This Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is simply irresistible! It’s made with tender chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning, creating a cheesy, savory dish that everyone will love.
The best part? You just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do its magic—so easy! I like to serve it on buns for a fun meal or over rice for something cozy. Either way, it’s a winner! 🐔✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they become super tender. If you need a substitution, thighs work great too—they add a bit more flavor and moisture!
Cream Cheese: This ingredient gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, you could try reduced-fat cream cheese. For a dairy-free version, use vegan cream cheese.
Ranch Seasoning: This is key for flavor! If you don’t have a ranch packet, you can make your own with garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and buttermilk powder. You can also use Italian seasoning for a different spin.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds richness. If you’re a cheese lover like me, feel free to mix in other cheeses such as Monterey Jack or pepper jack for some heat!
Bacon: The cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, turkey bacon or even crispy chickpeas can work well.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be tricky! Here’s how to do it easily:
- After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This helps it stay juicy.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart. It should fall apart easily if it’s cooked properly. If it feels tough, it might need a little more cooking time.
- Combine the shredded chicken with the cream cheese and ranch for an even texture. Stir well to distribute all the flavors.
Try these tips, and your crack chicken will be perfectly creamy and delicious every time!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked and crumbled bacon (reserve some for garnish)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Crockpot Crack Chicken takes about 10 minutes of prep time and then you’ll let it cook for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it! After cooking, there’s only a little time needed for shredding and mixing everything together. In total, you’ll need around 7-8 hours including cooking time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts in the bottom of your crockpot. This is the base of your dish, so make sure they’re laid out evenly.
2. Add Seasoning:
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. This will give the chicken lots of flavor as it cooks.
3. Add Cream Cheese:
Now, add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken. Break it into smaller chunks if possible—this helps it melt more easily as it cooks.
4. Cooking Time:
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender—you should be able to shred it easily with forks.
5. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. This step combines all the flavors and makes it easier to mix in the other ingredients.
6. Mix Together:
Stir the shredded chicken with the melted cream cheese and ranch seasoning until everything is well combined and creamy.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Then, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and most of the crumbled bacon, but save a little for garnishing later. Mix until the cheese melts and everything is blended well.
8. Final Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste your creation and season with salt and pepper if desired. Adjust to your liking—it’s your dish!
9. Garnish and Serve:
Garnish with the reserved bacon and chopped parsley for a pop of color. Serve this delicious creamy chicken warm as a dip with tortilla chips, on soft sandwich buns, or over a bed of fluffy rice. Yum!
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and flavorful crack chicken that’s delightfully easy to make!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just add an extra hour to the cooking time to ensure it cooks through completely. However, the texture may be slightly different, so for best results, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight if possible.
Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the recipe up to the point of cooking, then store everything in the fridge for up to 24 hours before cooking. Alternatively, you can cook it and then refrigerate the leftovers for up to 3 days—just reheat on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it gently in the microwave or on the stove. If it seems a bit thick, stir in a little milk to return some creaminess!
Can I Customize the Flavor?
Definitely! You can add extra spices like garlic powder, red pepper flakes for a kick, or even some chopped green onions for added freshness. Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, too—pepper jack, mozzarella, or even cream of mushroom soup can change up the flavor!
