Description
This Crock Pot Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon. Perfect for busy weeknights or comfort food cravings, this slow cooker recipe requires minimal preparation and delivers a rich, hearty meal loved by the whole family. Serve it as a main dish over rice, in tacos, or with bread for a versatile dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Dairy
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts
- 8 oz cream cheese, cut into chunks and softened
- 1 to 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Toppings
- 1 package (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 6 slices cooked crispy bacon, crumbled
- 2 green onions, freshly chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts evenly spaced in the bottom of the crock pot to ensure even heat circulation and thorough cooking.
- Add Cream Cheese and Seasonings: Cut cream cheese into chunks and scatter over the chicken. Sprinkle ranch seasoning mix and garlic powder evenly across the top for full flavor coverage.
- Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6 to 7 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chicken is tender and can be shredded easily with a fork.
- Shred and Mix: Using two forks, shred the chicken directly in the crock pot. Then stir in shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully combined, creating a creamy, cheesy mixture.
- Finish with Bacon and Green Onions: Top the mixture with crispy bacon bits and chopped green onions to add a fresh crunch and smoky flavor before serving.
Notes
- Use thick chicken breasts to keep the meat juicy and prevent drying during slow cooking.
- Allow cream cheese to soften to room temperature for smoother blending.
- Cook chicken fully before shredding to ensure it pulls apart easily.
- Add shredded cheese at the end to prevent it from becoming rubbery or overcooked.
- Crisp bacon separately to maintain texture and avoid sogginess in the dish.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- For reheating, warm gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or milk if dry.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 7 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 760mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg