Crack Chicken

This Crack Chicken recipe is an easy meal made with juicy chicken breasts loaded with melty cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. This addictive dinner recipe is low-carb AND keto-friendly!

three baked chicken breasts in a white baking dish, and topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.

Easy Baked Crack Chicken

Looking for a quick and easy baked chicken breast recipe with HUGE flavor? Allow me to introduce you to my BFF, Crack Chicken.

Cheesy, creamy ranch chicken with bacon is insanely tasty, family-friendly, and perfect to throw in the oven on any given weeknight. This keto crack chicken is low in carbs, too, and so satisfying. It’s exactly what I crave after a long day. And it’s soon to be high on your list of cravings, too!

This ranch chicken recipe is one of my all-time favorite ways to cook chicken breasts but if you’re looking for other ideas too, check out these chicken breast recipes – Baked Chicken Breasts, Oven Baked Chicken Breasts, Air Fryer Chicken Breasts, Instant Pot Chicken Breasts, and Stovetop Chicken Breasts.

Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Recipe

This ranch chicken recipe has become a huge hit with the entire family. Here are a few reasons why.

  • Quick and easy. All in all, this cheesy baked chicken takes 30 minutes or less from start to finish.
  • Creamy and cheesy. It doesn’t get better than juicy, golden-baked chicken topped with ranchy cream cheese, melty cheddar, and crispy bacon.
  • Low-carb and keto-friendly. This is the perfect easy dinner if you’re looking for something diet-friendly, with flavor that’s through the roof.

Why Is It Called Cracked Chicken?

So, what the heck is crack chicken, you ask? The story goes that “crack” is actually the term for a combination of ingredients: cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar, and bacon. Together, these ingredients taste so good, it’s seriously addictive (take that as you will). They found their way into this chicken recipe and, understandably, we’re all a little obsessed. You’ll also find crack dip, crack pasta, and even crack soup

Crack chicken is pure comfort food, a lot like my jalapeño popper baked chicken but without the peppers. And you won’t believe how easy this is to make.

Recipe Ingredients

I go over the key ingredients for this cheesy ranch chicken recipe below. Be sure to scroll down to the recipe card for a full ingredient list and detailed instructions.

  • Bacon – I like to buy thick-cut bacon as it dices up nicely. You can make this recipe with turkey bacon if you’d prefer a leaner variety.
  • Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken works best here. I use chicken breasts, but thighs are great, too. If you’re working with larger chicken breasts, pound them to about ¼ inch thick before you start.
  • Cream Cheese – You can use full-fat or low-fat cream cheese, but you’ll want to use the cream cheese that comes in blocks, rather than the spreadable kind that comes in tubs. Take your cream cheese out of the fridge so that it can soften.
  • Ranch Seasoning – I make my own homemade ranch seasoning with garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and chives. You can also substitute this with a store-bought ranch seasoning mix.
  • Cheddar Cheese – Shredded white cheddar, yellow cheddar, or a combination of both.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken? 

Yes, but if you’re using frozen chicken breasts or thighs, make sure that the chicken is completely thawed beforehand. Chicken that’s not defrosted will take longer to bake and can make the dish watery.

How To Make Crack Chicken

One bite of this mouthwatering crack chicken recipe, and you’ll see why it deserves the hype. It’s rich, it’s cheesy, and the best part (my favorite part) is that I can devour this keto chicken guilt-free. Come to momma!

  • Cook the bacon. First, you’ll fry up the diced bacon to get it nice and crispy. Remove the bacon but leave the bacon grease in the skillet. Because ~flavor~. 
  • Prep the chicken. Next, season the chicken breasts and then sear them on both sides until browned, and arrange the chicken in a baking dish.
  • Add the “crack” ingredients. Combine the ranch seasoning with cream cheese, then spread the mixture over the chicken breasts. Sprinkle on the cooked crispy bacon and top with shredded cheese. 
  • Bake. Bake the cracked chicken in the oven at 400ºF for 15 minutes, until the chicken breasts are cooked through and everything is melty and golden. Garnish with fresh parsley or scallions, and serve!

