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Baked Crack Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 51 reviews

Baked Crack Chicken is a flavorful and comforting dish featuring tender, seasoned chicken breasts topped with a creamy blend of cream cheese, garlic, dill, chives, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese. This oven-baked recipe combines crispy bacon and a rich, cheesy topping for a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and fresh flavors that make it a family favorite.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

  • 4 slices thick-cut bacon (diced)
  • 2 tbsp butter (or ghee as a substitute)
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup full-fat cream cheese
  • ½ cup shredded regular cheddar cheese

Spices and Herbs

  • ½ tsp garlic powder (divided)
  • ½ tsp onion powder (divided)
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • ¼ tsp dried dill (or fresh dill)
  • ½ tsp dried chives (or fresh chives)
  • Fresh dill (chopped, for garnish)
  • Green onion (chopped, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place chicken breasts on a cutting board and pound them to about ¼ to ½ inch thickness using a meat mallet or rolling pin, covering with cling film to avoid splatter.
  2. Season the Chicken: In a small bowl, mix garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Rub this spice mixture evenly onto both sides of the chicken breasts for flavorful seasoning.
  3. Cook the Bacon: Heat a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, keeping the rendered fat in the pan for flavor.
  4. Cook the Chicken: Add 1 tbsp butter to the frying pan with bacon fat. Place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Flip the breasts, add another tablespoon of butter, and brown the other side for another 2-3 minutes. The chicken may be pink inside at this stage, which is fine.
  5. Transfer Chicken to Baking Dish: Remove the chicken breasts from the skillet and arrange them in the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
  6. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, the remaining garlic powder and onion powder, dried dill, and dried chives. Mix thoroughly until well blended and creamy.
  7. Top the Chicken: Spoon about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture on top of each chicken breast and spread it evenly.
  8. Add Bacon and Cheese: Sprinkle half of the cooked bacon bits over the cream cheese layer on each chicken breast. Then, evenly top with shredded cheddar cheese.
  9. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 17 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the cheese is melted and golden brown.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven and garnish with the remaining bacon bits, freshly chopped dill, and green onion. Adjust salt and pepper to taste before serving.

Notes

  • Covering the chicken with cling film before pounding helps prevent mess in the kitchen.
  • Using full-fat cream cheese and regular cheddar cheese ensures the best creamy texture and flavor.
  • You can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones, which adds vibrant flavor and color.
  • Make sure not to overcook the chicken on the stovetop as it will finish cooking in the oven.
  • Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F (74°C) for safety.
  • Natural bacon without additives enhances the smokiness and taste of the dish.

Keywords: Baked Crack Chicken, crispy bacon chicken, creamy chicken breast, cheddar cheese chicken, easy baked chicken recipe, smoky chicken dish

Find it online: https://tastybella.com/baked-crack-chicken-recipe/