This creamy crack chicken is a crowd-pleaser made with tender chicken, tasty ranch seasoning, and gooey cream cheese. Just toss it in the crockpot and let it do the work!
Seriously, who doesn’t love a dish that’s both easy to make and delicious? I serve it on buns and let everyone go wild—messy hands make for happy faces! 🤗
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. If you want a richer flavor, consider dark meat chicken like thighs. Both options work well, just adjust the cooking time slightly.
Cream Cheese: This adds creaminess! If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese. Lactose-free cream cheese is also great for those with dietary restrictions.
Ranch Dressing Mix: For a homemade alternative, mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. If you prefer no ranch, a bit of Italian seasoning can still enhance the flavor.
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon is a good substitute for a healthier option, or you can skip it for a vegetarian version and use smoked paprika for a smoky taste.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its robust flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack for some heat, or a dairy-free cheese if you’re avoiding dairy.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Is Perfectly Cooked and Shredded?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is all about the right time and temperature. Always cook it on low for 6-7 hours for the juiciest results. If you’re short on time, the high setting will work in 3-4 hours, but don’t rush it too much.
- Place chicken breasts evenly in the bottom of the crockpot.
- Add the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth, ensuring everything covers the chicken.
- Shred the chicken gently using two forks once it’s cooked. It should fall apart easily.
Be sure to stir well after shredding, allowing all the flavor to combine beautifully. This will give you that creamy, delicious texture!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Hamburger buns or slider buns (for serving)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then cooks in a crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. You’ll love how easy it is to set and forget this meal while it cooks to perfection!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken for Cooking:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly for even cooking.
2. Add the Flavor Ingredients:
Next, add the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth on top of the chicken. These ingredients will create a creamy and flavorful sauce as they cook.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover your crockpot with the lid. Cook on low for 6 to 7 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shredded with a fork. You can leave it and enjoy your day while it cooks!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right inside the crockpot. It should fall apart easily, mixing into the creamy sauce.
5. Stir in Bacon and Cheese:
Add the crumbled bacon and shredded cheddar cheese to the shredded chicken. Stir well, allowing the cheese to melt into the mixture, adding to the creaminess.
6. Taste and Adjust Seasoning:
Give your creamy chicken a taste, and if needed, season with a little salt and pepper to suit your taste buds.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy crack chicken mixture on hamburger buns or slider buns. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh touch! Enjoy your amazing meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen chicken breasts, make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. The safest way to do this is by transferring them to the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw them quickly, you can place the sealed chicken breasts in a bowl of cold water, changing the water every 30 minutes until thawed. Just ensure they’re fully thawed to allow for even cooking.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option or have a dairy concern, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or a dairy-free cream cheese alternative. Just keep in mind that using Greek yogurt will give a slightly tangier taste, so you might want to adjust the seasoning accordingly!
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance. Simply follow the recipe but stop before adding the bacon and cheese. Refrigerate the mixture once cooked and shredded. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on low in the crockpot, then stir in the crumbled bacon and cheese until melted and warm.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If it seems a bit dry after reheating, add a splash of chicken broth to help moisture it up again!
