Crockpot Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s both creamy and packed with flavor. It features tender chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy ranch sauce, with crispy bacon and melted cheese. Serve it on its own, or spoon it over rice, in sandwiches, or on a salad for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
Why Is It Called “Crack Chicken”?
The term “crack chicken” comes from the incredibly addictive combination of flavors—ranch, cheese, bacon, and tender shredded chicken. This slow cooker version enhances all those flavors by letting them meld together over hours, creating a dish that’s simply irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Chicken breasts – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best, but you can use thighs for extra juiciness.
- Cream cheese – Adds creaminess and richness.
- Cheddar cheese – Shredded sharp cheddar for a bold, cheesy taste.
- Bacon – Cooked and crumbled for a crispy, smoky bite.
- Ranch seasoning mix – This blend of herbs and spices brings in that signature ranch flavor.
- Garlic powder – Adds extra depth to the seasoning.
- Chicken broth – Helps keep the chicken moist and tender.
- Green onions – For garnish and a touch of freshness.
- Salt & pepper – To enhance all the flavors.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Crack Chicken
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness – If you prefer a richer texture, swap chicken breasts for thighs.
Crisp the Bacon Separately – Cook bacon in a skillet for maximum crispiness before adding it.
Thicken the Sauce – If the mixture seems too runny, let it sit uncovered for 10 minutes or mix in some cornstarch slurry.
Add a Kick – Stir in some red pepper flakes or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
Use Fresh Cheese – Shred your own cheddar instead of using pre-shredded cheese for a smoother melt.
Variations to Try
Low-Carb/Keto Crack Chicken – Keep it keto-friendly by serving it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
Buffalo Crack Chicken – Add ½ cup of buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy version.
BBQ Crack Chicken – Stir in ¼ cup of BBQ sauce for a smoky-sweet twist.
Crack Chicken Soup – Add extra chicken broth to turn it into a creamy soup.
Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free cream cheese and cheddar alternatives.
How to Serve Crockpot Crack Chicken
- On Sandwiches – Load it onto toasted buns for the ultimate creamy chicken sandwich.
- Over Rice or Pasta – Spoon it over white rice, brown rice, or pasta for a filling meal.
- In Wraps or Tacos – Use it as a filling for tortillas or lettuce wraps.
- With Crackers or Chips – Serve as a dip for an easy party appetizer.
- On Baked Potatoes – Spoon it over baked potatoes for a loaded meal.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage:
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if needed.
- Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1-2 hours until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Add the ingredients, pressure cook on high for 15 minutes, then do a quick release and shred the chicken before stirring in the cheese and bacon.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, but increase the cooking time by 1-2 hours on low and ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare it a day in advance, store it in the fridge, and reheat before serving.
What should I serve with Crack Chicken?
Great side options include coleslaw, roasted vegetables, garlic bread, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad.
Crockpot Crack Chicken
Crockpot Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s both creamy and packed with flavor. It features tender chicken cooked to perfection in a creamy ranch sauce, with crispy bacon and melted cheese adding the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- ½-¾ cup cooked, crumbled bacon (because more bacon = more flavor!)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions, sliced
- Buns, croissants, or tortillas for serving
Instructions
- Place chicken in the slow cooker, sprinkle with ranch seasoning, and top with cream cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours until chicken is tender.
- Shred the chicken and mix it with the melted cream cheese.
- Stir in cheddar cheese, crispy bacon, and green onions until combined.
- Serve on buns, croissants, or tortillas—and get ready to fall in love with every bite!
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 529Total Fat 22gSaturated Fat 10gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 10gCholesterol 176mgSodium 1031mgCarbohydrates 18gFiber 1gSugar 3gProtein 61g
Dinnerfocus.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Crockpot Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food that’s creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s easy to make, versatile, and perfect for meal prep. Whether you enjoy it on sandwiches, over rice, or as a dip, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
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