This Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is a warm, tasty dish that’s super easy to make. With juicy chicken, creamy sauce, and a hint of ranch flavor, it’s a true crowd-pleaser!
You’ll love how simple it is to prepare—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work. I like to serve it on buns for a delicious sandwich, but you can eat it however you like!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are best for this recipe since they stay tender during cooking. If you’re looking for alternatives, thighs can also work and will provide more flavor. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Cream Cheese: This is what gives the dish its creamy texture. If you want to lighten it up, try using Neufchâtel cheese instead for fewer calories. You could also use vegan cream cheese for a dairy-free version.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Ranch seasoning brings a fresh, tangy flavor. You can make your own by mixing dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you don’t have the packet. Or try Italian seasoning as a different flavor twist!
Bacon: I love using cooked bacon for that savory crunch! You can substitute turkey bacon or omit it completely for a lighter recipe. Crispy fried onions also add nice flavor and crunch if you’re looking for a meat-free option.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is perfect for this dish as it melts beautifully. If you want to mix things up, Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add a kick. Vegan cheese can also work if you prefer a plant-based option.
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken is Perfectly Shredded?
Getting the chicken perfectly shredded is key to this recipe. Here’s how to make it easy:
- Cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer, the better it shreds!
- Once it’s cooked, use two forks to pull apart the chicken. If it resists, cook it a bit longer.
- After shredding, mix it well with the cream cheese and ranch seasoning. This ensures it’s creamy throughout.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Mixture:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Hamburger buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Crockpot Crack Chicken takes about 15 minutes to prepare and then cooks for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set it and forget it! You’ll have a creamy, cheesy chicken dish ready for dinner or a party.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Chicken:
Begin by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts directly into your crockpot. Make sure they are spread out evenly at the bottom. Next, pour the chicken broth over the chicken. This will help keep it moist while it cooks.
2. Add Creamy Goodness:
Next, take your cream cheese and ranch seasoning mix and add them to the crockpot. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything. Don’t worry if it doesn’t mix completely yet; it will all come together as it cooks.
3. Let It Cook:
Cover the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The chicken is done when it’s cooked through and shreds easily with a fork. Just relax and let the magic happen!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooking time is up, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the crockpot. Mix it well with the cream cheese and ranch seasoning until everything is creamy and incorporated.
5. Mix In the Extras:
Now it’s time to add the fun stuff! Stir in the crumbled bacon and half of the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined and creamy. Taste and season with salt and pepper as you like.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, take a hamburger bun and pile on a generous scoop of the creamy chicken mixture. Top it off with the remaining cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chopped green onions for that fresh flavor. Enjoy your delicious Crockpot Crack Chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just extend the cooking time by about an hour if cooking on low or 30 minutes on high. Make sure to adjust your cooking time depending on the size and thickness of the chicken breasts. It’s best to cook them until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To make a lighter version, substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese. You can also use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon for fewer calories. Additionally, serve it on whole grain or lettuce wraps instead of hamburger buns!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze for longer storage, make sure to cool the mixture completely before placing it in freezer-safe containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months; just reheat thoroughly when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Can I Add Other Ingredients to the Recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any veggies you like, such as bell peppers or spinach, to the crockpot for extra nutrition. You can also mix in some hot sauce or jalapeños for a spicy kick! Just keep in mind that adding wet ingredients may slightly change the texture, so adjust the amount of broth accordingly.
