Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

This ranch cream cheese chicken recipe has an irresistible topping with bacon and melty cheddar cheese that's baked to perfection!

You may also like my 6-ingredient Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole, this Chicken Bacon Ranch Soup, or Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta.

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Why you'll love it

When you combine tender chicken, two kinds of cheese, ranch, and bacon, the resulting flavors are pretty special. It's probably why this recipe is considered so addictive. I'm not crazy about it being called crack chicken, but it is what it is. 😉 In any case, this bacon ranch chicken is a great weeknight option since it's simple to prepare and has very few ingredients with a huge flavor payoff!

I'm a big fan of skillet-to-oven recipes. The chicken is pan fried until juicy and golden, and it just goes seamlessly into the oven, making the best hot and bubbly cheese topping. This recipe also happens to work for the keto diet since it's low carb.

Ingredients for it

  • Bacon - everything is better with bacon
  • Chicken - we're using chicken breasts here
  • Garlic powder and pepper - these seasonings infuse flavor right into the chicken
  • Cream cheese - full fat Philly is my go-to variety
  • Ranch seasoning - for that signature ranch flavor. I use Hidden Valley. If you're watching your sodium intake, you can always make your own Homemade Ranch Seasoning to control the salt.
  • Scallions - these mild green onions bring a pop of freshness
  • Cheddar cheese - I like to grate my own for best texture and taste

Tools for this recipe

Check out Natasha's favorite kitchen essentials, gadgets, and cookware!

  • It's easiest to cut into small pieces quickly with kitchen shears.
  • I suggest using an oven-proof skillet for this recipe, but you can use a regular skillet and transfer everything to a baking dish for the oven step if you prefer.
  • Chicken is done when an instant read meat thermometer shows 165F in the thickest part. Its temperature will continue to rise while resting, so if it's over 160F, you can take it out of the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes or so before eating it.

How to make crack chicken

This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

In a skillet, fry the bacon pieces until crispy, and then transfer to a plate, leaving 2 tablespoons of the bacon fat. Sear the chicken for 5 minutes per side.

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Meanwhile, add the cream cheese, scallions, ranch seasoning, and half of the bacon to a mixing bowl. Combine with a spoon until smooth.

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Spread the cream cheese mixture on top of each piece of chicken, followed by the cheddar cheese.

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Top with the rest of the bacon, and bake for 20 minutes or until cooked through!

Can this be made lighter?

  • Sure! Use only half the amount of cream cheese and 2 large chicken breasts, and cut them in half lengthwise so you have 4 thinner cutlets.
  • You could also use less bacon if you absolutely need to. Just make sure there's enough that the fat left over is enough to sear the chicken in. I'd recommend at least 3 strips.

Tips for success

  • The recipe will go much smoother if you let the cream cheese soften up first. You can leave it on the counter for an hour, or microwave it until soft.
  • If you happen to have some Cooked Bacon on hand, you can skip the chicken searing step if you wish (like just add it raw straight to a baking dish), but timing will need to be increased to compensate for not searing it in the skillet first.

What to serve with it

  • White rice is a simple way to make it a meal. Garlic Mashed Potatoes would be good too!
  • As mentioned above, this is low carb, so it works just fine on its own.
  • I also like pairing it with a simple green salad with this Creamy Balsamic Dressing.

Leftovers and storage

  • Leftovers will keep in the fridge for 3-4 days in a covered container.
  • The best way to reheat it is in the oven so the cheese gets melty again.
  • I don't recommend freezing leftovers since dairy can change texture after thawing.

More cheesy favorites

  • Mac and Cheese Soup
  • Quick Cream Cheese Pasta Sauce
  • Cream Cheese Mashed Potatoes
  • Quick and Easy Alfredo Sauce
  • Spinach Artichoke Pasta

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Questions about this cream cheese chicken recipe? Let me know in the comments below! Hope you enjoy it. Tag me #saltandlavender on Instagram with any of my recipes that you made!

Chicken recipe with cream cheese and bacon

Ranch Cream Cheese Chicken (Crack Chicken)

This ranch cream cheese chicken recipe has an irresistible topping with bacon and melty cheddar cheese that's baked to perfection!

5 from 1 vote

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Prep Time 10 mins

Cook Time 40 mins

Total Time 50 mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 717 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients 

  • â–¢6 strips bacon cut into small pieces
  • â–¢4 large chicken breasts
  • â–¢1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • â–¢Pepper to taste
  • â–¢8 ounces cream cheese softened
  • â–¢1 tablespoon ranch seasoning I used Hidden Valley
  • â–¢1/3 cup scallions chopped
  • â–¢1 cup cheddar cheese grated

Instructions 

  • Preheat your oven to 375F and move the rack to the top third of the oven.

  • Cook the bacon in a large oven-proof skillet until crispy (I cut it up quickly using kitchen shears). Transfer the bacon to a paper towel lined plate, and leave about 2 tablespoons of bacon fat in the skillet.

  • Season the chicken breasts with the garlic powder and pepper, then add them to the skillet and sear for 5 minutes/side over medium-high heat.

  • Meanwhile, add the cream cheese (microwave it for 30 seconds or until soft if it's straight out of the fridge), ranch seasoning, scallions, and about half of the cooked bacon to a bowl. Stir until smooth.

  • Once the chicken has been seared, take the skillet off the heat. Spread the cream cheese mixture equally over the top of each piece of chicken, then sprinkle the cheddar over top, followed by the rest of the bacon. If you don't have an oven-proof skillet, transfer the chicken to a baking dish for this step.

  • Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes. If your chicken breasts are on the smaller side, try 15 minutes then test for doneness (chicken is cooked at 165F).

    What is the secret to juicy chicken?

    To start, brine your chicken in a mixture of water and a few tablespoons of salt for about 20 to 30 minutes. This will boost the natural flavor and moisture of the chicken breasts and will leave you with a super tender piece of meat. This is the one step that will really ensure your chicken won't be dry or tough.

    How do you make chicken taste more flavorful?

    Whether brined, rubbed with spices, basted or marinated, there are endless ways to add more flavour to your chicken..
    Make a marinade. ... .
    Wrap in bacon. ... .
    Make a pot roast. ... .
    Citrus-scented. ... .
    Use a brine. ... .
    Rub with spices. ... .
    Fire up the barbecue. ... .
    Serve with gravy..