Description
Ranch Cream Cheese Chicken, also known as Crack Chicken, is a flavorful and creamy baked chicken dish featuring crispy bacon, tender chicken breasts, and a cheesy ranch-infused cream cheese topping. This easy-to-make recipe balances savory spices with rich textures, making it a comforting and crowd-pleasing dinner option perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 6 strips bacon (cut into small pieces)
- 4 large chicken breasts
Seasonings & Spices
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper (to taste)
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (I used Hidden Valley)
Dairy
- 8 ounces cream cheese (softened)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (grated)
Vegetables
- 1/3 cup chopped scallions
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F and position the rack in the top third of the oven to ensure even baking and browning.
- Cook Bacon: In a large oven-proof skillet, cook the bacon pieces over medium heat until crispy. Remove bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with garlic powder and pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes on each side to brown the exterior and lock in juices.
- Prepare Cream Cheese Mixture: While chicken is searing, soften the cream cheese if needed by microwaving for 30 seconds. In a bowl, combine cream cheese, ranch seasoning, chopped scallions, and half of the cooked bacon. Mix until smooth and well incorporated.
- Assemble for Baking: Remove the skillet from heat. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly on top of each chicken breast. Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese over the cream cheese layer, then top with the remaining bacon pieces. If you do not have an oven-proof skillet, transfer chicken to a baking dish before adding toppings.
- Bake: Place the skillet or baking dish in the oven and bake uncovered for 20 minutes. For smaller chicken breasts, begin checking for doneness at 15 minutes using a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest and Serve: Remove chicken from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This resting period helps juices redistribute, resulting in moist, tender chicken ready to serve.
Notes
- Use an oven-proof skillet to save time and minimize cleanup; alternatively, use a baking dish if necessary.
- If cream cheese is too firm, warming slightly in the microwave makes it easier to blend with other ingredients.
- Check chicken temperature with a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking.
- Feel free to customize the ranch seasoning based on preference or use homemade ranch mix.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
