There's something so tasty and addictive about this Crock Pot Crack Chicken recipe made with cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon! I don't know if it's the bacon or the cheese that makes it so amazing! This easy slow cooker meal is great served up on sandwiches, in wraps, or over your favorite cooked grains. And the best part? It's so easy to make!
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There are a million ways to make chicken, but if you've never heard of crack chicken, you're missing out! This crack chicken recipe is creamy, cheesy, smoky, and full of flavor! It gets its name because it's so addicting - you just can't stop eating it!
This slow cooker chicken recipe is my go-to meal when I need something easy and delicious. I love that's there so much flexibility when it comes to serving it. It makes a hearty and filling sandwich, in a wrap, or a tasty main dish served over cooked grains like rice or noodles.
This creamy slow cooker ranch chicken is perfect for busy weeknights or when you need to serve a crowd with minimal effort. Trust me, you'll be hooked after just one bite!
If you're looking for more easy shredded chicken dishes try my Dr. Pepper chicken and fiesta chicken next! Both are made in the slow cooker to save you time and keep you from spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Crack Chicken Recipe
- No More Boring Chicken. This dish is full of so much flavor and makes an easy way to change up your chicken recipe routine and make meal time more exciting.
- Easy to Make. Like other slow cooker chicken recipes, the instructions are quite simple and you won't need any special ingredients.
- Versatile. Serve it up in a variety of ways to keep meals exciting and different!
Ingredients
- Chicken Breasts: I prefer boneless and skinless to keep things simple for prep. You can also use chicken thighs if you prefer -- they're a good option if you're looking to save a bit on your grocery bill.
- Cooked Bacon: Adds a salty and smoky layer of flavor! Plus, who doesn't love bacon? Buy any type of bacon and cook it as directed in step 1 of the recipe.
- Chicken Broth: Keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with flavor as it cooks.
- Cream Cheese: Adds a tanginess to the flavor and a rich creamy texture.
- Ranch Seasoning: This simple seasoning blends works perfectly with the bacon, chicken, and cream cheese.
- Worchestershire Sauce: Boosts the salty umami essence in the dish that brings all the flavors together.
- Cheddar Cheese: More cheesy goodness. You can use any type of cheese you like in this recipe. Try it with mozzarella, pepper jack, and Swiss for a different flavor profile.
- Green Onions: Adds some mild onion flavor along with a pop of fresh garden color and taste.
Check the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and the quantities you need of each.
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Stir in a diced jalapeno or red pepper flakes. You can also use pepper jack cheese here to add some heat.
- Different Seasoning Mix: Use two packets of Italian seasoning instead of the Ranch seasoning for a different flavor profile.
- Add Veggies: Shredded carrots, celery, or onion all add more depth of flavor and texture to the chicken.
How To Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Step 1: Cook the bacon. Cook the slices in a skillet over medium heat until crispy and browned. Drain on a paper towel and set aside until later.
Step 2: Layer ingredients. Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the crock pot. Pour the chicken broth over the top, sprinkle with the ranch seasoning, and add the Worcestershire sauce.
Step 3: Slow cook the chicken. Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours or until the chicken is fully cooked.
Step 4: Assemble the chicken. Use two forks to shred the fully cooked chicken into pieces. Remove the chicken to a plate to do this more easily. Add both kinds of cheese, green onions, shredded chicken and bacon to the pot. Stir to combine and let cook for an additional 10 minutes to warm through.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy. Scoop the chicken out of the crock pot and serve as you desire! Enjoy! It's great on buns, in tortillas, or you can serve it as is with your favorite side dishes.
Tips For The Best Results
- Cooking the Chicken. Use the time as a guideline. The time it takes to cook the chicken will vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The best way to determine the chicken is fully cooked, is to use a thermometer. Chicken is done when it registers an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Double the Recipe. This recipe easily doubles to feed a large crowd or if you're doing a bit of meal-prepping for the week. Make sure to use a large enough slow cooker and be prepared to cook a little longer.
- Shredding the Chicken. You can shred the chicken in a few different ways. I like to use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot. You can also remove the chicken and shred it on a plate or cutting board or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Melting the Cream Cheese. Cube the cream cheese before adding it to the chicken so it will melt faster.
Storing & Freezing
- Storing: Cooled leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days or in the freezer for up to four months. When ready to eat, thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight. The texture may change if you freeze it. I find adding some more cream cheese helps thicken and even it out.
- Reheating: The best way to reheat this recipe is in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add the chicken to a skillet over medium heat and cook until warm. You may need to add cream cheese or milk to achieve the desired consistency.
Serving Suggestions
This chicken is keto-friendly! If you want to keep it low-carb serve it over some cauliflower rice or along with your favorite vegetable side dishes.
Ranch chicken is great served over some slow cooker white rice, egg noodles, or other pasta you love. Serve it up with a couple vegetables or a salad to round out your meal. We love this slow cooker corn and Crock Pot sweet potatoes.
In our house, our favorite is served up on hamburger buns or other sandwich roll. It's also great in tortillas like tacos or a burrito.
For larger crowds or a potluck, keep your chicken in the Crock Pot on warm to keep it hot while serving.
Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use pre-cooked chicken, such as a rotisserie chicken, or leftover shredded chicken, but you will need to adjust the cooking time. Pre-cooked chicken only needs to be heated, so cook on LOW for 1-2 hours or until it's warmed all the way through and the cheese is melted.
You don't have to, but cream cheese adds a delicious creamy element to this dish. You can substitute it with Greek yogurt or mayo if you don't want to use it.
Yes! You can either cook the chicken breasts ahead of time and shred or cook the entire dish and reheat when ready to serve.
More Crock Pot Chicken Recipes
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Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 8 slices bacon (sliced, cooked and drained)
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 (16 oz) package of cream cheese (cubed)
- 1 (1 oz) packet of ranch seasoning
- ½ tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1¼ cup cheddar cheese (shredded)
- ½ cup green onions (diced)
Instructions
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add bacon and cook until browned. Slice and set aside until the end.
- Add chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Then, add chicken broth, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and Worcestershire sauce.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or high for 4 - 5 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks in the slow cooker. Then, add cheese, green onions, and bacon. Stir until combined and cook for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve over buns, rice, or in tortillas.
Notes
- Cooking the Chicken. Use the time as a guideline. The time it takes to cook the chicken will vary based on your slow cooker and the thickness of your chicken breasts. The best way to determine the chicken is fully cooked, is to use a thermometer. Chicken is done when it registers an internal temperature of 165° F.
- Double the Recipe. This recipe easily doubles to feed a large crowd or if you're doing a bit of meal-prepping for the week. Make sure to use a large enough slow cooker and be prepared to cook a little longer.
- Shredding the Chicken. You can shred the chicken in a few different ways. I like to use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the Crock Pot. You can also remove the chicken and shred it on a plate or cutting board or use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment.
- Melting the Cream Cheese. Cube the cream cheese before adding it to the chicken so it will melt faster.
Nutrition
*Nutrition information is an estimate. It may vary based on ingredients, brands, and changes in cooking methods listed in the recipe. If you need exact ingredient numbers, I recommend calculating them with your preferred nutrition calculator.
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