This creamy crockpot crack chicken is a real treat! Made with tender chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon, it’s all cooked slowly for great flavors.
Seriously, who can resist the combo of chicken and bacon? 😂 I love serving it over rice or in a sandwich—both taste amazing and are super easy to whip up!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. They cook well in the crockpot and shred easily. If you want to change it up, chicken thighs work great too—they’re a bit juicier!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The ranch seasoning is what gives this dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have a packet, you can mix your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder. It’s a fun way to customize!
Cream Cheese: Cream cheese is key for creaminess. Neufchâtel or a dairy-free cream cheese can be used instead if you’re looking for a lighter or vegan option. Just make sure it has a similar consistency for the right texture.
Cooked Bacon: I love adding crispy bacon for crunch and flavor. If you’re keeping it lighter, turkey bacon is a good substitute, or you can omit it entirely for a vegetarian twist!
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar cheese melts beautifully into the chicken. You can swap it for another cheese like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
How Do I Make Sure the Chicken Shreds Easily?
To get perfectly shredded chicken, the cooking time and temperature need to be just right. Here’s how to achieve that:
- Start with fresh or thawed chicken. Frozen chicken can take longer and may not shred as well.
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, lower heat is best for tender chicken.
- Check the chicken around the end of the cooking time; it should shred easily with two forks. If it resists, give it a little more time.
- Once shredded, mix it really well with the cream cheese and juices in the crockpot so it’s super creamy!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Crack Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Perfect for setting it and forgetting it, while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure they’re evenly spaced out for even cooking!
2. Add the Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken. This adds a ton of flavor that will seep into the meat as it cooks.
3. Add Cream Cheese:
Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place those on top of the chicken. Don’t worry about messing it up; it’ll melt down and blend into the chicken as it cooks.
4. Pour in Chicken Broth:
Now, pour the chicken broth into the crockpot. This will keep everything moist and give it some extra flavor.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. Choose low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the melted cream cheese and broth to create a creamy sauce.
7. Add Bacon and Cheese:
Stir in the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. Keep mixing until the cheese melts and everything is well combined.
8. Season and Serve:
Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve the creamy crack chicken on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls, and sprinkle the top with chopped green onions for a lovely garnish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just remember to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours. Make sure to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) before shredding.
Can I Substitute Low-Fat Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! Low-fat cream cheese works well and will still provide a creamy texture. Just keep in mind that the overall flavor may be slightly less rich. If you want a bit of extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of milk or a little extra chicken broth!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even heating.
What Can I Serve With Crack Chicken?
This dish is perfect on hamburger buns or sandwich rolls! For a healthier twist, try serving it over a bed of lettuce or with a side of grilled vegetables. It also pairs well with a simple salad or coleslaw to balance the creaminess.
