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Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe is a flavorful and creamy chicken dish combining juicy chicken breasts with melted pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and a rich ranch cream cheese sauce. Quick to prepare and packed with bold, spicy, and savory flavors, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or a comforting family dinner that everyone will love.

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 4 chicken breasts
  • 6 bacon strips
  • 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

Cheese

  • 1 cup pepper jack cheese, sliced or shredded

Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons ranch seasoning mix (gluten-free if needed)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Bacon: Cook the bacon strips in a skillet over medium heat until they are crispy. Remove bacon and place on paper towels to drain excess grease. Once cooled, crumble into small pieces. Keep the bacon fat in the skillet for added flavor in the next steps.
  2. Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. Season generously with ranch seasoning mix and garlic powder on both sides to create a flavorful crust and infuse the meat with herbs and spices.
  3. Brown the Chicken: Heat the skillet with reserved bacon fat or a small amount of oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown. This step locks in moisture and builds a delicious base flavor.
  4. Add Cream Cheese and Cheese: Reduce heat to low. Spread softened cream cheese evenly over each chicken breast. Then layer slices or sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese on top of the cream cheese for rich, melty goodness.
  5. Bake or Cover to Melt: If using an oven-safe skillet, place it in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, cover the skillet with a lid on the stovetop and cook until cheese melts and chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  6. Add Bacon and Green Onions: Sprinkle the crumbled bacon and chopped green onions over the melted cheese. This adds crunch, freshness, and a pop of color to the dish.

Notes

  • Use room temperature cream cheese for easier spreading and smoother melting.
  • Do not overcook chicken; aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  • Choose thick-cut bacon for better texture and flavor.
  • Add green onions last to retain their crunch and fresh flavor.
  • Use the same skillet for bacon and chicken to deepen flavor and minimize cleanup.
  • Author: Lina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Searing and Baking
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.5 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg

Keywords: pepper jack chicken, creamy chicken recipe, bacon chicken, ranch chicken, easy dinner, gluten free chicken