Chicken is the most widely consumed meat in the United States, with Americans eating an average of 98.9 pounds per person annually.1 This versatile protein is the star of many beloved dishes, but few can match the creamy, savory allure of Crack Chicken.
Originating from online recipe communities and popularized by chefs like Rachael Ray, Baked Crack Chicken has become a comfort food staple. It offers a delicious blend of chicken, cream cheese, and bacon. If you haven’t tried It yet, you’re in for a treat.
Best part is that it’s high in protein (keto) and also gluten-free.
What is Baked Crack Chicken?
Baked Crack Chicken is a term coined to describe a dish that’s so good, it’s addictive. It typically includes shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon, all cooked together until creamy and delicious. This comfort food is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want something tasty without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why Everyone Loves Baked Crack Chicken
It has gained a cult following for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly versatile. You can serve it over rice or pasta or even use it as a filling for sandwiches and wraps. Its creamy, savory flavor profile is universally appealing, making it a hit with both kids and adults. Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, which means less cleanup for you!
The Health Benefits (and Indulgences) of Baked Crack Chicken
While Baked Crack Chicken is undoubtedly a comfort food, it also has some surprising health benefits. Chicken is a great source of lean protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth.2
Additionally, the dish can be adapted to suit different dietary needs. For example, you can use low-fat cream cheese and skip the bacon to make it a bit lighter. However, let’s be honest—this dish is meant to be indulgent, and sometimes, you just need to treat yourself!
Tips for Making the Perfect Crack Chicken
Making Crack Chicken is straightforward, but here are a few tips to ensure it turns out perfectly every time:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh chicken, good quality cream cheese, and freshly cooked bacon will elevate the flavors.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on the ranch seasoning; it’s what gives the dish its signature flavor.
- Slow Cook for Best Results: If you have the time, cooking the chicken slowly will make it more tender and allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Crack Chicken is how easy it is to customize. Here are a few variations you might enjoy:
- Spicy Crack Chicken: Add some diced jalapenos or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Buffalo Crack Chicken: Mix in some buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
- Vegetable Crack Chicken: Add some chopped spinach or broccoli to make it a bit healthier.
Baked Crack Chicken
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 slices thick cut bacon diced
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 pcs chicken breasts boneless, skinless
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- salt and black pepper to taste
For the Cream Cheese Mixture:
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp dried dill
- ½ tsp dried chives
For Topping:
- ½ cup cheddar cheese shredded
- fresh dill chopped
- green onion chopped
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and spray a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray.
- Pound the chicken breasts to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness.
- Rub garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper onto the chicken.
- Cook the diced bacon in a large frying pan until crispy. Remove and set aside, leaving the fat in the pan.
- Add 1 tbsp butter to the pan and cook the chicken breasts until golden brown on each side.
- Transfer the chicken to the baking dish.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, and dried chives. Spread 2 tbsp of the mixture on each chicken breast.
- Top with half of the cooked bacon and shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake for 15-17 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is browned.
- Garnish with remaining bacon, fresh dill, and green onion. Add extra salt and pepper to taste.
Nutrition
Source:
- https://www.statista.com/statistics/189222/average-meat-consumption-in-the-us-by-sort/
- https://www.health.harvard.edu/nutrition/high-protein-foods-the-best-protein-sources-to-include-in-a-healthy-diet
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.