Loaded Baked Chicken Recipe – An Easy Low-Carb Recipe The Entire Family Will Love!

If you are searching for a new way to make chicken breast for dinner you are going to love this Loaded Baked Chicken recipe! Tender, juicy chicken gets smothered in melty cheese, crispy bacon, and all the flavors of a loaded baked potato.

It is the perfect recipe to make on a busy weeknight when you don’t have extra time to spend in the kitchen. It is an easy recipe to prepare and is ready to eat in just 30 minutes!

Although it is a simple dish it is one that is packed full of amazing flavor. Not only is it the perfect answer for those who follow a low-carb or Keto diet, but even the pickiest eater will ask for more!

Only 4 Ingredients Required

One of the main reasons that this recipe has become a regular on menu rotation is that it requires only 4 basic ingredients. That means that I can open my refrigerator and have dinner in the oven in minutes.

Here is what you will need to make Loaded Baked Chicken Breasts:

1. Chicken Breasts – You will need boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe. Although in order to get them on the table in under 30 minutes, you will need thin cut chicken breasts. If you have a large chicken breast simply slice them in half to make two thinner breasts.

2. Cream Cheese – A half of block of cream cheese will be sliced and placed directly on the pieces of chicken. However, unlike my favorite Low-Carb Cheeseburger Soup Recipe you will not need to bring the cream cheese to room temperature. Instead, slice the cream cheese while it is cold as it is much easier to do so then.

3. Cooked and Crumbled Bacon – You can cook and crumble your own bacon slices or use real bacon bits that you can easily find at the grocery store. However, it is best to steer away from those red imitation bacon bits.

4. Sharp Cheddar Cheese – For best results grate your own cheese as it will melt better than pre-shredded store bought cheese. However, when I am in a hurry I use the shredded cheese. Just know that it won’t melt as well as the cheese that you grate yourself.

Loaded Baked Chicken Recipe

*Specific measurements and complete recipe instructions are located in a printable recipe card at the bottom of this article. However, be sure to continue to read the tips and tricks to making this recipe below.

INGREDIENTS

• 4 Chicken Breasts, thin cut
• 1/2 block Cream Cheese, refrigerated
• 4 strips Bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled
• 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, freshly shredded

INSTRUCTIONS

The first step in making Loaded Baked Chicken is to preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Then spray a 7 x 11 inch or 9 x 13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. If you don’t like to use non-stick cooking spray, use a pastry brush to spread olive oil all over the inside of the baking dish.

Next, remove the cream cheese from the refrigerator. Then slice the half block of cream cheese into 8 even slices.

Place 2 pieces of the sliced cream cheese over top of each chicken breast. The cheese will not cover the entire top surface, but will when it melts.

Then sprinkle the bacon crumbles and the Sharp Cheddar cheese over top of the chicken. Now place the baking dish in the preheated oven, uncovered.

Bake Time:

Cook the chicken until as instant read, digital food thermometer reads 165°F when inserted in the center of the thickest portion of the chicken breast. (Affiliate Link: Instant Read Digital Thermometer)

For thin chicken breasts, it should take about 20 minutes to come to the desired temperature. However, if you are making this Loaded Baked chicken using thick chicken breasts, it will take longer.

Once the chicken is done, remove the pan from the oven. Then use a silicone spatula or the back of a tablespoon to compress the warmed cream cheese.

As you press down the cream cheese will spread across the top surface. Not only does this add a consistent flavor in each bite, it also makes it easier to eat.

Let the chicken sit inside the baking dish for 5 minutes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this with frozen, breaded chicken tenders?

If you want to make this with frozen breaded chicken tenders, cook the chicken according to package directions. Then during the last 10 minutes of the baking process, add the cream cheese, cheese and bacon on top. Then finish cooking until the chicken is at an internal temperature of 165°F.

2. How do I store leftovers?

If you have leftover Loaded Baked Chicken breasts, you can store them in a closed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It is not recommended to freeze the chicken as the cream cheese will separate and the texture will become grainy.

3. How do I reheat leftovers?

It is best to reheat the leftovers in a preheated oven set at 350°F for 15 minutes. However, if you don’t mind cutting the chicken into bite size pieces, you can also reheat in the microwave for 2 – 2 1/2 minutes or until warmed through.

*Reheating Hint

*Hint – I find it best to add 1/2 teaspoon of water on the plate before microwaving so that the chicken doesn’t dry out during the reheating process.

Enjoy! Mary

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