Name: Easy Baked Crack Chicken Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; salt and pepper (to taste); ¾ cup cream cheese (softened); ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese (divided); 5 slices thick cut bacon (cooked and crumbled, divided); 1 ounce dry ranch dressing mix (1 package); 4 green onions (thinly sliced)

Creamy, cheesy, chicken with bacon and ranch makes this easy baked crack chicken recipe a family favorite!

If you’re on the hunt for a family-friendly dish that will leave everyone asking for seconds, look no further than our Crack Chicken Casserole recipe. This creamy, comforting creation is a surefire hit with even the pickiest of eaters. The best part? It’s an easy dinner recipe that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

There’s truly nothing better than ranch chicken with crispy bacon on top. Plus, it’s a low carb easy recipe with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand! You can even make this recipe keto diet friendly. The leftover chicken is delicious too so you can eat it for days! This chicken dish will definitely be in your meal plan rotation for a long time. It’s a great new recipe for busy weeknights, and it’s a great way to use up the ingredients in your fridge.

This chicken breast recipe is quick and easy to make, and it makes plenty for the whole family. Even the kids, our pickiest eaters love it and ask for seconds. Everyone loves the tender chicken breasts and melty cheese in this delicious meal!

This crack chicken casserole is the perfect comfort food that even the picky crowd can enjoy. Plus, it’s a breeze to prepare, making it an excellent choice for a quick and easy dinner tonight. The combination of ingredients in this recipe is truly addicting, and it’s bound to become a new family favorite. Be sure to keep this one in your recipe card collection, as you’ll definitely want to make it again next time you’re in need of a delicious and satisfying meal. Whether you’re a fan of crack chicken or just good recipes in general, this dish is a winner. So, grab your baking dish, follow these simple steps, and get ready to savor every bite of this creamy, savory sensation!

A kitchen countertop with ingredients for a recipe, including diced green onions, shredded cheese, chopped bacon, seasoning, raw chicken breasts, cream cheese, and a meat tenderizer.

A bowl of loaded mashed potatoes topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions.

Recipe Ingredient Notes

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Salt
Pepper
Cream cheese
Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
Package dry ranch dressing mix
Green onions

A white bowl containing chopped bacon, shredded cheddar cheese, and a white ranch mixture sits on a light-colored surface.

Equipment Needed

9×13 inch baking pan (I like THIS one)
Nonstick cooking spray
Meat tenderizer
Medium bowl
Spatula

Raw seasoned chicken breasts in a white dish, a bowl with a creamy mixture and spoon, a small bowl of shredded cheese, chopped green onions on a cutting board with a knife, and a pepper shaker.

Raw chicken breasts covered with a cream cheese and shredded cheese mixture in a white baking dish.

How to Make Easy Baked Crack Chicken

Begin by preheating the oven to 400 degrees.
Then, get out a 9×13 inch baking pan and spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Next, use the tenderizer to pound chicken breasts until they are about ¼ of an inch thick.
Try and make sure the chicken breasts are about the same thickness so they finish baking at the same time.
Now, place the chicken in a single layer in the baking pan and season them with salt and pepper. You can also add onion powder or garlic powder if you want.
Then, in a medium mixing bowl, mix together the softened cream cheese, half of the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, half of the bacon crumbles, and the whole packet of dry ranch dressing mix.
Once that is done, spread the cream cheese mixture over top of the chicken breast evenly.
Then take the rest of the shredded cheddar cheese and sprinkle it over top of chicken breasts.
Now, place the baking pan in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken has fully cooked.
Once the chicken is done baking, pull it out and top it off with the remaining bacon crumbles, and green onion and enjoy!

A fork holds a piece of food topped with chopped green onions and cheese over a dish of similar food, placed on a wooden surface next to a black and white checkered cloth.

A white bowl filled with a baked potato dish topped with chopped green onions, bacon, and melted cheese sits on a wooden cutting board next to a blue and white checkered cloth.

Ranch Seasoning Mix in Bulk? Yes, Please!

I know I’ve said it before, but our family goes through ranch dressing mix so often and we cannot be the only ones! If you want to make sure you have ranch seasoning mix always on hand why not make your own, in bulk! The Pioneer Woman has a great recipe for homemade ranch seasoning mix that I love to make up! Make it and have it ready for the next recipe!

