This Crockpot Crack Chicken is a cozy mix of chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning, all cooked together until creamy and dreamy. So easy to make, you’ll love it!
You can serve it on buns, or just eat it right from the bowl, like I do when no one’s watching! 😂 It’s perfect for busy days, and the leftovers taste even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook evenly and shred easily. If you’re looking for a shortcut, rotisserie chicken works great too. Just add it at the end to warm it up.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a fantastic flavor boost. You can use homemade ranch seasoning by mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder if you want to control the ingredients.
Cream Cheese: It gives a creamy texture and richness. If you’re dairy-free, consider using a plant-based cream cheese alternative. I’ve used both, and the flavor is still delicious!
Cheddar Cheese: The shredded cheddar on top adds a great melty finish. Feel free to swap for Monterey Jack or a dairy-free cheese if preferred.
Bacon: Use regular or turkey bacon for a lighter option. For a vegetarian take, smoked tempeh or crispy chickpeas can give a similar crunch.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Cooked Chicken in a Crockpot?
Cooking chicken in a crockpot is simple, but you’ll want to make sure it’s done right. Here are some handy tips:
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and add your seasonings and cream cheese on top. Don’t skip the broth; it keeps the chicken moist!
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3-4 hours works too, just keep an eye on it.
- After cooking, shred the chicken right in the pot with two forks. It will soak up all that tasty sauce, making it extra flavorful.
Enjoy your crockpot crack chicken in sandwiches, over rice, or with your favorite sides!
How to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (plus extra for topping)
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time. After that, you just need to let it cook in the crockpot for 6-8 hours on low, or 3-4 hours on high. So, it’s perfect for a busy day when you want a warm and tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. They are the star of this dish, so make sure they lay flat for even cooking!
2. Season It Up:
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. This will give it that delicious ranch flavor we all love!
3. Add the Creamy Goodness:
Now, take the block of cream cheese and place it on top of the chicken. Don’t worry if it doesn’t cover all the chicken; it will melt down during cooking and create a creamy sauce.
4. Pour in the Broth:
To help with cooking and add extra flavor, pour the chicken broth over everything. This will keep the chicken moist and delicious!
5. Slow Cook to Perfection:
Cover your crockpot and set it to cook. If you have time, cook it on low for 6-8 hours. If you’re in a hurry, the high setting for 3-4 hours works well too. It’s ready when the chicken is cooked through and tender enough to shred easily.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This helps mix everything together nicely.
7. Mix in the Cheddar:
Now it’s time to add in the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and cheesy!
8. Final Seasoning:
Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper if needed. Adjust to your liking!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crack chicken hot, topped with extra bacon and green onions if you like. It’s tasty on its own, in sandwiches, or over rice for a delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just remember that you’ll need to cook it on high for about 4-5 hours instead of the regular time or until the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily. It’s best to check internal temperature to ensure it’s at least 165°F (75°C).
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese?
Absolutely! If you need a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, try using a block of tofu blended until smooth or a dairy-free cream cheese substitute. Just be aware that the flavor will slightly change.
How to Store Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, make sure to do so gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth to keep it moist!
What’s the Best Way to Serve Crockpot Crack Chicken?
This dish is super versatile! It’s great on its own, but you can also serve it in sandwiches, over rice, or in tacos. For a nice crunch, try adding it to a bed of lettuce or as a topping in a baked potato!
