Name: Crack Chicken
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced; 1 tablespoon vegetable oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness; Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika; 4 ounces cream cheese, softened; 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed; 1/2 teaspoon dried chives; 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, white or yellow; Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish; Sliced green scallions, for garnish

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Why Make This Recipe

Crack Chicken is a delicious and easy dish that combines chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon for a mouthwatering flavor. It’s a meal that’s perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or even meal prep. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a standout dish that everyone will love.

How to Make Crack Chicken

Ingredients

4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4 inch thickness
Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
1/2 teaspoon dried chives
4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, white or yellow
Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Sliced green scallions, for garnish

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
In a large skillet, set over medium-high heat, add the diced bacon; cook until crispy. Remove the bacon from the skillet and set it aside, keeping the bacon fat in the skillet.
Return the skillet to heat and add vegetable oil to the reserved bacon fat. Pound chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Add the chicken breasts to the hot oil (do this in batches if necessary) and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown on the bottom. Flip the chicken and add butter, cooking for another 2 minutes or until browned. Remove the chicken breasts and place them in the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives until thoroughly combined. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Add half of the diced bacon on top, followed by a sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Bake uncovered for 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the cheese is melted and lightly browned. Remove from the oven.
Garnish with the remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and scallions. Serve.

How to Serve Crack Chicken

Serve Crack Chicken hot right out of the oven. It pairs well with steamed vegetables, salad, or over rice. You can also enjoy it in a sandwich or wrap for a delicious twist.

How to Store Crack Chicken

To store Crack Chicken, let it cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave when you’re ready to eat.

Tips to Make Crack Chicken

Make sure to pound the chicken breasts evenly for better cooking.
Use a variety of cheeses to customize the flavor.
Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices for an extra kick.

Variation

You can make this recipe with shredded rotisserie chicken for a quicker option. This will change the cooking time since the chicken is already cooked.

FAQs

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to thaw them completely before cooking.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook the chicken in a slow cooker. Just add all the ingredients and cook on low for 6-7 hours.

Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
You can use turkey bacon or skip the bacon altogether. You can also substitute low-fat cream cheese for a lighter option.