Crack Chicken For One

Enjoy the delicious flavors of Crack Chicken, a perfect single serving meal combining tender chicken, rich cheese, and savory bacon. This easy-to-make dish is portioned just for one, giving you all the taste of the classic recipe in a convenient size. Perfect for a relaxing evening, Crack Chicken is satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a must-try for a fulfilling meal at home.

this Recipe

Enjoy this tasty baked small batch Crack Chicken over buttered noodles, fluffy white rice, nutty brown rice, or alongside warm, crusty French bread perfect for dipping.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe bakes in about 25 minutes, making it perfect for a fast, satisfying meal.
• Single Serving: No leftovers to worry about! This recipe is just the right amount for one person.
• Flavorful: The creamy sauce and crispy bacon give the chicken a burst of delicious flavor.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like green onions, chopped tomatoes, or sliced avocado.
• Homemade Seasoning: We use a tasty homemade blend instead of packaged ranch seasoning, for even better flavor.

Ingredients

If you have any ingredients leftover from this small batch crack chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.

• Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is used for its rich flavor and health benefits. For added richness, substitute with butter.
• Chicken Breast: The star of the dish. Use a 4 to 5 ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe. If preferred, substitute with a boneless, skinless chicken thigh. If you find yourself with leftover chicken, why not use it in other delicious dishes? Consider adding it to a Chicken and Rice Casserole, spicing it up in a Chicken Tagine, making savory Buffalo Chicken Tenders, or tossing it in a flavorful Cashew Chicken recipe.
• Chopped Onions and Garlic Clove: We recommend sautéing chopped onions and a minced garlic clove in olive oil after cooking the chicken. These ingredients add a wonderful depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness to the dish.
• Low Sodium Chicken Broth: Using low sodium chicken broth allows you to control the saltiness of the dish more effectively. If you choose regular chicken broth, consider reducing or eliminating any additional salt to maintain a balanced flavor. If you have leftover broth, it can be used in any of our soup recipes. Try using it in Zuppa Toscana, blend it into a comforting Potato Soup, or in our hearty Chicken Stew.
• Seasonings (Dried Dill, Parsley Flakes, Garlic Powder, Onion Powder): Instead of the usual packaged ranch seasoning found in traditional Crack Chicken recipes, this version uses a homemade blend of dried dill, parsley flakes, garlic powder, and onion powder. This combination creates a fresh, herbaceous flavor profile that perfectly complements the chicken.
• Heavy Cream: : Heavy cream adds a luxurious, velvety texture to the dish, making it indulgently creamy. As it cooks, heavy cream thickens naturally, helping to create a cohesive sauce that clings beautifully to the chicken and any accompanying sides, like noodles or rice. Half-and-half can be used for a lighter, less rich version. If you have extra cream, it can be creatively used in various recipes. Whip it into a Crustless Quiche Lorraine for added richness, stir into Cheesy Baked Eggs for a creamy texture, blend into Creamy Vegetable Soup for extra smoothness, or incorporate it into a Mini French Silk Pie for a decadent dessert!
• Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is a key ingredient in Crack Chicken, providing a rich, velvety base to the sauce. Its mild tanginess complements the savory flavors of the chicken and spices, while its creamy texture helps to bind all the ingredients together, creating a luxurious sauce. Use any remaining cream cheese to make Jalapeño Poppers with a creamy filling or to make a delightful small batch of Cheesecake Bars or Oreo Balls.
• Cheddar Cheese: For the best melt and flavor, we recommend shredding your own cheddar cheese. Pre-packaged shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that can hinder smooth melting. Freshly shredded cheese ensures a creamier and more cohesive texture in your Crack Chicken. For leftover cheddar cheese, consider adding it to a Broccoli Casserole for extra cheesiness or use it in a small batch of Loaded Deviled Eggs for a flavorful twist.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For even seasoning throughout the dish, we prefer using kosher salt with a clean flavor and excellent solubility. Its coarse texture allows for precise control, ensuring every bite is perfectly seasoned. Along with this, freshly ground black pepper is added, introducing a subtle heat and aromatic depth. This combination of spices balances the rich and creamy elements of the crack chicken beautifully. I like using Diamond Crystal brand of kosher salt and find it to be ideal for achieving this flavor balance.
• Bacon: It brings a satisfying crunch and rich flavor to the dish. If you have extra bacon, it works wonderfully in a German Potato Salad, adds depth to Coq au Vin, or can be a hearty addition to Lentil Stew.
• Green onions: These are optional but add a nice fresh flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions