Introduction
Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, this Baked Cracked Chicken is the ultimate comfort food with a keto twist. Featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a rich cream cheese and ranch seasoning mixture, topped with melted cheese and crispy bacon, it’s a dish that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare. Perfect for a family dinner or meal prep, this recipe brings big flavors while keeping carbs low
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Loaded with Flavor: A delicious combination of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon.
- Keto-Friendly: Low in carbs and high in protein, it’s perfect for your ketogenic goals.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleasing dish everyone will enjoy, keto or not.
- Easy to Make: Minimal prep and a one-pan bake make it simple for busy evenings.
Ingredients (American & Metric)
- 4 medium chicken breasts (about 2 lbs / 900g)
- 8 oz (225g) cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup (120ml) sour cream
- 1 packet (1 oz / 28g) ranch seasoning mix (ensure it’s keto-friendly)
- 1 cup (100g) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tbsp (30ml) chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat and prepare the chicken:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides and place them in a greased baking dish.
- Make the creamy topping:
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, sour cream, and ranch seasoning. Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the dish:
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Sprinkle the cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the top.
- Add the crumbled bacon as the final layer.
- Bake the chicken:
- Cover the baking dish with foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F / 74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Garnish and serve:
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with chopped green onions.
- Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success
- Use room-temperature cream cheese for easier mixing.
- If you prefer crispier bacon, add some freshly cooked bacon crumbles as a garnish after baking.
- For even cooking, pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this baked cracked chicken with steamed broccoli, cauliflower rice, or a fresh garden salad for a complete keto-friendly meal.
Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or microwave until warmed through. This dish also freezes well for up to 2 months.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Serves 4)
- Calories: 420
- Fat: 32g
- Protein: 35g
- Net Carbs: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs are juicier and work well in this recipe. Adjust cooking time as needed. - What’s a keto-friendly ranch seasoning?
Look for a store-bought ranch seasoning without added sugar, or make your own using a mix of garlic powder, onion powder, dill, parsley, and salt. - Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. Assemble the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Bake when ready to serve. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute dairy-free cream cheese, sour cream, and cheese for a dairy-free version. - What can I serve this with to keep it keto?
Pair with roasted vegetables, zucchini noodles, or a crisp Caesar salad.
