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