Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
Pepper Jack Crack Chicken is a deliciously rich and creamy baked chicken dish, featuring tender chicken tenderloins smothered in a flavorful blend of cream cheese, spicy Pepper Jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions. Perfect for a comforting dinner, this recipe combines bold flavors with a simple baking method for an easy yet indulgent meal.
- Author: Lily
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30-35 minutes
- Total Time: 40-45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Chicken
- 2 Lbs. Boneless Skinless Chicken Tenderloins
Cheese Mixture
- 8 oz. Cream Cheese, Softened
- 16 oz. Pepper Jack Cheese, Shredded (divided)
Additional Ingredients
- 1/2 Bunch of Green Onions, Diced (divided)
- 3 oz. Crumbled Bacon Pieces (divided)
- 1 tsp. Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp. Onion Powder
- 1 tsp. Salt
- Prepare Cheese Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, 8 oz. of shredded Pepper Jack cheese, half of the diced green onions, half of the crumbled bacon pieces, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well blended.
- Arrange Chicken: Lightly spray a 9×13-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Place the boneless skinless chicken tenderloins evenly in the baking dish.
- Add Cheese Mixture: Spread the prepared cream cheese mixture evenly over the top of the chicken tenderloins, ensuring they are nicely covered.
- Top with Remaining Ingredients: Sprinkle the remaining shredded Pepper Jack cheese, bacon pieces, and diced green onions over the cream cheese layer, creating a flavorful topping.
- Bake: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Bake the dish uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and browned.
Notes
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened at room temperature for easier mixing.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken is fully cooked for food safety.
- For extra crispiness, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- You can substitute regular shredded cheese if Pepper Jack is unavailable, but it will alter the flavor profile.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Keywords: Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, baked chicken, creamy chicken recipe, cheesy chicken, bacon chicken recipe, easy dinner, comfort food