You’re about to master a dish that perfectly balances tender chicken, creamy cheese, and crispy bacon in just a few steps.
This Pepper Jack Crack Chicken recipe requires an expert touch with precise seasoning—garlic and onion powders elevate the flavor, while the pepper jack cheese adds a spicy zing.
Imagine the delightful aroma as the cheese melts flawlessly over the chicken.
Curious about the next steps to perfection?
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 large skillet
- 1 mixing spoon
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing the Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, you can follow this timeline:
- Reading & Preparation (5 minutes)
- Read through the entire recipe and gather all necessary ingredients and equipment.
- Preheat the skillet by heating the olive oil over medium heat.
- Prep Work (5 minutes)
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Shred the pepper jack cheese if not pre-shredded.
- Slice the green onions and crumble the cooked bacon if needed.
- Cooking (25 minutes)
- 0-14 minutes: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the heated skillet. Cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- 14-19 minutes: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- 19-22 minutes: Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the top of each chicken breast. Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
- 22-25 minutes: Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt over low heat for about 3 minutes.
- Serving (5 minutes)
- Serve the chicken warm, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Total time: 35 minutes (including reading, prep, cooking, and resting time)
Following this timeline will help you manage your time efficiently and guarantee that the dish is prepared and served warm. Enjoy your meal!
Recipe Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt over low heat for about 3 minutes.
Serve the chicken warm, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Serving Tips
- Side Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh side salad for a light and invigorating complement.
- Steamed Vegetables: Serve with a mix of steamed broccoli, carrots, and green beans for a nutritious and colorful side.
- Mashed Potatoes: Add creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting and hearty accompaniment.
- Rice Pilaf: Enjoy the chicken with a flavorful rice pilaf to soak up the delicious juices.
- Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes balances the spiciness of the dish.
Storage
Store leftover Pepper Jack Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to preserve the cheese’s texture.
Freezing
To freeze Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, first cool completely.
Wrap each chicken breast tightly in plastic wrap, then foil.
Store in an airtight container for up to three months.
Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
To reheat Pepper Jack Crack Chicken, use a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and avoid drying out.
Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for even heating.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any day of the week.
With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cook time of 25 minutes, it’s a quick meal option.
The combination of spicy pepper jack cheese, crispy bacon, and fresh green onions creates a delicious topping for tender chicken breasts.
Make sure to let the chicken rest before adding the toppings to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.
For a complete meal, serve this dish with a side salad or some steamed vegetables.
Adjust the spice level by substituting some of the pepper jack cheese with mild cheddar if desired.
Enjoy this simple yet tasty recipe with your family and friends!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Chicken Breasts?
You can use chicken thighs instead of breasts. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may need more time to cook through. Make certain they’re evenly seasoned. The rich flavor of thighs pairs well with pepper jack and bacon.
How Can I Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Replace chicken with thick slices of portobello mushrooms. Maintain the same seasoning. Sauté mushrooms until tender. Use smoked gouda for a rich flavor. Add roasted red peppers for sweetness and texture. Follow the rest of the recipe. Enjoy!
What Wine Pairs Well With This Dish?
You’ll want a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or a light-bodied Pinot Noir to complement the spicy, savory flavors of the dish. Both wines balance the richness of the cheese and bacon while enhancing the overall taste experience.
Can I Add Vegetables to the Skillet?
You can definitely add vegetables to the skillet. Consider using bell peppers or zucchini for added flavor and texture. Slice them thinly and sauté with the chicken, ensuring they cook evenly and complement the dish’s spice.
Is There a Way to Make This Dish Dairy-Free?
You can make it dairy-free by replacing pepper jack cheese with a plant-based cheese alternative. Look for one that melts well. Pair the dish with a tangy dairy-free yogurt sauce to enhance flavor and add creaminess.
Easy Pepper Jack Crack Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- 1 large skillet
- 1 Mixing spoon
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 cheese grater
Ingredients
- 4 pieces boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup pepper jack cheese shredded
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions sliced
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Place the chicken breasts in the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle shredded pepper jack cheese over the top of each chicken breast.
- Top with crumbled bacon and sliced green onions.
- Cover the skillet and allow the cheese to melt over low heat for about 3 minutes.
- Serve the chicken warm, garnished with additional green onions if desired.
Notes
