Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- 4 slices thick cut bacon
diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1-pound, total
- to tastesalt and fresh ground pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
- 4 ounces cream cheese
softened
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
- ½ teaspoon dried chives
- 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese
white or yellow - I use a little of both
- chopped fresh parsley
- sliced green scallions
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400˚F.
- 2
Lightly grease a 9x13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
- 3
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced bacon; cook until crispy.
- 4
Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Don't discard bacon fat.
- 5
Return skillet to heat and add vegetable oil to the remaining bacon fat.
- 6
Pound chicken breasts to a ¼-inch to ½-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- 7
Add chicken breasts to the hot oil - you may have to do this in batches if the skillet isn't big enough - and cook chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
- 8
Flip over the chicken breasts, add butter, and continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until browned.
- 9
Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and arrange them in the previously prepared baking dish. Set aside.
- 10
In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives; mix until thoroughly combined. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. See notes.
- 11
Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture. Spread to coat the surface of each chicken breast.
- 12
Take half of the diced bacon and add on top of the cream cheese over each chicken breast.
- 13
Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken breasts.
- 14
Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
- 15
Remove from oven.
- 16
Garnish with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and scallions.
- 17
Serve.
Crack Chicken
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About this Recipe
Craving a dinner that's bursting with savory flavor, incredibly easy to make, and fits into your low-carb lifestyle? This Crack Chicken recipe is your answer, delivering an addictive blend of juicy chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon in just 30 minutes.
This recipe truly works because it combines tender, perfectly cooked chicken breasts with a rich, seasoned cream cheese base and plenty of sharp cheddar. The magic lies in the classic combination of ranch-inspired flavors from garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives, all beautifully complemented by the salty crunch of bacon and the smoky hint of paprika.
What you'll experience is a truly satisfying meal where every bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and tastes. Imagine succulent chicken enveloped in a velvety, cheesy sauce that's both tangy and savory, punctuated by the crispy, salty pieces of bacon. This naturally low-carb and keto-friendly dish feels indulgent without any of the guilt, making it a perfect hearty dinner for any night of the week.
Looking to switch things up? While cheddar is a classic, feel free to experiment with other melty cheeses like Monterey Jack or a Colby blend. For a different herb profile, you could swap some of the chives for fresh chopped parsley stirred in at the end, or even a touch of dried oregano if that's what you have on hand. Don't have thick-cut bacon? Any bacon will do, just adjust cooking time as needed.
This rich and savory Crack Chicken is ideal for a comforting weeknight meal or a casual gathering. Serve it alongside a simple green salad or your favorite steamed low-carb vegetables for a complete and utterly delicious dinner.