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Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
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Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and mildly spicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts smothered in a luscious pepper jack cheese sauce with smoky bacon and ranch seasoning. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual entertaining, this flavorful recipe offers comfort with a twist and can be served with rice, veggies, or low-carb sides.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese & Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese (freshly shredded recommended)
  • 4 oz cream cheese

Meat

  • 6 slices bacon

Seasonings & Sauce

  • 1 packet ranch dressing mix (ensure gluten-free if required)
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/2 tsp paprika or cayenne pepper for extra spice

Cooking Fat

  • 2 tbsp butter or olive oil

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts lightly with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat butter or olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the chicken on both sides until golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Cook the Bacon: In the same skillet, cook the bacon pieces until crispy, allowing the fat to render. Drain the bacon on paper towels and chop into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat in the skillet and add the cream cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Stir in the ranch dressing mix and a handful of shredded pepper jack cheese, mixing until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet and spoon the cheesy sauce over them. Sprinkle the crispy bacon bits evenly on top. Cover the pan and let everything warm together for a few minutes so the flavors meld and the cheese melts perfectly.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Once the sauce is bubbly and the chicken is heated through, plate the dish. Optionally garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or green onions, and add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat if desired.

Notes

  • Choose evenly sized chicken breasts to ensure consistent cooking and prevent dryness.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking to maintain juiciness.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
  • Adjust spice levels gradually to avoid overpowering flavors.
  • Try making this dish in a slow cooker by combining ingredients (except cheese and bacon) and cooking on low for 3-4 hours; add cheese and bacon near the end.

Nutrition

Keywords: pepper jack chicken, creamy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, easy chicken dinner, ranch chicken, bacon chicken recipe, quick chicken, low-carb chicken

Find it online: https://juliaglam.com/easy-pepper-jack-crack-chicken-recipe/