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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.
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.
What Is Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken is a creamy, savory dish made with chicken, cheese, and a blend of herbs and spices. It’s often used as a dip or sandwich filling, but our version is perfect as a main course over noodles or rice. The name “Crack Chicken” comes from its addictive flavors!
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.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Crack Chicken: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or a half-spoonful of chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick. Perfect for those who love a bit of heat in their meals.
- Herb Lover’s Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or rosemary for an aromatic touch. Fresh herbs add a new dimension of flavor, making the dish more vibrant and fragrant.
- Cheese Variety: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella for stretchiness, Gouda for a smoky flavor, or a touch of blue cheese for a bold twist. Each cheese brings unique taste and texture.
- Bacon-Free Crack Chicken: For a lighter version, leave out the bacon. Add a dash of smoked paprika to maintain some of that smoky flavor.
- Creamy Mushroom Crack Chicken: Sauté 1/4 cup of sliced mushrooms and add them to the mix. Mushrooms contribute an earthy depth and extra texture, making the dish more substantial and flavorful.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach, diced bell peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for added nutrition and color. Vegetables enhance the nutritional value and add fresh flavors and textures.
How To Make Crack Chicken For One
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make this smaller-portioned crack chicken recipe. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Preparing the Chicken: Start by heating 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken in the skillet for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. Remove chicken and set aside – it doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this point.
- Sautéing Onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Add onions and sauté until they turn translucent, about 1 minute, stirring occasionally.
- Adding Garlic: Stir in the garlic and continue cooking for an additional 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmering with Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Incorporating Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Once simmering, continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Adding Seasonings and Cheese: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in cream cheese, dried parsley flakes, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining salt until well combined.
- Combining Chicken, Cheese, and Bacon: Mix in the chicken, half of the shredded cheese, and the bacon into the pan, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Baking Preparation: Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5×5 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Adding the Final Cheese Layer: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top of the mixture in the baking dish. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and ensure even baking.
- Baking and Serving: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and garnish the crack chicken with sliced green onions.
Pro Tip: If the cheese hasn’t completely melted, return the dish to the oven without the foil and bake for an extra 5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted. Then, top with the green onions.
This dish is now ready to be enjoyed! Serve it over your choice of pasta or rice, or pair it with a slice of French bread for a delightful meal.
Expert Tips
- Before starting, it’s important to read the entire recipe and the detailed Ingredient Notes section. We’ve included comprehensive information to guarantee your crack chicken turns out perfectly every time. Since this dish is quick to prepare, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the recipe and have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before beginning.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Cheese Mixture: Mix the cheeses well to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Baking Dish: Use a 5×5 inch baking dish for the perfect portion and even baking.
- Herb Balance: Adjust the herb quantities to suit your flavor preferences.
More Ways To Enjoy Crack Chicken
Here are additional ways to savor this versatile dish:
- Over Buttered Noodles: A classic pairing that highlights the creamy texture.
- With Rice: A great way to soak up all the creamy goodness.
- As a Dip: Use French bread for dipping and savor the rich flavors.
- In a Sandwich: Stuff it between bread slices for a hearty meal.
- With Green Beans: Serve alongside roasted brussels sprouts or sautéed green beans for a balanced meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it’s best enjoyed fresh.
Absolutely, it can save time and works well with the recipe.
Yes, you can prepare this crack chicken in advance. Assemble the dish up to the point of baking, cover it, and refrigerate. When ready to eat, let the dish come to room temperature and bake as instructed.
Yes, just double the ingredient amounts and use a 6.5×6.5 inch baking dish, a 6×8 inch baking dish, or two 5×5 inch baking dishes.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
If you’ve made this oven-baked crack chicken recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out for you. Please rate the recipe and share your thoughts in the comments below.
Snapped a photo? Tag us on Instagram; we’d be thrilled to see your creation!
Crack Chicken For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt -divided
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 (4 to 5 ounce) boneless, skinless chicken breast -cut into ½ inch pieces
- ¼ cup chopped onions
- 1 clove garlic -minced
- ⅓ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 3 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 ounces cream cheese
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried dill
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese -divided
- 2 strips bacon -cooked and crumbled
- 1 green onion -sliced for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the Chicken: Heat ½ tablespoon of olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with ⅛ teaspoon salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken for 2 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side. The chicken doesn't need to be fully cooked. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
- Sauté Onions: Add the remaining olive oil to the same pan. Add the onions and sauté for about 1 minute until they turn translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
- Simmer Broth: Pour in the chicken broth, stirring occasionally, and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add Cream: Add the heavy cream to the pan and bring it back to a simmer. Continue to cook for 1 minute, stirring often.
- Mix in Seasonings: Remove the pan from heat. Stir in the cream cheese, dried parsley flakes, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and the remaining salt until well combined.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the chicken, half of the shredded cheese, and the bacon, ensuring everything is evenly distributed.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Transfer the mixture to a lightly buttered 5×5 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly. Pro Tip: Place the baking dish on a rimmed baking sheet to catch any possible spills.
- Add Cheese: Sprinkle the remaining cheese evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil to lock in moisture and ensure even baking.
- Bake: Place the covered dish in the oven and bake for 20 minutes. After baking, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes if the cheese hasn't fully melted.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the Crack Chicken with sliced green onions. Serve it over pasta, rice, or with a slice of French bread for a delightful meal.
Notes
- Before starting, it’s important to read the entire recipe and the detailed Ingredient Notes section. We’ve included comprehensive information to guarantee your crack chicken turns out perfectly every time. Since this dish is quick to prepare, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the recipe and have all ingredients prepped and ready to go before beginning.
- Even Cooking: Ensure the chicken pieces are of uniform size for even cooking.
- Cheese Mixture: Mix the cheeses well to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth texture.
- Baking Dish: Use a 5×5 inch baking dish for the perfect portion and even baking.
- Herb Balance: Adjust the herb quantities to suit your flavor preferences.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
Have not cooked it yet but LOVE the ingredients!!!! One hack is to substitute diced pancetta for bacon. I live alone and do not eat bacon. I can buy a small amount of pancetta and it will last in frig a good while. Also gives a “bacony” flavor. LOVE ONE DISH KITCHEN!!!
Thank you so much – great tip!!
This is a good dish. Maybe a little less dill would be better. I ate it over noodles,, which I rarely eat but it was good. I will probably cook it again & try adjusting the seasonings. Itโs way more than one serving so will have it again in a day or so. Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Made the dish last night. Excellent!! It was sooooo good and easy to make. The only thing was, I couldnโt find the temperature to bake it at. I did it at 375 degrees. I have made other recipes from you and have not been disappointed! Thank you so much for the delicious recipes!!!
This is so good I did a double batch so I could take it to work for lunch.
I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Good recipe.
Thank you!!