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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a creamy, ranch-seasoned chicken dinner made in the slow cooker until tender and shred-ready. After shredding, you melt in cream cheese and cheddar for a smooth, saucy texture.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 minutes
Total Time 11 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

chicken
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
seasoning and dairy
  • 8 oz cream cheese cubed
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
toppings
  • 6 strips bacon cooked and crumbled
  • 1 sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 slow cooker

Method
 

Slow-cook the chicken
  1. Place the boneless skinless chicken breasts into the slow cooker in an even layer.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken and pour the chicken broth around it.
  3. Set the cream cheese cubes on top so they can melt as the chicken cooks.
  4. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender and easily pulls apart.
Make the creamy sauce and finish
  1. Remove the chicken and shred it with two forks until it looks like bite-size strands.
  2. Stir the cream cheese into the sauce until fully smooth and melted, scraping the bottom to prevent lumps.
  3. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker, then stir in half the bacon until warmed through.
  4. Add all the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until melted into a thick, creamy coating.
Serve
  1. Serve topped with the remaining bacon and sliced green onions on buns, over mashed potatoes, or in bowls.

Notes

Pro tip: If your sauce looks thin after adding the cheddar, keep the slow cooker on low for 10–15 minutes (lid on) to thicken. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days; reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until hot. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy can separate when thawed and reheated. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.