why make this recipe
This dish is creamy, salty, and easy. You get rich cream cheese sauce, crispy bacon, and tender chicken thighs in one pan. It cooks fast and feels like comfort food. If you like simple dinner ideas, try this one and also see a similar idea for stuffed snacks in this Crack Chicken Hot Pockets recipe for more inspiration.
introduction
Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs use simple ingredients you likely have at home. The sauce is smooth and tasty. You can make it on a weeknight and eat with rice, potatoes, or bread. This recipe is good for families and busy cooks.
how to make Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs
- Cook bacon in a skillet until crispy. Set bacon aside.
- In the same skillet, sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
- Add cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet with the chicken. Stir until cream cheese melts and forms a sauce.
- Lower heat and cook on low until chicken is cooked through.
- Crumble the bacon and mix it back into the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Ingredients :
- 4 chicken thighs
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Directions :
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
- Add cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet with the chicken. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
- Cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
- Crumble the bacon and mix it back into the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
how to serve Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs
Serve hot over rice, mashed potatoes, or egg noodles. The sauce soaks well into sides. Add a green salad or steamed veggies for color. For a different meal feel, try serving it with pasta like in a Creamy Broccoli Bacon Chicken Pasta Casserole.
how to store Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs
Cool the dish to room temperature. Put in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for 3–4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot. Do not leave out more than two hours.
tips to make Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs
- Use full-fat cream cheese for the best sauce texture.
- Pat chicken dry before searing so it browns well.
- Cook bacon first for flavor in the pan.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it.
- For extra flavor, add a little garlic powder or smoked paprika.
- If you want ideas for soups with similar flavors, check this Crack Chicken Soup page.
variation (if any)
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts if you prefer.
- Add chopped mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra veggies.
- Make it spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
A: Yes. Cook time may change. Check until chicken reaches 165°F (75°C) inside.
Q: Can I make this in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can. Brown the chicken first, then put all ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 3–4 hours. For a slow cooker recipe guide, see a slow cooker version online.
Q: Is ranch packet needed?
A: The ranch mix adds most of the flavor. You can use homemade ranch seasoning if you have it.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: You can freeze it, but cream cheese can change texture. Freeze without garnish and thaw in fridge before reheating.
Conclusion
If you want a slow cooker take on this style of dish, you can follow a trusted slow cooker version at Slow Cooker Crack Chicken.
Print
Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Creamy Crack Chicken Thighs are a rich and comforting one-pan meal featuring tender chicken, crispy bacon, and a smooth cream cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sear the chicken thighs until golden brown on both sides.
- Add cream cheese and ranch dressing mix to the skillet with the chicken. Stir until cream cheese is melted.
- Cook on low heat until the chicken is cooked through.
- Crumble the bacon and mix it back into the dish.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
For best results, use full-fat cream cheese. You can add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken, creamy, one-pan dinner, quick meal, comfort food