Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food? Pepper Jack Crack Chicken combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick from Pepper Jack cheese. This dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly addictive (hence the name “crack chicken”). It’s perfect for a quick family dinner, game day gathering, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and delicious. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Bacon

1. Fry the Bacon: In a skillet, cook your bacon over medium heat until crispy. Set it aside on a paper towel to drain and cool. Once cool, crumble it into bite-sized pieces.
2. Reserve the Bacon Grease: For extra flavor, you can reserve 1-2 tablespoons of the bacon grease to use when cooking the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. Season the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken: In the same skillet, using either the bacon grease or a small amount of oil, cook the chicken breasts over medium heat until they’re browned on both sides and cooked through. This should take about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before shredding.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Melt the Cream Cheese: In the same skillet, add the cream cheese and let it melt over low heat.
2. Add the Ranch Mix: Stir in the ranch dressing mix, ensuring it’s well incorporated into the cream cheese.
3. Melt the Pepper Jack Cheese: Gradually add the shredded Pepper Jack cheese, stirring until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
4. Optional: For extra heat, stir in some chopped jalapeños.

Step 4: Combine the Chicken and Sauce

1. Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the cooked chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
2. Mix it Together: Add the shredded chicken to the skillet with the creamy Pepper Jack sauce, stirring to coat the chicken evenly in the cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Add the Bacon

1. Stir in the Bacon: Add the crumbled bacon to the skillet and mix it in, saving a little for garnish if you’d like.
2. Garnish: Top with green onions and additional bacon, if desired, for a fresh and flavorful finish.

How to Serve Pepper Jack Crack Chicken

This dish is versatile and can be served in many ways depending on your preferences. Here are some ideas:

On Sandwiches:

• Serve the crack chicken on toasted buns for a hearty sandwich. It’s perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.

With Rice or Pasta:

• Pair it with fluffy rice or al dente pasta to soak up the creamy, cheesy sauce.

As a Dip:

• This recipe also works great as a dip! Serve it with tortilla chips or bread for a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties or gatherings.

Over Salad:

• For a lighter option, serve the crack chicken over a bed of greens for a filling and flavorful salad.

Tips for the Best Pepper Jack Crack Chicken

• Use a Slow Cooker for Convenience: If you’re short on time, you can make this in a slow cooker. Add the chicken, cream cheese, ranch mix, and cheese to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, then shred the chicken and stir in the bacon at the end.
• Adjust the Spice Level: Pepper Jack cheese already adds a bit of heat, but you can amp it up by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes.
• Make it Low-Carb: For a keto-friendly meal, serve this crack chicken over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
• Pre-Cooked Chicken: If you’re in a rush, you can use pre-cooked rotisserie chicken. Just shred it and add it to the creamy sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is quick and simple.
• Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of creamy cheese, savory bacon, and ranch seasoning creates a mouthwatering meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish stores well, making it an excellent option for meal prep. You can enjoy it throughout the week without it losing flavor or texture.

Storing and Reheating

Storing:

• In the Fridge: Store leftover Pepper Jack Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Reheating:

• Microwave: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Alternatively, reheat the chicken on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.

Freezing:

• Freeze for Later: You can freeze this dish for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

This Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a delicious, cheesy, and comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it as a sandwich, over rice, or as a dip, it’s guaranteed to please. The spicy kick from the Pepper Jack cheese combined with the creamy sauce and crispy bacon creates a mouthwatering dish that will have you coming back for more!

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of cheese?
   Yes! While Pepper Jack adds a nice spicy flavor, you can substitute it with cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack for a milder version.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   Absolutely. This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
3. How can I make this spicier?
   Add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to the dish for an extra kick.
4. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
   Yes, chicken thighs will work perfectly and add even more juiciness to the dish.
5. Is this recipe keto-friendly?
   Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you serve it with keto-friendly sides like cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
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   Yield: 6

   Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe

   

   Print

   Are you ready for the ultimate comfort food? Pepper Jack Crack Chicken combines creamy, cheesy goodness with a spicy kick from Pepper Jack cheese. This dish is rich, flavorful, and incredibly addictive (hence the name "crack chicken"). It’s perfect for a quick family dinner, game day gathering, or any time you’re craving something indulgent and delicious. Let’s dive into this easy-to-make recipe that’s guaranteed to become a household favorite.

   Prep Time 10 minutes

   Cook Time 30 minutes

   Total Time 40 minutes

   Ingredients

   • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
   • 8 oz cream cheese, softened
   • 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
   • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
   • 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
   • 1/2 cup chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker)
   • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
   • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
   • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
   • 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)

   Instructions

   Slow Cooker Method:

   1. Prepare the Chicken:

   Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

   Sprinkle the ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken.

   Add the chicken broth if using (to prevent sticking and ensure moistness).

   2. Add Cream Cheese:

   Dollop the softened cream cheese over the chicken breasts.

   3. Cook the Chicken:

   Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked (internal temperature reaches 165°F or 74°C).

   4. Shred the Chicken:

   Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it using two forks.

   Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir in the cream cheese mixture.

   5. Add Cheese and Bacon:

   Stir in the shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon until everything is well combined and the cheese has melted.

   6. Serve:

   Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.

   Stovetop Method:

   1. Cook the Chicken:

   Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and browned. Remove from the skillet and shred.

   2. Prepare the Sauce:

   In the same skillet, add the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and pepper.

   Stir until the cream cheese is melted and smooth.

   3. Combine and Melt:

   Stir in the shredded chicken, pepper jack cheese, and crumbled bacon. Mix well until the cheese is melted.

   4. Serve:

   Garnish with green onions and serve hot.

   Notes

   • Serving Suggestions: Serve this crack chicken over rice, pasta, or mashed potatoes, or use it in sandwiches, wraps, or sliders.
   • Spice Level: Pepper jack cheese adds a mild spice, but you can increase the heat by adding diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.
   • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.