This creamy crockpot crack chicken is a cozy dish that warms your heart! Made with tender chicken, cheesy goodness, and zesty ranch flavor, it’s a family favorite.
Honestly, it’s so easy to make, I almost feel bad for how tasty it is! Just dump in the ingredients and let the crockpot do its magic. Perfect for busy days!
I love serving it on buns for a delicious sandwich or with rice for a filling meal. You’ll want to keep this recipe close for those busy weeknights!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the star here for their tenderness. If you prefer dark meat, boneless thighs work well too. They add a richer flavor.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This gives the dish its signature flavor. If you don’t have a packet, you can make your own with dried herbs like dill, parsley, and onion powder, mixed with some salt and pepper.
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is crucial for that creamy texture. If you’re looking for a lighter option, use Neufchâtel cheese instead, which has less fat but similar taste.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar is perfect for this dish. You can swap it for other cheese like Monterey Jack or even pepper jack for a zesty kick!
Bacon: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. You can use turkey bacon for a healthier choice or skip it altogether for a vegetarian option (try adding sautéed mushrooms for a texture boost).
Green Onions: These are great for garnish and add freshness. Substitute with chopped chives if you don’t have green onions on hand.
Hamburger Buns: Any soft bun is great, but I love using brioche for its slight sweetness. You can also use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version!
How Do I Shred Chicken Easily in a Crockpot?
Shredding chicken might seem tricky, but it’s easier than you think! The slow cooking method really helps here. Follow these steps for the best results:
- After cooking, use two forks: one to hold the chicken down and the other to pull apart the meat.
- Shred right in the crockpot to keep the chicken moist and mix it with the sauce.
- Don’t rush! Letting it rest for a bit in the crockpot makes it easier to shred and enhances the flavors.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This tasty dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and cooks in a crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. After cooking, allow an additional 10-15 minutes for the cheese to melt before serving. So, plan for a delicious meal ready in about 7 hours or less, depending on your cooking setting!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken pieces. This will give it a wonderful flavor!
2. Add the Cream Cheese:
Next, take the softened cream cheese and put it directly on top of the seasoned chicken. Don’t stir just yet! The cream cheese will melt and mix in as it cooks.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the crockpot with the lid and set it to cook. Choose to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Stir everything together so that the cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix well with the chicken.
5. Mix in Cheddar and Bacon:
Now, add the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon to the chicken mixture. Stir well to combine. Let it sit for a bit, about 10-15 minutes, so the cheese can melt nicely into the dish.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to enjoy your delicious Crack Chicken! Serve the creamy chicken mixture on hamburger buns. Feel free to sprinkle extra crumbled bacon and chopped green onions on top for a tasty garnish. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes! You can use frozen chicken breasts; however, you’ll need to extend the cooking time. If cooking on low, allow for 8-9 hours, and if on high, 5-6 hours. Just ensure that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before shredding.
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning? Can I Use Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make a substitute using a mix of dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Adjust to taste, using about 1 tablespoon of each herb and spice for a similar flavor!
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months—just reheat from frozen, which may take longer.
Can I Add Veggies to This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Feel free to add vegetables like diced bell peppers or chopped spinach. Just add them on top of the chicken at the beginning of the cooking process for a delicious way to incorporate extra flavors and nutrients.