Tips for Success

This baked crack chicken is so simple to make, it’s practically guaranteed to come out ahhhmazing. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Use skinless, boneless chicken. This cuts down on the fat and makes the dish less greasy.
  • Use real bacon. Bacon bits tend to taste artificial and make this recipe overly salty. I mean, what’s more tasty than real bacon?!
  • Try a different cheese. In place of cheddar, make it spicy with Pepper Jack, or try another kind of melty cheese like Colby Jack, provolone, or Swiss cheese.
  • Don’t overcook. Overcooked chicken will be tough and dry instead of tender and juicy. Make sure that you check the chicken for doneness towards the end of the baking time, as not all ovens bake the same.
  • To check that your chicken is done baking, take the temperature with an instant-read thermometer. According to the USDA, chicken is ready when the internal temperature reaches 165ºF. 
  • Double the recipe. Double the recipe and have leftovers on hand for easy lunches and dinners throughout the week. Crack chicken freezes well, too, see below for details.
  • Don’t feel like turning on the oven? Try this recipe as Instant Pot crack chicken or slow cooker crack chicken
Baked Crack Chicken Breasts arranged in a white baking dish.

Common Questions

Why is my crack chicken watery?

The melted cheese may look a bit liquidy when the crack chicken is just out of the oven. If your crack chicken is too watery (i.e., if you use frozen chicken that isn’t 100% thawed, or the chicken was “plumped” with water), feel free to scoop out the excess liquid with a spoon. 

Do you bake chicken covered or uncovered?

For this crack chicken recipe, you’ll want to bake your chicken breasts uncovered. This allows the cheese to melt and brown.

What to Serve With Crack Chicken

Now that your ranch chicken recipe is baked all golden and cheesy, it’s time to pair it with some tasty side dishes! Here are some of my favorite ideas to turn this ranch chicken into a meal:

close up shot of chicken breasts covered in ranch, cheddar cheese, and bacon.

Can I Make Crack Chicken Ahead?

Absolutely. To prepare this crack chicken recipe 1-2 days ahead of time, assemble the chicken and toppings in the baking dish. Cover the unbaked crack chicken and refrigerate it until you’re ready, then bake as directed in the recipe.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

  • Fridge. We hardly ever have leftovers in our house! I often make a double batch If you do have crack chicken left over, store it airtight in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
  • Reheat. Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in the oven at 350ºF until hot throughout.
  • Freezer. Allow the chicken to cool to room temperature, and then store it frozen airtight for up to 3 months. Defrost your crack chicken overnight in the fridge before reheating. 

More Baked Chicken Recipes

three baked chicken breasts in a white baking dish, and topped with melted cheese, crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions.

Crack Chicken

Katerina | Diethood
This Crack Chicken recipe is an easy meal made with juicy chicken breasts loaded with melty cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. This addictive dinner recipe is low-carb AND keto-friendly!
4.80 from 142 votes
Servings : 4 serves
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 slices thick cut bacon, diced
FOR THE CHICKEN
  • 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 4 (1-pound, total) boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to ¼-inch thickness
  • salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika
FOR THE RANCH CREAM CHEESE
FOR GARNISH
  • chopped fresh parsley
  • sliced green scallions

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 400˚F.
  • Lightly grease a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the diced bacon; cook until crispy.
  • Remove bacon from skillet and set aside. Don't discard bacon fat.
  • Return skillet to heat and add vegetable oil to the remaining bacon fat.
  • Pound chicken breasts to a ¼-inch to ½-inch thickness and season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
  • Add chicken breasts to the hot oil – you may have to do this in batches if the skillet isn't big enough – and cook chicken breasts for 2 to 3 minutes or until golden brown on the bottom.
  • Flip over the chicken breasts, add butter, and continue to cook for 2 more minutes or until browned.
  • Remove chicken breasts from the skillet and arrange them in the previously prepared baking dish. Set aside.
  • In a small bowl, combine cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives; mix until thoroughly combined. Taste for seasonings and adjust accordingly. See notes.
  • Top each chicken breast with 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese mixture. Spread to coat the surface of each chicken breast.
  • Take half of the diced bacon and add on top of the cream cheese over each chicken breast.
  • Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken breasts.
  • Bake, uncovered, for 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is melted and lightly browned.
  • Remove from oven.
  • Garnish with remaining bacon, fresh parsley, and scallions.
  • Serve.