More Baked Chicken Recipes

Easy Baked Crack Chicken Recipe

4.79 from 14 votes

Creamy, cheesy, chicken with bacon and ranch makes this easy baked crack chicken recipe a family favorite!

6 Servings

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

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Video

Ingredients

▢ 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
▢ salt and pepper, to taste
▢ ¾ cup cream cheese, softened
▢ ¾ cup shredded cheddar cheese, divided
▢ 5 slices thick cut bacon, cooked and crumbled, divided
▢ 1 ounce dry ranch dressing mix, 1 package
▢ 4 green onions, thinly sliced

Equipment

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400℉.
Spray bottom of 9×13" baking pan with non-stick cooking spray.
Pound chicken breasts until they about about 1/4" thick (you want them to all be the same thickness so that they finish cooking at the same time).
Place chicken in a single layer in the baking pan and season with salt and pepper (sometimes I also season the chicken with a little bit of onion powder and garlic powder as well).
In a medium bowl, mix together the cream cheese, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon crumbles, and the dry Ranch dressing mix.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over all the chicken breasts in the pan.
Top the chicken with the remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
Cook in oven for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165℉).
Remove chicken from oven and top with remaining bacon crumbles and green onion.

Notes

Try and make sure the chicken breasts are about the same thickness so they finish baking at the same time. You can also add onion powder or garlic powder before baking to this dish.

Nutrition

Calories: 424 kcal · Carbohydrates: 5 g · Protein: 33 g · Fat: 29 g · Saturated Fat: 13 g · Trans Fat: 1 g · Cholesterol: 138 mg · Sodium: 865 mg · Potassium: 554 mg · Fiber: 1 g · Sugar: 1 g · Vitamin A: 647 IU · Vitamin C: 3 mg · Calcium: 143 mg · Iron: 1 mg

Cuisine: American

Cost: $12

Author: Steph Loaiza

Course: Main Course

Did You Make This Recipe?We’d love to hear your thoughts! Leave a review or a question in the comment section below the post.

Questions & Reviews

Rachel says:

If I cut up the chicken breasts how would that affect the cooking time?

Walz says:

OMG!!! Now this recipe was so delicious!!!! My chicken was so tender also!!!

Momma Cyd says:

It might cut down your cooking time a little. You just need to be sure your chicken is cooked through. We had this over the weekend and it was delicious!

CK says:

Hi! Do you have an instant pot version of this recipe?

Momma Cyd says:

Yes, here is the video for the Instant Pot version - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0 Find Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe here: Ingredients: 6 slices cooked bacon 2 pounds boneless chicken breast (frozen or thawed) 1 packet ranch seasoning 8 oz cream cheese chopped green onions 1 cup water Directions: Put chicken and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot. Put on the lid and push MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK for 25 minutes if frozen and 20 if thawed. Do a quick release when the timer is done. Remove chicken and shred. Keep your Instant Pot on low. Add chicken back in. Add ranch packet, cream cheese, green onions and bacon. Stir until everything is well combined. This dish is usually served with 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, I just didn't add it this time!

Judy says:

Can you freeze this and cook later I am looking for healthy make ahead meals that can be reheated or cooked later for me and my daughter because we work so much

Momma Cyd says:

Yes, you could make and freeze any leftovers for a later date, just thaw and reheat. We also have a recipe for crack chicken in the Instant Pot - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0

Amanda says:

Loved this recipe! It was delicious and easy to make. Great for a weeknight meal.

Theresa says:

I liked the flavors of this recipe, but will use about half of a ranch packet next time. The topping was a little too salty. Will make again!

Rachael says:

Turned out really good, thanks for the recipe

Andrea Urban says:

Can this one be made into a freezer meal? Can the cream cheese be frozen? I'm in a freezer meal swap group and this looks divine!

Momma Cyd says:

We have made it and frozen the leftovers after baking. Then reheat to eat. But we have not yet made it into a freezer meal with the cream cheese. It is also an IP version - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0

Rehoboth says:

Amazing recipe. Thanks for sharing this post

Ruby Niklason says:

Can boneless skinless chicken thighs be used?

Momma Cyd says:

They should work too. You pound the chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick. So you would make sure the chicken thighs are the same thickness and then go from there.

Cindy says:

Fixed this recipe for dinner last night and my husband loved it.. I told him I was happy that he liked it because we had leftovers and he said good because he would eat them tonight.!!!

DeDe Mitchell says:

I love this recipe ! It is sooo good and easy to make !

Suzanne Stegall says:

Delicious... Thank You, I will definitely be making this again

Me says:

Try AND make sure the chicken is the same thickness or try TO make sure? Asking for a friend….

Momma Cyd says:

Tell your friend close to 1/4 inch thick so they all cook evenly will work great!

Sarah says:

This recipe is so tasty! Thank you for sharing it! I’ve made it twice now and plan to continue making it. My friends and family love it too. I’ve shared the dish and the recipe with quite a few people. Also, I loved your classy response to the person who commented with a “smart” 🫏 question about whether you should say “try and” or “try to”. You handled her nonsense well.

Momma Cyd says:

Thanks Sarah!! :)

Michelle says:

Excited to try this except for the bacon. My hubby's not a fan. Do you recommend something instead of bacon?

Momma Cyd says:

We have only made it as directed in the recipe. Ham diced up small would be tasty too.

Lauri says:

This was sooo good! Everyone loved it which was great as my husband does not care for ranch but he loved this!

Amanda says:

What would you recommend as side items for this dish? As I've never tried this dish before. This would be enough for me with no sides. But the 2 men in the house need sides lol.

DENISE says:

The recipe says 1.5 lbs of chicken. How many servings is this? The calories do not say serving size.

Steph @ Six Sisters says:

This recipe serves 6. The servings are listed right at the top of the recipe card, just above the recipe title (it's a little smaller font).

Steph @ Six Sisters says:

Great question! A side of mashed potatoes or broiled asparagus would be really good. A delicious pasta salad or side salad would pair well with it, too!

Pamela Patchin says:

What side dishes do you suggest serving with this dish?

Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

I would serve a cold salad like a pasta salad, green salad, or even potato salad would be yummy. You could also serve this with some grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes. A side of corn bread would be a nice touch, too!

Carrie B says:

Is there a suggested replacement for the cream cheese? I just wanted to make it a little lighter.

Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

You could try substituting greek yogurt for the cream cheese in this recipe for a lighter version

AnaP says:

You suggest making ranch mix from scratch. If using Pioneer Woman's version, or store-bought bulk as I have, how much exactly should be added to the recipe? Thank you. Looking forward to trying this dish!

Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

I would start with 2 Tbsp of ranch seasoning mix or to taste

Shelbie G says:

Tried this recipe the exact same way but used the Fiesta Ranch packet, Game changer!! 🤤

Stephanie says:

I made this tonight and it was delicious!!! I served it up with roasted potatoes and steamed green beans. Perfect on a cold and snowy Sunday evening!!! The chicken was tender and it was soooo good!!! Thank you so much!!!

Geraldine says:

I would only use half of the packet of ranch mix it made it salty other than that it was good

Join The Discussion

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Rachel says:

If I cut up the chicken breasts how would that affect the cooking time?
Walz says:

OMG!!! Now this recipe was so delicious!!!! My chicken was so tender also!!!
Momma Cyd says:

It might cut down your cooking time a little. You just need to be sure your chicken is cooked through. We had this over the weekend and it was delicious!
CK says:

Hi! Do you have an instant pot version of this recipe?
Momma Cyd says:

Yes, here is the video for the Instant Pot version - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0 Find Instant Pot Crack Chicken Recipe here: Ingredients: 6 slices cooked bacon 2 pounds boneless chicken breast (frozen or thawed) 1 packet ranch seasoning 8 oz cream cheese chopped green onions 1 cup water Directions: Put chicken and 1 cup of water in the Instant Pot. Put on the lid and push MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK for 25 minutes if frozen and 20 if thawed. Do a quick release when the timer is done. Remove chicken and shred. Keep your Instant Pot on low. Add chicken back in. Add ranch packet, cream cheese, green onions and bacon. Stir until everything is well combined. This dish is usually served with 1 cup of cheddar cheese on top, I just didn't add it this time!
Judy says:

