Crack Chicken Recipe

Introduction

Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner. With tender chicken breasts, crispy bacon, and a rich cheese sauce, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (total 1 pound), pounded to ¼-inch thickness
• Salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 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, or a mix)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Sliced green scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon and drain on paper towels, leaving about 1 tablespoon of bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Step 2: Add the vegetable oil and butter to the skillet with the bacon fat, then heat over medium-high heat until melted and hot.
3. Step 3: Season the pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and smoked paprika. Place chicken in the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side or until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: Reduce the heat to low. In the same skillet, stir in the softened cream cheese, ¼ teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and dried chives. Cook until the cream cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked bacon back into the sauce, followed by the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, spooning the sauce over the top. Let it heat through for a couple of minutes so the flavors meld.
7. Step 7: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and sliced green scallions before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika.
• Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier, more flavorful option.
• Add a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like a little heat.
• Serve over rice, pasta, or with steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through to preserve the creamy texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make crack chicken in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and bacon in a slow cooker and then stir in the cream cheese and cheddar near the end of cooking until melted and creamy.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute cream cheese and cheddar with dairy-free alternatives, and use olive oil instead of butter. The flavor will be different but still delicious.

Crack Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 129 reviews

A creamy, cheesy, and savory Crack Chicken recipe featuring tender pounded chicken breasts cooked to perfection with crispy bacon, cream cheese, and flavorful seasonings. This easy stovetop dish is perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that everyone will love.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Seasonings

• 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (total 1 pound), pounded to ¼-inch thickness
• Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

Cream Cheese Mixture

• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon dried dill weed
• ½ teaspoon dried chives

Cheese and Garnish

• 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (white, yellow, or a mix)
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
• Sliced green scallions, for garnish

Instructions

1. Cook the Bacon: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the diced bacon and cook until crispy. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside, leaving the bacon fat in the skillet.
2. Sear the Chicken: To the skillet with bacon fat, add vegetable oil and butter. When the butter is melted and the pan is hot, season the pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika on both sides. Place them into the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cream Cheese Mixture: While the chicken cooks, in a small bowl combine the softened cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill weed, and dried chives. Mix well until smooth and fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients in Skillet: Reduce heat to low. Return chicken to the skillet and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over each breast. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top, then add the cooked bacon evenly over the cheese.
5. Melt the Cheese: Cover the skillet with a lid and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and sliced green scallions on top for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, pairing well with sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.

Notes

• For extra smoky flavor, use smoked paprika.
• Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly for consistent cooking.
• You can substitute cream cheese with a lighter version to cut calories.
• Leftover Crack Chicken works well in sandwiches or wraps.
• Adjust seasoning to taste, especially salt, depending on bacon’s saltiness.

Keywords: Crack Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, bacon chicken, stovetop chicken, easy chicken dinner