Name: Baked Crack Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced; 2 tbsp butter; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp paprika; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ½ cup cream cheese; ½ tsp garlic powder; ½ tsp onion powder; ¼ tsp dried dill; ½ tsp dried chives; ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish); Green onion, chopped (for garnish)

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Introduction

Baked Crack Chicken is a creamy, comforting dish packed with crispy bacon, tender chicken breasts, and rich seasonings. This easy-to-make recipe delivers irresistible flavors perfectly suited for a cozy dinner. Ready in under an hour, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

The dish shows three cooked chicken breasts in a white rectangular baking dish, each piece topped with a thick layer of melted yellow cheese mixed with creamy white sauce. On top, there are small chunks of cooked bacon adding a crispy texture and a generous scattering of chopped green onions and fresh dill sprinkled all over, giving a fresh green contrast. The creamy sauce slightly pools around the chicken, and the chicken breasts look tender with a light browned edge. The baking dish rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 slices thick-cut bacon, diced
2 tbsp butter
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
½ cup cream cheese
½ tsp garlic powder (for cream cheese)
½ tsp onion powder (for cream cheese)
¼ tsp dried dill
½ tsp dried chives
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
Green onion, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
Step 2: Pound the chicken breasts to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness, using cling film to prevent splashing.
Step 3: Season the chicken with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub the seasoning in well and set aside.
Step 4: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat and cook the diced bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but leave the rendered fat in the pan. Set bacon aside.
Step 5: Add 1 tbsp butter to the pan with bacon fat. Cook the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on one side until browned.
Step 6: Flip the chicken, add the remaining 1 tbsp butter, and cook another 2-3 minutes until browned.
Step 7: Transfer the chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish.
Step 8: In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese with ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, dried dill, and dried chives.
Step 9: Spread about 2 tbsp of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
Step 10: Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon over the cream cheese, then top with shredded cheddar cheese.
Step 11: Bake in the oven for 15-17 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cheese is lightly browned.
Step 12: Garnish with the remaining bacon, fresh dill, and chopped green onion. Add extra salt and pepper if desired.

Tips & Variations

You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat.
Substitute cream cheese with a blend of sour cream and mayonnaise for a slightly tangier flavor.
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to balance the richness.

Storage

Store leftover baked crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

The image shows a white rectangular baking dish with three cooked chicken breasts inside. Each chicken breast is covered with a creamy white layer of cheese and topped with melted golden-yellow cheddar cheese. There are small pieces of crispy bacon and chopped green onions scattered on top, adding spots of red and green color. Fresh dill is sprinkled over the top, providing fine green specks. The chicken breasts sit in a glossy light yellow sauce at the bottom of the dish. A woman's hand holding a metal spatula is lifting one chicken breast, showing the layers and texture clearly. The scene has a white marbled surface background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the chicken and cream cheese mixture in the baking dish, cover it, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. With its high fat and protein content and low carbs, baked crack chicken fits well into a keto diet plan.