Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese. It’s rich, indulgent, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Whether served on buns, over rice, or as a dip, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Set it and forget it – The slow cooker does all the work with minimal prep.
• Creamy and cheesy – Loaded with cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon.
• Versatile – Serve it as a sandwich filling, over pasta, or on its own as a dip.
• Family-friendly – A hit with both kids and adults.
• Great for meal prep – Stores well and reheats beautifully for easy leftovers.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• Cream cheese (softened)
• Ranch seasoning mix (store-bought or homemade)
• Cheddar cheese (shredded)
• Cooked bacon (crumbled)
• Garlic powder (optional)
• Black pepper
• Green onions (optional, for garnish)
• Buns, pasta, or rice (for serving)

Directions

1. Add ingredients to the slow cooker:
   • Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
   • Add the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
2. Cook:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
3. Shred the chicken:
   • Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
   • Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir to combine with the cream cheese mixture.
4. Add cheese and bacon:
   • Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
   • Cover and cook on low for an additional 10–15 minutes, or until the cheese melts.
5. Serve:
   • Garnish with chopped green onions and serve warm on buns, over rice, or with pasta.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–7 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6.5–7.5 hours

Variations

• Spicy Crack Chicken: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
• Low-Carb/Keto: Serve over cauliflower rice or lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.
• Buffalo Crack Chicken: Add buffalo sauce for a spicy, tangy twist.
• Turkey Crack Chicken: Use turkey breast instead of chicken for a leaner version.
• Vegetable Boost: Add cooked broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze cooled crack chicken in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second increments until heated through. Add a splash of milk if the mixture becomes too thick.

FAQs

Why is it called “Crack Chicken”?

It gets its name because the combination of ranch, bacon, and cheese is considered highly addictive—like crack!

Can I use frozen chicken?

Yes, but increase the cooking time slightly. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes, cook on manual high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a quick release and follow the same shredding and mixing steps.

What’s the best cut of chicken for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs both work well—thighs tend to be more flavorful and juicy.

Can I use homemade ranch seasoning?

Absolutely! Combine dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper for a homemade version.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs, making it perfect for keto diets—just skip the buns and serve it with low-carb sides.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Yes, stir in cooked broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrients and texture.

How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?

Stir the cheese in slowly while the chicken is hot to ensure it melts evenly.

Can I serve this as a dip?

Yes, serve with chips, crackers, or veggie sticks for a creamy, cheesy party dip.

What’s the best way to serve Crack Chicken?

Serve on buns, over pasta or rice, or even as a topping for baked potatoes for a hearty meal.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and loaded with irresistible flavors that make it a family favorite. With minimal prep and hands-off cooking, it’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or meal prep. Whether served as a sandwich, a dip, or over pasta, this dish is guaranteed to become a go-to comfort food recipe!

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