Keto Crack Chicken (Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken)

Name: Keto Crack Chicken (Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 teaspoon sea salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, about 1 ½ pounds; 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil (I use this brand) code kyndraholley for $5 off; 6 ounces cream cheese, softened; 3 tablespoons ranch dressing (get my recipe here); 2 cloves garlic, minced; ¾ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided; 6 slices bacon cooked crisp and chopped, divided; 3 green onions, thinly sliced, divided

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This Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken Recipe (a.k.a Keto Crack Chicken Recipe) is made with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, stuffed with a rich mixture of cream cheese, sharp cheddar cheese, ranch dressing, bacon and green onions. It is loaded with flavor, but easy to make. It only calls for 7 main ingredients and can be ready in just over 30 minutes.

A white casserole dish with chicken breasts topped with cheese, bacon and green onions.

Table of Contents show

Ingredients in Keto Crack Chicken

Ingredients laid out in individual bowls to make a stuffed chicken recipe - chicken, bacon, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch dressing, garlic, spices.

Ingredients Notes

Chicken: For this keto crack chicken recipe, I use boneless skinless chicken breasts, but you could also use boneless skinless chicken thighs, chicken cutlets, or chicken tenders. (More Keto Chicken Recipes)
Bacon: I prefer a nice thick cut bacon, but you can use any bacon you prefer. You could also substitute pancetta, prosciutto, or even ham. (Try these Bacon Cheeseburger Salad Bowls)
Cream cheese: I recommend using a full-fat cream cheese as it is going to be the lowest in carbohydrates. You can also use mascarpone, ricotta, mayonnaise or even sour cram. (Try these Cream Cheese Stuffed Everything Bagel Bites)
Cheddar cheese: I like to use a freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, but you can honestly use any cheese you prefer in this cheesy bacon ranch chicken recipe.
Green onions: In place of the green onions you can also use chives or shallots.
Ranch dressing: For this low carb crack chicken recipe, I like to use my Dairy Free Keto Ranch Dressing, but you can use any ranch dressing that you prefer. You can also use a tablespoon of dried ranch powder, or more to taste.

How to Make Cheesy Bacon Ranch Chicken

Step by Step Instructions

STEP 1: Preheat the oven to 375°F. In a small mixing bowl, combine the salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Generously season the chicken breasts on both sides.

STEP 2: Cut lengthwise slits into each of the chicken breasts to create a pocket, being careful not to cut all the way through.

STEP 3: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot and the butter is melted, add the chicken breasts to the pan and sear until golden brown and slightly caramelized on both sides, about 2 to 3 minutes each side. Remove the chicken from the pan. (It will not be fully cooked during this stage.)

STEP 4: In a small mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, ranch dressing (or ranch seasoning), garlic, half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the green onions. Mix until all ingredients are well combined.

Step by step photo instructions for how to make cheesy bacon ranch chicken.

STEP 5: Stuff the cream cheese mixture into the pockets in the chicken breasts.

STEP 6: Spread any remaining mixture on top of the chicken breasts. Transfer the chicken breasts to a baking dish.

STEP 7: Top the chicken with the remaining cheddar cheese and bake for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.

STEP 8: Garnish the cheesy bacon ranch chicken with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.

Recipe Tips and Variations

Storage: Store leftover keto crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This is also a great recipe for meal prep. Alternatively, you can put it in the freezer for up to a month.
Reheating: You can reheat this cheesy bacon ranch chicken in the oven, the microwave, on the stovetop, or in the air fryer.
Instant Pot directions: To make Instant Pot Crack Chicken, prepare the cream cheese mixture as you would for the stovetop version. Season the chicken breasts and use the sear function to sear the breast until browned. Spread the cream cheese mixture over top of the chicken breasts, top with remaining cheddar cheese, bacon, and green onions and cook on high for 15 minutes. Release the pressure and then let sit for a few minutes before opening and serving.
Slow cooker directions: To make slow cooker crack chicken, season the chicken breasts and stuff them with the cream cheese mixture. Cook on low for 6 hours. Top with remaining cheddar cheese and cook for one additional hour. Shred chicken, top with remaining bacon and green onions before serving.
Make lettuce wraps: I like to chop up some of the leftover chicken, mix it with a little mayo and use it as a chicken salad for lettuce wraps.

A plate with a cheese chicken breast, topped with bacon and served with broccoli, with a bite being taken out of it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Crack Chicken?

Crack chicken is a recipe comprised of chicken breasts stuffed with a mixture of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bacon, ranch dressing, and green onions?

Can you use chicken thighs for crack chicken?

Yes. You can definitely substitute chicken thighs, but I recommend using boneless, skinless thighs so that you can easily stuff them.

Do I have to stuff the chicken?

No, you can just spread the mixture on top of the chicken breasts before baking.

How do you make crack chicken?

Crack chicken is made my seasoning chicken breasts and then pan-searing them and stuffing them with a delicious mixture of cheeses, bacon, ranch, and green onions.

What to Serve with Keto Crack Chicken

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Sarah says

March 29, 2023 at 5:04 pm

We made this tonight for some friends and boy am I glad we made enough to keep and eat for ourselves! Sooo rich and good!