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Baked Crack Chicken Breasts

Baked crack chicken breasts are creamy ranch cream cheese chicken breasts topped with crispy bacon and cheddar that bubble and caramelize into a golden crust. This easy baked chicken recipe bakes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F for juicy, tender results.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 560
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Chicken and topping
  • 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 8 strips bacon cooked crispy and crumbled
  • 1.5 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives chopped
  • 0.25 salt to taste
  • 0.25 pepper to taste
  • 0.25 extra fresh chives for topping
  • 0.25 extra bacon for topping

Equipment

  • 1 sheet pan

Method
 

Prep and assemble
  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 baking dish, so it’s ready for baking right away.
  2. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts in the prepared dish and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  3. Beat the cream cheese with the ranch seasoning mix until smooth, then spread thickly over each chicken breast.
  4. Top each chicken breast with the cooked crispy and crumbled bacon and the shredded cheddar cheese.
Bake and finish
  1. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes at 375°F, until the topping is golden and bubbly and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  2. Garnish with extra fresh chives and extra bacon, then serve immediately.

Notes

For the creamiest, thickest topping, use truly softened cream cheese and spread it generously so it bakes into a molten layer. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat in a 350°F oven until warmed through (avoid microwaving if you want the bacon-topping texture to stay crisp). Freezing is not recommended due to texture changes in the cream cheese layer. For a lower-fat option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar while keeping the same bake time.