Welcome to your new favorite weeknight meal! This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe delivers an explosion of creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors with minimal effort. Imagine tender chicken infused with ranch, enveloped in cream cheese, and studded with crispy bacon. It is pure comfort food that practically makes itself, guaranteed to become a family go-to. Get ready for an irresistible dish everyone will love!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This amazing Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe truly stands out for many reasons. We believe you will quickly fall in love with its simplicity and incredible taste.
- Effortless Preparation: Just a few minutes of prep lets your slow cooker do all the work.
- Irresistible Flavor: Experience a rich, creamy, and savory taste that is genuinely addictive.
- Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own, in sandwiches, or as a hearty dip for any occasion.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners, game nights, or casual gatherings.
- Time-Saving: A set-it-and-forget-it meal that simplifies busy schedules.
Ingredients
Gather these simple ingredients to create your delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken. Each component plays a vital role in building its signature flavor.
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (trim off excess fat if desired)
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 8 slices bacon (sliced, cooked and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions (for garnish)
Notes & Substitutions
You can easily adapt this recipe to fit your preferences or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to experiment with these simple changes.
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Simply adjust cooking time if needed.
- Ranch Mix: Use your favorite store-bought ranch seasoning or a homemade blend.
- Cream Cheese: Both full-fat cream cheese and Neufuchâtel cheese are excellent choices.
- Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon bits offer a convenient shortcut without sacrificing flavor.
- Cheese: Feel free to swap cheddar for Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Pepper Jack for a twist.
- Spice: Add a kick with diced jalapeños or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
- More Chicken: Increase the recipe by using up to 3 pounds of chicken thighs.
Equipment
You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken. These items make the cooking process smooth and simple.
- A 4-quart or larger slow cooker
- Two sturdy forks for shredding
- Basic measuring cups and spoons
Instructions For the Best Crack Chicken
Creating this flavorful Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is incredibly straightforward. Just follow these easy steps for a delicious, satisfying meal.
- Prep Chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. This ensures a cleaner, leaner result.
- Layer Ingredients: Carefully place the prepared chicken thighs in an even layer at the bottom of your slow cooker.
- Add Seasoning: Generously sprinkle the entire 1-ounce packet of ranch seasoning mix directly over the chicken. This infuses every bite with classic ranch flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Cut the 16 ounces of cream cheese into a few larger blocks and place them on top of the seasoned chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook the chicken on the LOW setting for 7 hours without opening the lid during this time. Resisting the urge to peek helps maintain consistent cooking temperature.
- Shred Chicken: Once cooked, use two sturdy forks to easily shred the chicken right inside the slow cooker. It should be incredibly tender and pull apart effortlessly.
- Combine Flavors: Stir the softened, cooked cream cheese into the shredded chicken, creating a creamy sauce. Then, stir in your cooked and drained bacon bits, distributing them evenly.
- Melt Cheese: Spread the chicken mixture into an even layer in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top. Cover the slow cooker for another 10 minutes to allow the cheese to melt into a gooey, delicious layer.
- Garnish & Serve: Garnish your finished Slow Cooker Crack Chicken with fresh green onions. Serve it warm over rice, mashed potatoes, or on sandwich rolls for a truly satisfying meal.
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Achieve perfect Slow Cooker Crack Chicken every time with these helpful tips. You can easily troubleshoot common issues with these simple solutions.
- Don’t Peek: Keep the lid closed throughout the cooking process. Lifting the lid releases heat and extends cooking time.
- Even Shredding: Use two sturdy forks to pull the chicken apart directly in the slow cooker. This makes it super easy.
- Prevent Dryness: Chicken thighs stay moist and tender. Avoid overcooking, especially if using chicken breasts, to keep them juicy.
- Flavor Boost: Adjust the amount of ranch mix to your preference. Start with the packet, then add more if you like extra punch.
- Thicker Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Extra Creaminess: For an even richer texture, stir in a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream after shredding the chicken.
- Crispy Bacon: Ensure your bacon is fully crisp before crumbling and adding it. This provides a great textural contrast.
Serving Suggestions, Storage & Variations
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for many occasions. Here are some great ideas for serving, storing, and adapting the recipe.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve it generously over fluffy white rice, pasta, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Use it as a hearty filling for baked potatoes, soft sandwich buns, or warm wraps.
- Transform it into a delicious dip for crackers, tortilla chips, or crunchy veggie sticks.
- Stuff it into quesadillas or pile it onto slider buns for an easy appetizer or meal.
Storage
- Refrigerate: Store any leftover Slow Cooker Crack Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Gently reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed, or warm it in the microwave.
Variations
- Spicy Crack Chicken: Use a spicy ranch mix or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat.
- Garlic Herb: Stir in a teaspoon of minced garlic and a tablespoon of fresh chopped parsley or chives.
- Buffalo Crack Chicken: Mix in 1/4 to 1/2 cup of your favorite buffalo sauce after shredding the chicken.
- Broccoli Cheddar: Stir in 1 cup of steamed broccoli florets along with the cheddar cheese for extra veggies.
Nutrition Information
Below is an estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken. Please remember that these values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 690 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7 g |
| Protein | 44 g |
| Fat | 53 g |
| Saturated Fat | 26 g |
| Cholesterol | 275 mg |
| Sodium | 1102 mg |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Potassium | 583 mg |
| Vitamin A | 1430 IU |
| Vitamin C | 1.6 mg |
| Calcium | 297 mg |
| Iron | 1.9 mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is crack chicken?
Crack chicken refers to an incredibly flavorful, creamy, and savory chicken dish, usually made in a slow cooker, that gets its name from being so irresistibly delicious. It typically combines chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs, but you will need to increase the cooking time by about 1-2 hours on LOW. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F before shredding.
Can I cook on HIGH?
You can cook this dish on HIGH for 3-4 hours instead of LOW for 7 hours. However, cooking on LOW generally results in more tender and flavorful chicken.
How to make it less salty?
Opt for a low-sodium ranch seasoning mix and use unsalted chicken broth if adding extra liquid. You can also rinse the bacon before adding it, though this might slightly reduce its crispness.
Is it keto-friendly?
Yes, this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is naturally low in carbohydrates. Serve it over cauliflower rice, lettuce wraps, or alongside steamed green vegetables to keep it keto-friendly.
Can I prep ahead?
You can cook and crumble the bacon ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. You can also mix the ranch seasoning and chicken broth (if using) in advance.
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken truly embodies the perfect balance of easy preparation and incredible flavor. It is a fantastic recipe that consistently delivers a creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying meal that your entire family will adore.
We encourage you to try this delightful dish and experience its comforting goodness for yourself. Share your creations and let us know how much you loved this simple, yet spectacular, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken!
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken: The Ultimate Creamy, Cheesy Delight
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place chicken thighs in the slow cooker, sprinkle with ranch seasoning, and top with cream cheese.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours; do not open the lid during this time.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir in the melted cream cheese and cooked bacon, then spread evenly. Sprinkle with cheddar cheese and cover for 10 minutes to melt.
- Serve the crack chicken over rice and garnish with green onions; it’s also delicious on baked potatoes or sandwich rolls.
Nutrition
Notes
- For best results, resist the urge to open the slow cooker lid during the main cooking time.
- This recipe is highly versatile and can be served in many ways beyond rice, such as on baked potatoes or sandwich rolls.
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