Easy Crack Chicken Recipe: The Addictive Comfort Food Classic

Noshing on a creamy crack chicken recipe promises pure comfort and culinary delight.

Cheese and ranch seasoning combine into an irresistible blend that sparks instant hunger.

Ranch mix creates magical flavor layers beyond typical protein dishes.

Tender shredded chicken absorbs every delicious seasoning with remarkable depth.

Simple ingredients transform an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can satisfy cravings in minimal time.

This crowd-pleasing dish guarantees smiles around the dinner table and zero leftovers.

FAQs

• What makes crack chicken so addictive?

The combination of creamy ranch seasoning, melted cheese, and crispy bacon creates an irresistible flavor profile that keeps people coming back for more.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even shredded chicken instead of chicken breasts for variety.

• Is this recipe considered low-carb friendly?

Absolutely! The recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and can easily fit into a low-carb or keto diet when served without additional high-carb sides.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add some red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or diced jalapeños to the sauce to give it an extra kick of heat and enhance the overall flavor.

Crack Chicken That Brings The Flavor

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal with minimal prep work and simple ingredients everyone loves.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins, adjust seasonings, or add extra toppings to make this dish uniquely yours without complicated modifications.
• Comfort Food Champion: Rich, creamy sauce combined with tender chicken creates a satisfying meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking technique mean less cleanup and more enjoyment for home cooks of all skill levels.

Ingredients For Crack Chicken

• Chicken Breasts: Lean and tender protein that forms the core of this delicious dish.

• Chicken Broth: Adds depth and moisture to the creamy sauce.
• Cream Cheese: Provides a rich and smooth texture to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: Brings a sharp and tangy flavor to the dish.
• Ranch Seasoning: Delivers a zesty and herbal taste profile.

• Bacon, Green Onions: Crispy bacon adds a salty crunch while green onions provide a fresh, mild onion flavor.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Essential for cooking the chicken and enhancing its natural flavors.

How To Make Crack Chicken Easily

Step 1: Prepare Golden Chicken

Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Place chicken breasts in the pan and sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Cook each side for 5-6 minutes until a beautiful golden crust forms and the chicken is completely cooked through.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Creamy Sauce Base

Using the same skillet, pour in chicken broth and add cream cheese.

Gently stir the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, velvety mixture.

Step 3: Enhance Sauce Flavor

Add ranch seasoning and cheddar cheese to the sauce.

Continuously stir until the cheese melts completely and blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.

Step 4: Reunite Chicken with Sauce

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet.

Lovingly spoon the rich sauce over each piece, allowing the flavors to mingle.

Let the chicken simmer in the sauce for 5 minutes.

Step 5: Add Final Touches

Sprinkle crumbled bacon over the top of the chicken.

Garnish with freshly chopped green onions for a pop of color and extra flavor.

Serve hot and enjoy this irresistible comfort dish.

Expert Tips For Crack Chicken

• Pat chicken dry before seasoning to ensure a golden, crispy exterior and juicy interior.
• Use room temperature cream cheese for smoother, lump-free sauce integration.
• Crisp bacon separately for maximum crunchiness, preventing soggy texture when added as topping.
• Replace ranch seasoning with homemade mix to control sodium and sugar content for health-conscious eaters.
• Add a splash of white wine or chicken stock to deepen sauce complexity and enhance overall taste profile.

Different Spins On Crack Chicken

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat sour cream and omit ranch seasoning, using herbs like thyme and rosemary instead. Use sugar-free bacon and low-carb cheese.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap cream cheese for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of cheddar. Choose dairy-free bacon or turkey bacon for protein.
• Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced jalapeños, replace ranch seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Top with fresh cilantro and serve with sliced avocado.
• Mediterranean Makeover: Use Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese, add oregano and garlic powder. Replace cheddar with crumbled feta cheese and garnish with chopped parsley.

Serving Ideas For Crack Chicken

• Hearty Family Feast: Serve over fluffy white rice or buttered egg noodles to soak up the creamy, rich sauce and make the meal more substantial.
• Sandwich Sensation: Shred the chicken and pile it onto toasted brioche buns or soft potato rolls for a delicious lunch or casual dinner option.
• Salad Topper Twist: Slice the chicken and place on top of a crisp mixed green salad, drizzling the remaining sauce as a decadent dressing for a lighter meal variation.
• Low-Carb Comfort: Serve alongside roasted vegetables like zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a protein-packed, lower-carbohydrate alternative that doesn't compromise on flavor.

How To Keep Crack Chicken Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Place chicken in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until warmed through.
• Warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little broth to maintain sauce consistency. Stir gently to prevent breaking the sauce and ensure even heating.

Crack Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Kraft’s crack chicken recipe brings together creamy, zesty flavors in a comforting dish. Cheesy, ranch-infused chicken combines simple ingredients for a crowd-pleasing meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
• 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• Green onions for garnish

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, creating a sizzling surface for perfectly seared chicken.
2. Generously season chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then carefully place in the hot skillet and cook approximately 5-6 minutes per side until achieving a golden-brown exterior and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. Transfer cooked chicken to a separate plate, allowing residual heat to continue subtle cooking.
4. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low and pour chicken broth, gently whisking cream cheese until a velvety, smooth consistency develops.
5. Incorporate ranch seasoning and shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce becomes creamy and uniform.
6. Carefully return chicken to the skillet, nestling pieces into the rich sauce and allowing them to simmer for an additional 3-4 minutes, ensuring thorough sauce coverage.
7. Remove from heat and sprinkle crispy crumbled bacon across the surface, adding a satisfying crunch and smoky flavor.
8. Garnish with finely chopped green onions for a fresh, vibrant finish before serving hot directly from the skillet.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting ranch seasoning for personalized heat and flavor intensity.
• Ensure chicken is fully cooked by using a meat thermometer, checking internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat alternatives for a lighter, healthier version of the dish.
• Swap chicken breasts with thighs or plant-based protein like tofu for dietary preferences or vegetarian options.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fiber: 0.3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg