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What is Crack Chicken?

This is referred to as a “crack” chicken recipe because it is so addicting. The flavor combination of chicken, bacon, ranch, and cheese really is irresistible! One of the best things about this flavor combo is its versatility. It can be served as a dip or with a bun, quesadilla, wrap, slider, and even more! This is one of the reasons crack chicken has become a popular potluck or party dish.

Crack Chicken Foil Pack Recipe

You might be asking why you would prepare a meal in a foil pack rather than in a slow cooker or baking in the oven. Foil packs don’t leave dirty pots and pans so there is virtually no cleanup. They are especially great options in the summer. You can toss the foil pack on the grill or even directly on campfire coals! Plates aren’t even a necessity so there truly can be zero cleanup if you choose.

This is also a great recipe for meal prepping. You can make this dish ahead of time and reheat or prepare the foil packs earlier in the week then all you have to do is toss them on the oven or grill 20 minutes before you plan to serve them. We also have a Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe in case you do prefer to use a slower cooker.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Minimal cleanup. No cleanup is required if you choose to eat out of the foil packs!
• Versatile. This dish will work well with so many pantry staples whether you’re preparing for a weekday dinner or your next potluck.
• Irresistible flavor. This flavor combo is called crack chicken for a good reason.
• Ingredients for Crack Chicken Foil Pack
• As always, here is a quick overview of the ingredients used for this crack chicken recipe. For the complete recipe, just scroll to the bottom of the page.
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• Chicken, cut into cubes: I use boneless, skinless chicken breast for this recipe, but boneless thighs will also work if you prefer a different cut of meat.
• Olive oil: For heat transfer, flavor, browning ingredients and to avoid sticking
• Hidden Valley Ranch seasoning: you will need a packet of Ranch seasoning, not the liquid dressing.
• Broccoli: fresh broccoli is used, but cauliflower can be substituted.
• Cream Cheese: you can technically use reduced-fat cream cheese in this dish, but I would recommend using full-fat cream cheese. The reduced fat version just does not melt as smoothly. If you use the full-fat cream cheese it will have a better texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: cheddar is our favorite for this dish, but you can use your favorite variety if you wish.
• Bacon: crispy, crunchy freshly cooked bacon. Skip the prepackaged bacon bits for the best flavor.
• How to Make a Crack Chicken Foil Pack
• In addition to the ingredients listed above you will need aluminum foil and a few mixing bowls. Remember, it is very important to get heavy-duty foil, otherwise, it is not thick enough to make a foil pack. Follow along below to see the exact step-by-step process for this recipe.
• Ingredients
• 1 pound of chicken, cut into cubes
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 (1 ounce) package of Hidden Valley Ranch, divided
• 4 cups fresh broccoli
• 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup bacon, cooked and chopped
• Instructions
• Heat an oven or grill to 400 degrees F.
• In a bowl toss the cubed chicken with the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the Ranch seasoning, set aside.
• In a second bowl combine the softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar, Ranch seasoning, and cooked bacon.
• Tear 4 pieces of foil in 12-inch x 12-inch squares.
• Place 1 cup of fresh broccoli in the center of each square. Top with 1/4 of the chicken and 1/4 of the cheese mixture.
• Bring the sides of the foil pack up and carefully fold over to close, then close the ends. Be sure to leave enough room for air to circulate.
• Cook the foil packs for 15-20 minutes. If grilling be sure the foil packs are over indirect heat, placing this directly on a flame can melt the foil and burn the food. Carefully open the foil pack, and check the chicken for an internal temperature of 165 degrees F.