Crack Chicken Creamy Bacon Cheddar (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Proteins

01 - 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, about 1 pound total, pounded to 1/4-inch thickness

→ Dairy

02 - 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
03 - 4 ounces shredded cheddar cheese, white or yellow
04 - 1 tablespoon butter

→ Vegetables and Aromatics

05 - Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
06 - Sliced green scallions, for garnish

→ Herbs and Spices

07 - Salt, to taste
08 - Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
09 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
10 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
11 - 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
12 - 1/4 teaspoon dried dill weed
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried chives

→ Fats and Oils

14 - 1 tablespoon vegetable oil

→ Prepared Meats

15 - 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced

# Instructions:

01 - Set oven to 400°F (204°C) to preheat.
02 - Lightly grease a 9x13-inch (23x33 cm) baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
03 - In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook diced bacon until crisp. Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside. Reserve bacon fat in the skillet.
04 - Add vegetable oil to the skillet with the bacon fat. Season pounded chicken breasts with salt, pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, and paprika. Sear chicken breasts in batches if necessary, cooking for 2–3 minutes until golden brown.
05 - Turn chicken breasts over, add butter, and continue to cook for 2 more minutes until browned.
06 - Transfer seared chicken breasts to the prepared baking dish. Set aside.
07 - In a small bowl, blend together cream cheese, remaining 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.
08 - Spread about 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each chicken breast. Sprinkle with half the cooked bacon.
09 - Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top. Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and golden.
10 - Remove from oven. Finish with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and sliced scallions. Serve hot.

# Notes:

01 - Taste and adjust seasoning in the cream cheese mixture as desired; a dash of hot sauce adds heat.
02 - For a reduced-fat version, substitute turkey bacon and lower-fat cream cheese and cheddar.

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