Video

Notes

  • You can substitute the garlic powder, onion powder, dill weed, and chives with 1 Tablespoon of store-bought ranch seasoning mix.
  • Keep leftovers tightly covered and store in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 5 ounces | Calories: 524 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 37 g | Fat: 40 g | Saturated Fat: 18 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 13 g | Trans Fat: 0.2 g | Cholesterol: 161 mg | Sodium: 668 mg | Potassium: 585 mg | Fiber: 0.3 g | Sugar: 1 g | Vitamin A: 1347 IU | Vitamin C: 6 mg | Calcium: 244 mg | Iron: 1 mg

Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.

Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American/Southern
Keyword: crack chicken, crack chicken recipe, ranch chicken recipe
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157 comments on “Crack Chicken”

  1. A really good tasting chicken. Everyone liked it. When I make it again I won’t put as many spices in the topping because the ranch dressing gives it a lot of wonderful taste.

    1. It’s great to hear that everyone enjoyed the chicken! Adjusting the spices to complement the ranch dressing’s flavor sounds like a good plan for next time. Thank YOU! 🙂

  2. This was soooo DELICIOUS!! Definitely going to make this a keeper! It does pair very well with a yummy green salad of your choice!😊 Thank you so much for sharing it!

    1. I’m glad to hear you loved it, and it’s becoming a favorite! I also pair it with a huge green salad and love it. 😃

  3. This was amazing! The family was enamored, and their only complaint is that it didn’t make more. Thanks for a great recipe!

  4. Starting on keto diet and my husband said, I’ll try to eat what you do. After one bite of this, he said, this is a keeper….and it is!!! I also made for Thanksgiving her Cauliflower au gratin, it was a recipe everyone asked for and never missed the potatoes.

  5. OMG, THANK YOUUUU!!!! Me, my son(24) and husband LOVE this! Easily hands down my FAVORITE chicken I’ve EVER eaten!

  6. This is a great recipe! I didn’t have cream cheese, so I used 4 ounces of heavy whipping cream and two dollops of plain yogurt that I had on hand. And it was perfect. Thank you

  7. A new favorite in my household! Both, my husband and our almost 4- year- old loved it! I do have to say, I was cooking 6 chicken breasts and only had about 2oz of cream cheese so I added about 4oz of sour cream and it was delish!! I didn’t pound the chicken either,
    but I cut them into thin slices. It’s the juciest chicken breast I’ve ever cooked! Served with chopped salad for me and hubby and mashed potatoes for our son. Thank you for sharing this recipe!

  8. Wanting to make this tonight, wondering about serving it over a bed of pasta. As written is there enough sauce to wet the pasta?

  9. Has anyone tried this in the crockpot after browning? Way too hot in texas to run my oven right now.

  10. Absolutely delicious!! Made my own keto mayonnaise and keto Ranch dressing and used it in the recipe! I will make this again and again! Addicted!

  11. My family loves this recipe! Especially the guys. The only thing I wonder about is how is four chicken breasts equal to 1 pound? The chicken breasts I normally buy at Aldi are about a pound each! I use two of those large chicken breasts for my family of six. I actually slice it flat wise instead of pounding that whole thing out and I find about two of them fill one 13 x 9 pan. However I am making it for a big group and tripling the recipe so when I ran into that part of the recipe again I had to wonder how much chicken to buy. I think I’m going to just do a whole family pack which is 5 to 6 pounds. Anyway, thank you for this recipe!

