonderfully crispy. Transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate, keeping those delicious crispy bits for later.

Step 4: Brown the Chicken

Use the magical bacon drippings left in the skillet, adding a touch of vegetable oil. Carefully place chicken breasts in the pan, cooking until they turn a gorgeous golden brown on both sides.

Work in batches if needed to ensure perfect browning.

Step 5: Create a Flavor Base

Drop butter into the skillet and pour in chicken stock.

Gently scrape up all those mouth-watering browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 6: Arrange in Baking Dish

Transfer the chicken to the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the top for extra flavor.

Step 7: Mix the Creamy Topping

• Softened cream cheese
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Italian seasoning

Step 8: Add Cream Cheese Layer

Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture over each chicken breast, creating a luxurious blanket of flavor.

Step 9: Sprinkle with Bacon and Cheese

Scatter half of the crispy bacon pieces over the chicken. Follow with a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese.

Step 10: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 15 minutes. You’re looking for fully cooked chicken with melted, slightly browned cheese on top.

Step 11: Garnish and Finish

• Remaining crispy bacon
• Fresh chopped parsley
• Thinly sliced green onions

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Bring this masterpiece straight to the table and watch everyone’s eyes light up!

Tips for Baked Crack Chicken Success

• Pound chicken breasts evenly to ensure uniform cooking and tender texture throughout the dish.
• Use high-quality bacon for extra crispiness and rich flavor that enhances the overall taste profile.
• Select full-fat cream cheese for a more luxurious and creamy sauce that binds all ingredients perfectly.
• Verify chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to guarantee safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to help juices redistribute, creating a more succulent final result.

Variations of Baked Crack Chicken

• Low-Carb Cauliflower Crack Chicken: Replace chicken breasts with cauliflower steaks, using the same seasonings and cheese coating for a vegetarian-friendly alternative.
• Dairy-Free Lean Protein Version: Swap cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and cashew cheese, maintaining the rich flavor profile while accommodating lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Incorporate feta cheese, oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes to transform the recipe with a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile, creating a zesty and aromatic chicken dish.
• Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add jalapeños, swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese, and include chili powder to create a bold, spicy version that brings southwestern heat to the classic recipe.

Pairings That Go Well with Baked Crack Chicken

• Select a crisp sauvignon blanc or chardonnay with bright acidity to complement the rich, creamy chicken and cut through the bacon's saltiness.
• Create a light mixed green salad with tangy vinaigrette to balance the heaviness of the baked chicken, providing a refreshing contrast to the rich cream cheese and bacon flavors.
• Prepare simple roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts with olive oil and herbs, which will enhance the dish's savory profile while adding nutritional balance and textural variety.
• Choose a hoppy pale ale or amber beer that can stand up to the robust flavors of bacon and cheese, offering a complementary malty undertone that elevates the overall meal experience.

Storage Tips for Baked Crack Chicken

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed chicken will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Keep the dish flat to maintain its texture and prevent sogginess.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe containers. Frozen baked crack chicken can last up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
• Preheat oven to 350°F. Place chicken in a baking dish, cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 15-20 minutes until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove foil during the last 5 minutes to crisp the top.

FAQs

• What are the key spices used in this recipe?

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and Italian seasoning are the primary spices that enhance the flavor profile of the Baked Crack Chicken, providing a rich and robust taste experience.

• Why is browning the chicken important before baking?

Browning the chicken in a skillet creates a golden exterior that locks in moisture and develops a deeper, more complex flavor through the Maillard reaction, ensuring a more delicious and juicy final dish.

• What makes the cream cheese mixture special in this recipe?

The cream cheese mixture combines garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning, which creates a creamy, flavorful topping that adds richness and depth to the chicken breasts.

Baked Crack Chicken Highlights

• Boost Flavor Complexity: Layering bacon, cream cheese, and cheddar creates an incredible depth of taste that transforms ordinary chicken into a gourmet experience.
• Customize with Ease: Swap seasonings or cheese types to match personal preferences, making this recipe flexible for different palates and dietary needs.
• Master One-Pan Cooking: Streamline your kitchen workflow by using a single skillet for browning chicken and creating rich, flavorful base before transferring to the oven.
• Crowd-Pleasing Presentation: The golden-brown cheese topping, crispy bacon bits, and fresh herb garnish make this dish visually stunning and irresistibly appetizing for family dinners or potluck gatherings.

Baked Crack Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Baked crack chicken recipe delivers an irresistible blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with tender chicken. Crispy bacon and zesty seasonings elevate this crowd-pleasing dish that you will want to savor again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 boneless (skinless) chicken breasts (approximately 1 lb/454 g)
• 4 oz (113 g) softened cream cheese
• 4 oz (113 g) shredded cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
• 4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced)
• 1/4 cup (60 ml) low-sodium chicken stock
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tbsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/4 tsp onion powder
• Salt (to taste)
• Freshly ground pepper (to taste)
• Fresh parsley (finely chopped for garnish)
• Green scallions (thinly sliced for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400ºF (200ºC) and lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent adherence.
2. Pound chicken breasts to a uniform 1/4-inch thickness, then season comprehensively with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
3. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crisp the bacon until golden brown. Remove and set aside the bacon pieces.
4. Utilize the remaining bacon fat and vegetable oil to sear chicken breasts, achieving a golden exterior. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
5. Deglaze the skillet with chicken stock and butter, lifting the caramelized bits from the pan’s bottom.
6. Transfer the seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish, drizzling any remaining pan juices over the meat.
7. Blend softened cream cheese with garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning until smooth and well-incorporated.
8. Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly across each chicken breast.
9. Sprinkle half of the crispy bacon over the cream cheese layer, then distribute shredded cheddar cheese uniformly.
10. Bake for 15 minutes, or until chicken is completely cooked and cheese melts with a slight golden-brown surface.
11. Garnish with remaining bacon crumbles, freshly chopped parsley, and thinly sliced green scallions.
12. Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Notes

• Opt for thin-cut chicken breasts to ensure even cooking and prevent dryness.
• Choose thick-cut bacon for maximum crispiness and rich flavor profile.
• Pat chicken breasts dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown sear.
• Consider using low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheese for a lighter version of the dish.
• Substitute bacon with turkey bacon for a healthier alternative without compromising taste.
• Check chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F using a meat thermometer for food safety.
• Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after baking to retain moisture and enhance flavor.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in the oven to maintain chicken’s tenderness and prevent overcooking.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 349 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg