October 25, 2023
Review RecipeBaked Crack Chicken
The creamy combination of chicken, cheese and crispy bacon make this baked crack chicken a great weeknight dinner.
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Table of Contents
This irresistible baked crack chicken is delicious! Melty cheese, bacon, and creamy sauce make these tender chicken breasts over-the-top delicious.
Baked Crack Chicken Ingredients
You’ll need:
- 4 (6-8 ounce) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon of black pepper
- 1 cup of chopped onion
- 1 tablespoon of minced garlic
- ½ cup of canned cream of chicken soup
- 6 ounces of cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon of ranch seasoning mix (from a packet of dry ranch seasoning mix)
- ¼ cup of sour cream
- 1½ cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided into ½ cup and 1 cup
- ¾ cup of cooked chopped bacon, divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup
- 1 cup of shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 tablespoons of chopped green onion, optional garnish
PRO TIP:
Be sure NOT to use the pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
Substitutions And Additions
CHEESE: Colby Jack cheese is a great alternative to the Monterey Jack and cheddar cheese combo. Also, using all cheddar cheese tastes great too in this easy recipe.
CHICKEN: You could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs in this crack chicken bake if your family prefers dark meat.
BACON: You can use regular or thick-cut bacon in this great recipe.
How To Make This Baked Crack Chicken Recipe
STEP ONE: Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
STEP TWO: Place chicken breasts in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared baking dish. Evenly sprinkle the salt and pepper on top of your chicken breasts. Set aside.
OUR RECIPE DEVELOPER SAYS
If your chicken pieces are not a uniform size, that is ok; just cut them into even-sized pieces. You want your chicken pieces as evenly sized as possible so that they cook evenly when baked.
STEP TWO: In a medium skillet, saute your onion and garlic on medium heat just until it is translucent and beginning to soften. This will take 2 to 3 minutes.
STEP THREE: Once your onions and garlic are cooked, add your cream of chicken soup, cream cheese, and dry ranch dressing mix. Stir them until the cream cheese is melted and all the ingredients are completely incorporated.
STEP FOUR: Turn off the heat to your skillet and add your sour cream and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
STEP FIVE: Divide your cream cheese mixture evenly and top each chicken breast. Spread out the cream cheese mixture so that your chicken breasts are completely covered. Top your cream cheese-covered chicken with ½ cup of your cooked and chopped bacon pieces.
STEP SIX: With your remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, evenly cover your chicken breast.
STEP SEVEN: Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
STEP EIGHT: Remove your aluminum foil and sprinkle the cheesy chicken breasts with the remaining ¼ cup of cooked and chopped bacon bits. Continue to bake for another 20 minutes, uncovered, or until your chicken is cooked through (160°F internal temperature) and your cheese is melted and bubbly.
STEP NINE: Allow your baked crack chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
PRO TIP:
At this point, you can add your chopped green onions for garnish on top of your baked crack chicken casserole if desired.
How To Serve
This baked ranch chicken would make a great dinner with a side of steamed vegetables or green beans and a baked potato. Everyone will love the creamy, rich texture of this ultimate dish.
If you can’t get enough of this tasty, creamy combo of simple ingredients from this delicious dish, check out our slow cooker crack chicken recipe. Our chicken bacon ranch casserole is another family favorite.
MORE CHICKEN RECIPES
Storage
IN THE FRIDGE: This chicken dish is best served hot from the oven so that it stays all gooey and melty. You can store leftover chicken in a covered container or covered in plastic wrap, in the refrigerator, for up to 3 days.
IN THE FREEZER: Store your cooled crack chicken in an airtight container in the freezer for up to three months.
These baked crack chicken breasts are made with simple ingredients that combine to create an incredibly delicious dinner. The whole family will be begging for this meal once they get a taste of how rich and tasty it is.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?
This creamy dish would taste delicious with either chicken breasts or chicken thighs if your family prefers dark meat.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This creamy chicken casserole is a fantastic make-ahead meal. Prepare and assemble it in the casserole dish and put it in the fridge until you are ready to bake it.
Can I freeze this casserole?
This dish can be frozen for up to three months. Make sure to thaw completely before heating it up.
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Baked Crack Chicken
The creamy combination of chicken, cheese and crispy bacon make this baked crack chicken a great weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings 4
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless (6 to 8 ounces)
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- ½ cup cream of chicken soup
- 6 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning, from the packet of dry seasoning mix
- ¼ cup sour cream
- 1½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded and divided into ½ cup and 1 cup
- ¾ cup bacon, cooked and chopped and divided into ½ cup and ¼ cup
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons green onion, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Lightly spray a 9×13 casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Place your chicken breast in an even layer on the bottom of your prepared dish. Evenly sprinkle the salt and pepper on top of your chicken breast. Set aside.
- In a medium skillet, saute your onion and garlic on medium heat just until it is translucent and beginning to soften. This will take 2 and 3 minutes.
- Once your onions and garlic are cooked, add your cream of chicken soup, cream cheese and dry ranch seasoning mix. Stir them until the cream cheese is melted and all the ingredients are completely incorporated.
- Turn off the heat to your skillet and add your sour cream and ½ cup of the shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Divide your cream cheese mixture evenly and top each chicken breast. Spread out the cream cheese mixture so that your chicken breasts are completely covered. Top your cream cheese-covered chicken with ½ cup of your cooked and chopped bacon pieces.
- With your remaining cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, evenly cover your chicken breast.
- Cover your dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove your aluminum foil and sprinkle the cheesy chicken breasts with the remaining ¼ cup of cooked and chopped bacon. Continue to bake for another 20 minutes, uncovered, or until your chicken is cooked through (160°F internal temperature) and your cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Allow your baked crack chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with copped green onions if desired
Notes
- Be sure NOT to use the pre-shredded cheeses. They have additives added in the bags to prevent clumping, and they do not melt as well as a block of cheese that you shred yourself.
- If your chicken pieces are not a uniform size, that is ok; just cut them into even-sized pieces. You want your chicken pieces as evenly sized as possible so that they cook evenly when baked.
- At this point, you can add your chopped green onions for garnish on top of your baked crack chicken casserole if desired.
Nutrition
Calories: 951kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 75g | Fat: 65g | Saturated Fat: 32g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 300mg | Sodium: 1914mg | Potassium: 1159mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1476IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 607mg | Iron: 2mg
Have You Tried This Recipe?Follow me on Pinterest @spaceshipslb
Comments
Gloria says
So cheesy and delicious!
kristie says
That looks good. I’m saving that recipe.
Sue at Blu says
Putting this on my menu! pinned.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello says
This recipe looks so good. Pinned. Thanks for sharing. I can’t wait to try it out. #HomeMattersParty
Brenda says
Will make spicy next time to it that way we like food with a little kick. But loved it this way also
Anna Heller says
Extra Spicy is ALWAYS Nicey at my age!!! (PS bonus comment: CABOT Cheeses!!!!!!)
Paula Stevens says
Recipe is very good. I might try sharp cheddar cheese next time. Maybe a bit of pepper or broccoli. Love this recipe. Yum!
Kendra says
I would add some whole kernel corn to the recipe
Marla says
I’m loving all these chicken recipes and so does my family. Thank you!
Derek Hawkins says
I would add tater tots or hashbrowns to this.
Matt Garnett says
This sounds good just the way it is, but you asked for something to add. Because my garden is doing so well I would add jalapeño peppers. Add them with the onion and garlic to cook. And also figure a way to add zucchini, maybe slice the zucchini and add to the top of the chicken after the sauce and before the cheese. Cook and enjoy.
Sandy says
I will be making it this Thursday for my granddaughter. Looks yummy.
Sheryl Mire says
Hard to think of anything to make it better ! If prefer white cheeses I would suggest Fontina and mozzarella with some spinach ! But its great the way it is, mmm cream cheese and bacon both my favorites !
Doreen says
This is a favorite of my family. I will add a little cayenne pepper to the chicken to spice it up a bit and serve with steamed broccoli
Laura Lane says
Hi looks good but I would add chicken stuffing to the recipe .Thank you Laura Lane
Kim White says
Looks delicious! Saving and printing this recipe to try.
Rhea Digby says
This recipe sounds amazing! I will be making it with Pepper Jack Cheese!
Kathy Lusk says
Love this will try this week. I would add broccoli and Jalapeño peppers for a little bit of spice. Can’t wait to try it
Jo says
I’d use pepper jack cheese and mozzarella. Add some extra bacon on top and serve on warm, slightly crunchy ciabbatta rolls. YUMMMMMMMMYYYYYYY!!!!
Bobbi Holmes says
I have not made it yet, it sounds delicious! I would use pepper jack cheese (a little spice), add mushrooms & possibly diced bell peppers. Thanks for sharing the recipe!
Joe Resneder says
Save for later when it cools off sounds so good
Courtney says
This looks so good! 🙂
Answering the email question: I would serve it with sour cream on top, or mix up a little spicy sour cream (my husband would add Ketchup- adds to everything). I would maybe add some bell peppers and onions to the mix. I would love to make it spicy, but my kids aren’t a fan of heat, so maybe just a drizzle of heat after. I have been a big fan of Monterey Jack lately, but also maybe would use Pepper Jack, or we have a Mexican Blend on hand always.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. Adding it to this weeks menu!
Kelly Kardos says
I’d make this spicy by adding pepper Jack cheese and roasted jalapeños -looks like comfort food❤️
Stephanie says
This looks so yummy. I think this casserole could become a new favourite . I will be using Tex mex or nacho cheese when making this just give it a little bit of zing 😋😋😋
Janice says
Can’t wait to try this! We love crack chicken soup But a casserole would be awesome too!
Kristi Adducci says
I’ve made this before for football games and I always add a few cans of green chilis and just a few shakes of Chipotle pepper powder.
I also lighten the recipe by using fat-free cream cheese, fat-free sour cream and fat-free cream of chicken soup. You get enough calories from the rest of the cheeses.
Every little bit helps and I’ve yet to have anyone notice.
Tina says
Love this! I will be trying it out. I may try it with Pepper Jack cheese. My hubby likes that. Maybe some with Colby Jack and some Pepper Jack. Thanks again!
Marilyn a Patton says
We love this recipe !! Family Favorite for sure. My Son & Daughter both love Buffalo Chicken s o we added a bit of Franks Hot Sauce as well as Broccoli , Couldn’t beat the taste. It’s a good go to on the weekends.
Ginnie C says
My picky kids LOVE this recipe. I always make a second batch at the same time and freeze it for another dinner. I also make it in the crockpot whenever possible. Our favorite cheese on this is Colby Jack, but sometimes I use the (pre-shredded) fiesta cheese and it is just as good. Next time I want to try it with Extra Sharp White Cheddar.
Bobbie says
I think maybe I would add some red or green pepper, for some color, and to add a touch of spice I might try it with pepper jack cheese. It looks so yummy! 🙂
Judy says
Sounds good. I would make mine spicy..and probably ad extra cheese..
Jean says
I wouldn’t add any hot spices a lot of people don’t like hot stuff let them add it if they want, I may try this recipe some time
Oreen says
Can’t wait to make this, I think I will add som pepperjack cheese to spice it up a little.
Noreen says
I think I will add some pepper jack cheese to spice it up a little!
Elizabeth M Heimlich says
Looks scrumptious! I would use medium cheddar for this as I usually don’t have extra sharp on hand.
Samantha says
I LOVE this recipe! I would add broccoli to add some veggies to the dish! Yum!
Cindy says
I love topping crack chicken with green onion 😋
Donna says
Loved this recipe!😋
Pam D. says
Love this recipe! I would absolutely make this extra spicy! Yum.
Bruce says
I added some panko bread crumbs and toasted them under the broiler.
Marie says
I might try some shredded pepper Jack to give it a bit more spice! Can’t wait to try!
Teresa Gerber says
I would keep the cheeses you suggested, but add some stuff to spice it up a little, like jalapenos, hot sauce, etc. Sounds yummy!! TY!
Jennifer says
Family favorite right here!! I love to add extra bacon and cheese because—bacon and cheese!! LOL
Carrie says
I would add French fries onions to the top for extra crunch.
Trista Robertson says
This recipe sounds delicious! I would probably not use any garlic because I get bad gas pain from garlic. Plus there is garlic in ranch mix and dressing and in any cream of soups. I do use ranch and cream of soups a lot and pay for it. Lol I would also use precooked bacon just to save time. We like block cheese and usually buy Colby. So I would use that.
Meredith says
Sounds wonderful! I would maybe add smoked gouda cheese in addition to the cheese you already added. Maybe some fire roasted tomatoes for those who love tomatoes. I like to add extra spice sometimes, maybe some candied jalepenos on top.
Julie Whyte says
I would use pepperjack in this dish also…its a great recipe.
Suzanne says
I love this recipe as we eat mostly chicken. Perfect blend of flavors. I would serve it with rice.
Suzanne says
I would add either steamed peas or carrots to this dish!.
Marcia Turley says
I would totally add a bunch of broccoli for color, vrunch, and health. Yummy.
Jamie Mebane says
I would add some jalapenos for a bit of a bite. Yes I would make it spicy. Yes I would add some extra veggies. I would use Some Pepper Jack and mix shredded cheese.
Karen says
I think this would taste great with crushed Ritz crackers drizzled with melted butter baked on the top!
Glen says
extra “hidden” vegies always helps with the kids.
Lynn Boudreau says
This recipe was a hit with my husband. He gobbled up 2 pieces. He was happy to get some for lunch the next day. Next time I make this recipe, I will add some thawed kernel corn. I think brocoli would be good also. This recipe is definitely à keeper.
Beckie Killian says
This sounds amazing!! I don’t think that I would change a thing. Although I usually use ground garlic, rather than cloves, since I do not use much garlic in my recipes. I find it easier to us the ground garlic, or the garlic in the jar. I will have to make this for my family.
Sue Cavallaro says
We used pepper jack cheese instead of Monterey and it was fabulous
Sally Ramirez says
I would add some Chipotle and heavy cream to the sauce and serve the chicken over spaghetti.
Lorraine Luzzo says
I love to cook and this recipe sounds delicious …all ingredients
are great..can’t go wrong!
Spicy great…toasted buttered
bread crumbs terrific
..