    1. Hi!
      Very happy you liked it! It’s my favorite cheesy chicken recipe. 😊
      I know exactly what you mean about the size of the chicken breasts, and I also agree that it sounds so little. However, a single serving of chicken breasts (for one person) is 4 ounces, uncooked. 4 ounces per 4 people is equal to 16 ounces, or 1 pound. I hope this makes sense.

      1. Oh OK. So you are talking about a serving of chicken breast, rather than a single chicken breast. Good to know!

  12. 11/03/2023 made this for tea and OMG it was bloody good 😊😊 I followed exactly as the recipe said. I had some bacon bits left over so I chopped up some red, yellow & orange bell peppers into the same size as the bacon and mixed them together then laid them in the bottom of the dish with the chicken and cheese mixture and it turned out absolutely delicious served it with new potatoes and asparagus yum yum .
    Will be making this again and again it’s a keeper. Thanks for sharing your recipe.

  13. I might try this tonight. On another note, why not just use the real name? There are so many “crack” recipes, and it’s kind of gross when you think about it.

  14. Avatar photo
    Shirley Baca

    This was absolutely delicious! My husband loved it! I used the dried Ranch Dressing packet and the flavor was amazing; the cream cheese and bacon was a perfect touch! Definitely will be making this again.

  15. Loved this especially with the bacon. Followed directions. Next time I will reduce the amount of cream cheese mixture. Just a little too much for my taste. Could have been because my chicken breast were small. Satisfying recipe.

  16. I have some precooked chicken breasts. I am wondering how long I would need to cook after topping the chicken – I don’t want the chicken to get tough. Do I need to adjust the temperature?

  17. Would switching out the chicken breast for chicken thighs require any changes to the cooking instructions? I’m not a cook so wasn’t sure. Thanks.

  18. I made this recipe and it was a big hit. I followed the recipe as written, except I forgot to put the butter in. It was delicious with out it so must be even better with it!

    1. If you’re using more chicken breasts than the recipe suggests, then yeah, I would up the seasonings, too.

  19. Very easy to make, but I put more herbs on my chicken, including half a packet of Ranch dressing (seasoning). Still turned out good.

  20. I don’t know how this got any higher than 2 stars. For the amount of work you have to do for this recipe it’s not worth it.

  21. Great recipe only instead of wasting time and energy pounding the bejesus out of the chicken breasts just butterfly them instead.

  22. really good, definitely a comfort food with all the best flavors! Also, thank you for putting a jump to recipe & print recipe button right at the top of the page and for making your print recipe feature customizable w/ servings & printing options – super helpful for readers & makes me visit your site more often for recipes.

  23. This was really great! My husband doesn’t care for ranch anything and he loved this! I used the bacon/veggie oil/butter to fry cubed potatoes and broccoli. It was an amazing dinner. Thank you for sharing!

  24. This was amazing! So many different flavors. We will be having this again. We had steamed broccoli and cauliflower as the side.

  25. I made this for dinner this evening. My Husband said he did not want dinner to end. He had 2 pieces. This was the 1st time I made it and I used the ranch dressing. Easy too. Loved.

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      That’s great to hear! I’m very happy you and your husband enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂

  26. This Baked Crack Chicken breast is so good! I used Kikkoman Ponzu Citrus Seasoned Dressing & Sauce that I bought from Karman Foods. It’s delicious!

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Set it to High Pressure for 30 minutes. Let pressure come down naturally and then check the internal temperature of the roast with a meat thermometer; it should register at 145˚F. If it’s less than that, place the lid back on the pot to let the carryover heat cook the pork to doneness.

  27. To say the least I’m a newbie when it comes to cooking. I followed the recipe to a T, and it was delicious. The 2nd time I prepared it I added sliced jalapeños the last 5 minutes, which took it up a level. My favorite dish and easy to prepare.

