Crockpot Crack Chicken and Rice Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a meal that’s indulgent, comforting, and requires little effort, the Crockpot Crack Chicken and Rice is exactly what you need. This easy-to-make dish features tender chicken, rich cream cheese, melted cheddar, crispy bacon, and savory ranch flavors, all cooked to perfection in your slow cooker. It’s the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend dinner.

Using your trusty Crockpot, this recipe combines simple ingredients that transform into a creamy, flavorful meal with minimal prep. The chicken breasts cook in a creamy sauce made with ranch seasoning, garlic, onion, and cream cheese, while the rice absorbs all the flavors, making it a one-pot wonder that’s as satisfying as it is delicious. Topped with crispy bacon and fresh green onions, this dish is bound to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Minimal Effort – Simply add all ingredients to the Crockpot and let it do the work for you.
2. Creamy and Cheesy – The combination of cream cheese, cheddar, and ranch creates a rich, creamy dish that everyone will love.
3. One-Pot Meal – Everything cooks together in one slow cooker, making cleanup a breeze.
4. Customizable – Add vegetables, swap the rice, or adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
5. Perfect for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.

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Ingredients

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 1 1/2 lbs)
• Ranch seasoning mix (1 oz packet)
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Chicken broth (1 cup)
• Cream of chicken soup (10.5 oz can)
• Cream cheese (8 oz, softened)
• Shredded cheddar cheese (1 1/2 cups)
• Uncooked long-grain white rice (1 1/2 cups)
• Water or additional chicken broth (2 1/2 cups)
• Cooked bacon (6 slices, crumbled)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Add peas, corn, or broccoli to the Crockpot for a more balanced meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Use cauliflower rice in place of regular rice for a low-carb alternative.
• Spicy Kick: Add diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to give the dish a little heat.
• Swap the Meat: Use turkey or pork if you prefer, or even try this with a vegetarian protein substitute.
• Different Cheese: You can swap the cheddar cheese for mozzarella, pepper jack, or a cheese blend.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of the Crockpot.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings and Liquid

Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken. Pour the chicken broth and cream of chicken soup over the top.

Step 3: Add the Cream Cheese

Place the softened cream cheese on top of the ingredients in the Crockpot. Do not stir at this point; let it melt into the sauce during cooking.

Step 4: Cook in the Crockpot

Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreds.

Step 5: Shred the Chicken

Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred it into the creamy sauce in the Crockpot.

Step 6: Add the Rice and Broth

Stir in the uncooked rice and water (or additional chicken broth). Mix until the rice is evenly distributed in the sauce.

Step 7: Continue Cooking

Cover the Crockpot again and cook on low for an additional 1-1.5 hours, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Step 8: Add Cheese and Bacon

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon. Allow the cheese to melt through the dish, stirring to combine.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy Crockpot Crack Chicken and Rice!

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Use a liner: To make cleanup easier, consider using a Crockpot liner.
• Adjust the liquid: If you prefer a creamier texture, add a bit more chicken broth or water.
• Keep an eye on the rice: If the rice hasn’t absorbed enough liquid after the cooking time, add a little more broth and cook until tender.
• Shred the chicken well: Shredding the chicken thoroughly helps the flavors absorb better into the rice and sauce.

How to Serve

This Crockpot Crack Chicken and Rice is a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side salad, steamed vegetables, or garlic bread to round it out. For a lighter option, pair it with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the dish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This dish keeps well and makes for a great lunch the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze the assembled dish for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. When ready to serve, reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a little extra chicken broth if needed to maintain the creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a bit more liquid (chicken broth or water) to reach the desired consistency.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just be sure to cook it for the full recommended time. Frozen chicken may take slightly longer to cook.

2. Can I use brown rice instead of white rice?

You can, but brown rice typically requires more cooking time and extra liquid. Adjust the water and cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this without the cream of chicken soup?

Yes, you can omit the cream of chicken soup and use a little extra cream cheese or a homemade white sauce for creaminess.

4. Can I substitute turkey bacon for regular bacon?

Absolutely! Turkey bacon will work just as well if you prefer a leaner alternative.

5. How do I make this dish spicier?

Add diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a splash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

6. Can I make this in a pressure cooker?

Yes, you can make this in an Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Set it to cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then do a quick release before adding the rice and cooking for another 5-10 minutes.

7. What can I substitute for ranch seasoning?

You can make your own ranch seasoning using garlic powder, onion powder, dill, and parsley, or use a store-bought seasoning mix.

8. Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?

Yes, you can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein or skip it altogether and add more vegetables to make it vegetarian.

9. How long will leftovers last?

Leftovers will last in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to store them in an airtight container.

10. Can I use a different type of cheese?

You can use any cheese you like, but cheddar adds the best flavor for this dish.

Conclusion

This Crockpot Crack Chicken and Rice recipe is the perfect combination of convenience, flavor, and comfort. With creamy, cheesy chicken, crispy bacon, and tender rice, it’s a meal that’s sure to please the whole family. The Crockpot does all the hard work, leaving you with a delicious dish that’s ready to serve with minimal effort. Whether for a busy weeknight or meal prep, this dish is a guaranteed hit and will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.

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