Can you freeze this and cook later I am looking for healthy make ahead meals that can be reheated or cooked later for me and my daughter because we work so much
Momma Cyd says:

Yes, you could make and freeze any leftovers for a later date, just thaw and reheat. We also have a recipe for crack chicken in the Instant Pot - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0
Amanda says:

Loved this recipe! It was delicious and easy to make. Great for a weeknight meal.
Theresa says:

I liked the flavors of this recipe, but will use about half of a ranch packet next time. The topping was a little too salty. Will make again!
Rachael says:

Turned out really good, thanks for the recipe
Andrea Urban says:

Can this one be made into a freezer meal? Can the cream cheese be frozen? I'm in a freezer meal swap group and this looks divine!
Momma Cyd says:

We have made it and frozen the leftovers after baking. Then reheat to eat. But we have not yet made it into a freezer meal with the cream cheese. It is also an IP version - https://youtu.be/kuTcz9gzpE0
Rehoboth says:

Amazing recipe. Thanks for sharing this post
Ruby Niklason says:

Can boneless skinless chicken thighs be used?
Momma Cyd says:

They should work too. You pound the chicken breasts to 1/4 inch thick. So you would make sure the chicken thighs are the same thickness and then go from there.
Cindy says:

Fixed this recipe for dinner last night and my husband loved it.. I told him I was happy that he liked it because we had leftovers and he said good because he would eat them tonight.!!!
DeDe Mitchell says:

I love this recipe ! It is sooo good and easy to make !
Suzanne Stegall says:

Delicious... Thank You, I will definitely be making this again
Me says:

Try AND make sure the chicken is the same thickness or try TO make sure? Asking for a friend….
Momma Cyd says:

Tell your friend close to 1/4 inch thick so they all cook evenly will work great!
Sarah says:

This recipe is so tasty! Thank you for sharing it! I’ve made it twice now and plan to continue making it. My friends and family love it too. I’ve shared the dish and the recipe with quite a few people. Also, I loved your classy response to the person who commented with a “smart” 🫏 question about whether you should say “try and” or “try to”. You handled her nonsense well.
Momma Cyd says:

Thanks Sarah!! :)
Michelle says:

Excited to try this except for the bacon. My hubby's not a fan. Do you recommend something instead of bacon?
Momma Cyd says:

We have only made it as directed in the recipe. Ham diced up small would be tasty too.
Lauri says:

This was sooo good! Everyone loved it which was great as my husband does not care for ranch but he loved this!
Amanda says:

What would you recommend as side items for this dish? As I've never tried this dish before. This would be enough for me with no sides. But the 2 men in the house need sides lol.
DENISE says:

The recipe says 1.5 lbs of chicken. How many servings is this? The calories do not say serving size.
Steph @ Six Sisters says:

This recipe serves 6. The servings are listed right at the top of the recipe card, just above the recipe title (it's a little smaller font).
Steph @ Six Sisters says:

Great question! A side of mashed potatoes or broiled asparagus would be really good. A delicious pasta salad or side salad would pair well with it, too!
Pamela Patchin says:

What side dishes do you suggest serving with this dish?
Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

I would serve a cold salad like a pasta salad, green salad, or even potato salad would be yummy. You could also serve this with some grilled vegetables or mashed potatoes. A side of corn bread would be a nice touch, too!
Carrie B says:

Is there a suggested replacement for the cream cheese? I just wanted to make it a little lighter.
Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

You could try substituting greek yogurt for the cream cheese in this recipe for a lighter version
AnaP says:

You suggest making ranch mix from scratch. If using Pioneer Woman's version, or store-bought bulk as I have, how much exactly should be added to the recipe? Thank you. Looking forward to trying this dish!
Bobbi @ Six Sisters says:

I would start with 2 Tbsp of ranch seasoning mix or to taste
Shelbie G says:

Tried this recipe the exact same way but used the Fiesta Ranch packet, Game changer!! 🤤
Stephanie says:

I made this tonight and it was delicious!!! I served it up with roasted potatoes and steamed green beans. Perfect on a cold and snowy Sunday evening!!! The chicken was tender and it was soooo good!!! Thank you so much!!!
Geraldine says:

I would only use half of the packet of ranch mix it made it salty other than that it was good