  28. I just served this for dinner and it was a big hit with the family. I had all the ingredients already and it was very easy to make. This will defiantly be made again here. Thank you for the great recipe❣️

  29. Avatar photo
    dispizme@aol.com

    We absolutely loved this recipe. I used Neufchâtel cheese and low-fat cheese to top it. Thanks for the tip on WW points. We loved it and it will be made again!

    1. Avatar photo
      Kathy Klawitter

      Well, I do believe that I will make this beautiful dish. After browning alittle bit on both sides of the chicken can I finish the recipe in a Crock-Pot? I use my Crock-Pot alot.

  30. Avatar photo
    isaiahbrunette445@yahoo.com

    This was amazing! Loved it! I’m in the very early stages of learning how to cook and this meal was laid out perfect! Question though, what would be a few good sides to go with this meal? Green beans maybe?

    1. Steamed Broccoli, or Roasted Asparagus, or sure – green beans! I served it with a salad and steamed broccoli – we’re keto and gluten-free 🙂

  31. Very good. Husband and son like it. I added slices of jalapeño to the cheese mixture to zip it up a bit. Next time, will likely add Calabrian chilis to the cream cheese.

    1. You can use jalapeños cream cheese or onion & chive cream cheese from the start. I opt for a mixture of half & half of both. Then add your dry ranch dressing to the mix!

  32. Of course there are no carbs in vegetable oil. It’s a fat. The problem with vegetable oil, regardless of what dietary plan you follow, is that it’s high in omega 6, which is inflammatory. You need some, but we get way too much in the standard American diet. Also, polyunsaturated fats (which includes most seed/vegetable oils) oxidize more easily when heated and increase our exposure to free radicals. The best oils to cook with are saturated fats like coconut oil, ghee (aka clarified butter), lard, and tallow. Monounsaturated fats such as extra virgin olive and avocado oil are also good options for cooking. Olive oil is cardio protective, has a high smoke point, and resists oxidation.

  33. Avatar photo
    Richard Kohout

    Recipe sounds good, but on a Keto diet you do not use vegetable oil!. Never should use Vegetable Oil!!

    1. There are no carbs in 1 tablespoon of veg oil! But yes if on keto avoid. Using all butter might be better for your diet 🙂

  34. This is spool great! Flavor is on point and easy to follow. There isn’t a single ingredient in this recipe that I don’t like.

      1. Crack is Whack.
        But, Keto Crack is Divine!
        Cooking in my oven right now.
        Smells heavenly, I’m sure it’ll taste just as awesome.
        Thank you for such a wonderful recipe.
        *switched out the vegetable oil with olive oil. Worked great!

  35. Making this today! From the comments & just the ingredients, this has got to be good! Can’t wait!
    Thank you!

  36. Avatar photo
    Freya Petersen

    Thank you for the recipe. Looking for a different low carb chicken recipe. I followed to the tee and didn’t change a thing. The recipe was tasty but we felt that it wasn’t one that we could have often because it was very rich. And I realized on a low carb keto diet that rich is what you’re supposed to have but it was just a little too rich for us. Thank you very much for a great recipe we will have it probably once a month.

      1. I was cooking it and following it closely and then saw that I seasoned with ranch and added the onion powder and garlic powder as well hopefully wife isn’t to seasoned

        1. Avatar photo
          Sylvia D Dorsey

          I just did it the way you did it and LOVE the extra flavor. Hope yours turned out amazing as well.

  37. Can’t wait to make this! Quick question, I’m assuming the spices equate to ranch seasoning (never thought about what’s in ranch) bso I’m guessing I could just use a packet of ranch seasoning instead? Thank you!

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi!
      Yep, I think that would be OK. The taste might be a bit different, of course, but it will definitely work.

        1. Katerina - Diethood
          Katerina Petrovska

          Yep, about the same amount should work just fine. Keep in mind, the overall taste of the dish might be a bit different than intended per the original recipe.

  38. Thank you so much for a great (and I do mean great!) chicken dinner. My entire family loved it and it is one I am keeping to serve to anyone, Keto or not. This chicken is like one you would get in a restaurant. Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

  39. This was delicious the first time we made it. Tonight, I’m going to try cooking/baking this in my favorite cast iron skillet!

    1. Yummy Yummy Yummy! I was a little nervous at first when I saw cream cheese (I love it) but my grown kids dont..so I substituted it w/Kens Ranch dressing & used uncured Turkey bacon and they loved it! I forgot to take a pic I was too hungry lol but Thank u!

  40. Well, in a hurry to get dinner served, I am not a great (or even good) cook. Kids were buzzarding around the kitchen so I did this the ‘lazy girl’ way. Cooked bacon and chicken as directed but sliced the chicken breasts (goes further). Mixed cream cheese and ranch dressing in a gallon ziplock bag, threw in the chicken and squashed it all together. Poured ranched chicken into a baking dish over riced cauliflower. Topped all with bacon, green onions and cheese. Baked at 400F for 15 minutes. I’d have shared a picture but it all disappeared so fast! Husband said I should definitely make that dish again! 😁

  41. AMAZING! I had tried a different cheesy chicken bacon recipe that Was just ok. I made this Crack Chicken tonight for dinner and it was sooooooo good! My husband has requested that I make enough for him to have 2 pieces next time! Awesome awesome AWESOME recipe!

  42. Avatar photo
    Angela M Oliver

    I took it a step further and made rice with the cream cheese mixture and cream of chicken soup and put that under the chicken. Easy one dish meal!!!

  43. Avatar photo
    Linda Salvatore

    This looks amazing! Can’t wait to make it for my family tonight! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe! 😋

  44. I made this for my family tonight. I didn’t realize I didn’t have cheddar cheese. I subed in Mozzarella cheese. Still delicious!

  45. Does the cream cheese melt or does it stay on top; just soft from baking?
    Any idea how to incorporate the cream cheese into a sauce instead?
    I love the flavor, by the way!
    I’d eat this 7/365!

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Hi!
      Yep, it softens up and starts to melt all around the chicken as it bakes. You can soften or melt the cream cheese in a skillet beforehand, and mix in different spices and even salsa… if that’s what you mean by a sauce?

  46. This is an AMAZING recipe! I made a double batch and put some of it on Hawaiian rolls for a get together. Everyone kept saying “They really are like crack!” Two people even left the party and came back with more rolls! This is delicious and quite easy. Thank you!

  47. My whole family loved it including our 4 and 2 year old! I did double up on the spices in the cream cheese mixture, but otherwise great!!!

  48. Do you think I could skip the skillet part of the recipe and just bake everything in the oven longer? I was planning to use pre-cooked bacon that you microwave. I’m a fan of less cleanup. TIA

    1. Katerina - Diethood
      Katerina Petrovska

      Oh yeah, that will definitely work. I’m also a HUGE fan of less cleanup – I totally get it! 😀

  49. This recipe is a real keeper. My husband loved it. We are going to make it for company. It is so pretty on the plate.

  50. I have to try this on the next cooler day 🙂 Now that the warm weather has finally made it’s way to NJ, I won’t have the oven on as much. But I think I would use my cast iron pan because I can fry the bacon, then do the chicken in the pan and just put the pan in the oven.

    I bet my whole family will love this meal

  51. Avatar photo
    Jacquelyn Hastert

    This was amazing last night and my family asked for it to be added to next week’s menu already! Truly a family hit 🙂

  52. Avatar photo
    Nova @ The High Strung

    It was delicious. Will be making again! Made it just as described – with plain cream cheese. There is enough flavor in the ranch to suffice. Was a little worried when I opened the slow cooker and there was some liquid in the bottom – but when you shred the chicken and mix everything up, that disappears. LOVED IT.

  53. I was looking for a chicken recipe for the whole family and I stumbled on this article. I read and followed the instructions carefully and I made it deliciously! Every member of my family is so happy! Thanks for this

  54. It was totally meant to be that I found your recipe today. I have everything to make this for dinner tonight. It looks amazing!

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