If you’re looking for a delicious and easy-to-make dish that will impress your guests, look no further than cracked chicken. This mouthwatering recipe is sure to be a hit with both young and old. Not only is it packed full of flavor, but it’s also incredibly simple to prepare, making it the perfect choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

To start, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, including boneless, skinless chicken breasts, salt, pepper, and your choice of seasoning. Once you’ve gathered everything you need, it’s time to get cooking! The key to making great cracked chicken is to cook it slowly and evenly, allowing the meat to become tender and juicy while also developing a deliciously crispy exterior. With a little bit of patience and a few simple tricks, you’ll be serving up the best cracked chicken around in no time.

How to Make Cracked Chicken: A Delicious Recipe to Wow Your Taste Buds

If you are looking for a dish that’s packed with flavor and unbelievably easy to make, look no further than cracked chicken. This popular dish is a favorite of foodies everywhere for its tender, juicy texture and delicious, tangy taste. In this article, we will show you how to make cracked chicken that is sure to impress your family and friends.

What is Cracked Chicken?

Before we get started, let’s take a moment to understand what cracked chicken is. Also known as “Crack Chicken,” this dish gets its name from the addictive flavor that leaves you wanting more. It’s a take on a classic chicken casserole recipe that is deconstructed and made into a creamy, cheesy chicken dish that will have you coming back for seconds.

Preparation

Before you start making the dish, gather all the ingredients and supplies you need. You’ll need two pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts, eight ounces of cream cheese, one packet of ranch dressing mix, one cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and one pound of bacon. Additionally, you’ll need a slow cooker, a large pan for cooking the bacon, and a cutting board and knife.

Cooking the Chicken

Begin by placing the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Next, add the cream cheese and ranch dressing mix on top of the chicken. Cover the slow cooker with a lid, and cook on low heat for six to eight hours, or until the chicken is cooked through and tender.

Cooking the Bacon

While the chicken is cooking, prepare the bacon. Cook the bacon in a large pan on medium heat until it is nice and crispy. Once it’s done, remove the bacon from the pan and place it on a plate lined with paper towels to remove excess grease.

Shredding the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the slow cooker and place it on a cutting board. Use a fork to shred the chicken into small pieces.

Assembling the Dish

Now it’s time to assemble the dish. Begin by placing the shredded chicken back into the slow cooker with the cream cheese and ranch dressing mixture. Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the slow cooker. Mix everything together until the cheese is melted and the ingredients are evenly distributed.

Serving Suggestions

This delicious dish can be served in many ways. You can enjoy it plain, with a side of your favorite vegetables or baked potatoes. You can also serve it on top of a bed of rice or with tortilla chips for a fun twist.

Variations

There are many variations to cracked chicken. Some people like to add sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick, while others use different types of cheese to change up the flavor.

Tips and Tricks

To make this dish even easier, you can use a pre-cooked rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken from scratch. You can also use low-fat cream cheese and turkey bacon for a healthier twist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I freeze cracked chicken?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftover dish for later use. Simply place it in an airtight container and store it in the freezer.

Q: What is the shelf life of the dish?
A: The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days.

In conclusion, cracked chicken is a mouth-watering dish that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With the right ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can make this crowd-pleaser in no time. So, go ahead and try out this recipe – we guarantee you won’t be disappointed!

Ingredients Needed For Cracked Chicken

So now that you know what cracked chicken is and how mouth-wateringly delicious it can be, let’s dive into what ingredients you’ll need to make this tasty dish.

1. Chicken: The primary ingredient of cracked chicken is chicken, obviously. Get some fresh chicken breasts as per your requirement.
2. Salt: Salt is a crucial ingredient that helps to season the chicken well.
3. Black pepper: Rubbing black pepper on the chicken will add a mild spiciness and smokiness which will enhance the flavor of the chicken.
4. Garlic powder: Garlic powder can add a nice savory hint to the chicken.
5. Onion powder: Onion powder will contribute the delicious, caramelized flavor to the chicken.
6. Paprika: Paprika will lend a smoky and earthy flavor to the chicken.
7. Brown Sugar: Brown sugar will help to create a sweet and savory flavor, caramelizing the chicken and creating that signature “crack” texture on the outside.
8. Olive Oil: Olive oil will keep your chicken moist and tender, while giving it a slight, nutty flavor.
9. Hot Sauce: Using a hot sauce of your choice can give the recipe an optional spicy kick.
10. Lemon juice: The lemon juice not only adds flavor, but it can also help to tenderize the chicken, especially if you’re using a tougher cut.

These are the essential ingredients you’ll need to make the perfect cracked chicken recipe. Once you have them all gathered, you’re ready to start cooking.

How to prepare the ingredients for cracked chicken

Cracked chicken is a delicious meal that is easy to make with the right ingredients. Here are some tips on how to prepare the ingredients for cracked chicken.

Choosing the right chicken

The key to making great-tasting cracked chicken is starting with high-quality chicken. Look for chicken that is fresh and not frozen. You can use boneless or bone-in chicken but bone-in adds more flavour and juiciness to the chicken. Organic or free-range chicken will also yield better results.

Spices and herbs

To make the perfect seasoning blend for your cracked chicken, you will need spices and herbs. The most common spices and herbs used in making cracked chicken are paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano and thyme, salt and pepper. You can adjust the amount of seasoning to your taste.

Marinade

Marinade is the secret to juicy and flavourful cracked chicken. You can make a simple marinade using a mixture of olive oil and lemon juice. You can add garlic and ginger if you prefer. Marinate your chicken for at least an hour or overnight for better results.

Crust ingredients

The crust is what sets apart cracked chicken from other chicken dishes. For the crust, you will need flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, or panko breadcrumbs. You can mix and match as per your preference. Some people prefer a combination of flour and breadcrumbs, while others use only breadcrumbs.

Preparation

When you have all the ingredients ready to go, it’s time to prepare the cracked chicken. Start by patting dry the chicken to remove any excess marinade. In a bowl, mix the crust ingredients together. Dip each chicken piece into the crust mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Place the coated chicken on the baking sheet, ensuring they’re not touching. Repeat for all chicken pieces.

In conclusion, making delicious cracked chicken requires the right ingredients, seasoning blend, marinade, and crust ingredients. Take your time with each step, and you’ll be enjoying the tastiest chicken dish.

Thanks for stopping by!

I hope you enjoyed learning how to make cracked chicken! It’s a delicious and simple dish that will impress your family and friends. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different spices and seasonings to find your own unique flavor. And if you like this kind of cooking inspiration, be sure to visit again soon for more tasty recipes and tips!