HomeDinnerSlow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Recipe

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Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that’s loaded with flavors. This hearty, satisfying recipe uses chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a meal that is indulgent, comforting, and utterly delicious. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows you to throw everything together, and after several hours, you have a perfectly cooked, creamy, cheesy chicken dish. It’s a fantastic family meal, party food, or even a meal prep option for the week.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

  • Trim the chicken: Begin by trimming any excess fat from the chicken breasts. You don’t need to worry about cutting them into pieces as the slow cooker will break them down as they cook. If you want smaller portions, you can cut the chicken into halves or quarters, but this isn’t necessary for the recipe.
  • Season the chicken: Lightly season the chicken breasts with a pinch of salt and pepper on both sides. This step is optional, but it does help to layer the flavors of the dish.

Step 2: Layer Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

  • Add the chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.
  • Cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into smaller cubes and place it on top of the chicken breasts. This allows the cream cheese to melt evenly as it cooks.
  • Add ranch seasoning: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken and cream cheese. The ranch seasoning is the heart of this dish, contributing a lot of flavor, so make sure to cover the chicken generously.
  • Optional seasonings: Add garlic powder and onion powder at this stage if you’re using them for extra flavor.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

  • Cook on low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Alternatively, if you’re in a rush, you can cook it on high for 3-4 hours, but for the best results, slow cooking on low allows the flavors to meld and the chicken to become tender.
  • Check for doneness: After 6 hours, the chicken should be fully cooked and tender. You should be able to shred it easily with a fork.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

  • Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker. The chicken will shred very easily due to the moist heat from the slow cooking process.
  • Mix everything together: Once shredded, stir the chicken into the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and juices from the slow cooker to make sure everything is combined. The chicken should be coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce.

Step 5: Add Bacon and Cheese

  • Add the bacon: Crumble the cooked bacon into small pieces and stir it into the chicken mixture. The crispy bacon adds a delicious savory crunch that complements the creamy chicken.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese on top of the chicken mixture. Stir the cheese in, allowing it to melt into the chicken mixture. You can also add some shredded mozzarella cheese here if you prefer even more cheese.

Step 6: Final Touches

  • Garnish: Top the chicken mixture with fresh chopped green onions for a touch of color and added flavor. If you like, you can add a pinch of extra shredded cheese on top for garnish.

Serving Suggestions

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas to make this dish fit your meal needs:

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  • Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the crack chicken over a bed of steamed rice, cauliflower rice, or quinoa for a hearty meal. The creamy sauce soaks into the grains, creating a flavorful base for the chicken.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb or keto option, spoon the chicken mixture into large lettuce leaves (such as Romaine or butter lettuce) and wrap them up for an easy, light meal.
  • On a Bun: Serve it on hamburger buns for a tasty sandwich. You can also use slider buns for mini sandwiches perfect for appetizers or parties.
  • With Vegetables: Pair it with roasted or sautéed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or green beans. You can even stir in some steamed vegetables into the crack chicken for added nutrition.
  • With Tortillas: Spoon the creamy chicken onto flour tortillas for a delicious wrap. Add extra toppings like shredded lettuce, tomatoes, and a bit of extra ranch dressing if desired.

Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Crack Chicken

1. Choosing the Right Chicken

  • Chicken thighs: While chicken breasts are the standard for this recipe, you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs. They tend to be juicier and more flavorful, though they do add a little more fat to the dish.
  • Frozen chicken: If you use frozen chicken breasts, make sure they are fully thawed before cooking, or you may need to increase the cooking time. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking, so thawing first is recommended.

2. Adjusting Creaminess

  • Extra creaminess: For a more decadent dish, you can add 1/2 cup of sour cream to the mixture right before serving. It will add extra tang and creaminess.
  • Less creamy: If you want a less rich version, reduce the amount of cream cheese or use a lighter version of cream cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also try using half-and-half instead of cream cheese for a lighter sauce.

3. Bacon Variations

  • Turkey bacon: If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, use turkey bacon instead of regular bacon. It will still provide a smoky flavor, though it may not be quite as crispy.
  • Bacon bits: If you don’t want to cook bacon yourself, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits as a quick substitute. Just make sure to choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor.

4. Add Spice

  • If you love a little heat, you can add jalapeños or sprinkle some red pepper flakes into the mixture. Alternatively, try stirring in a small amount of sriracha or hot sauce.

5. Make-Ahead Tips

  • Meal prep: This recipe is excellent for meal prepping. You can cook it in bulk and store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: You can freeze the cooked crack chicken for up to 3 months. Let it cool before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. You may need to add a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.

Variations and Customizations

  • Keto Version: This recipe is already low-carb, but to make it more keto-friendly, avoid serving it with rice or tortillas and serve it with a green vegetable like cauliflower rice or roasted Brussels sprouts.
  • Vegan Version: For a plant-based version, substitute the chicken with tofu or tempeh and use a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and vegan cheese. You can also use tempeh bacon or skip the bacon entirely for a lighter option.
  • Spicy Ranch Crack Chicken: If you like heat, swap the regular ranch seasoning for spicy ranch seasoning or add a couple of tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce to the mix.

Origins and Popularity of Crack Chicken

The name “Crack Chicken” has become quite the buzzword in the world of comfort food, and though the term may raise some eyebrows, it’s simply a playful nickname for a dish that’s so delicious, it’s almost addictive. The dish itself is believed to have gained popularity in online recipe-sharing groups, particularly on Facebook and Pinterest, where people were drawn to the simplicity and indulgence of the ingredients.

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The creamy, cheesy chicken dish became known as Crack Chicken because of its irresistible combination of ranch dressing, bacon, and cheese. People started making variations of the recipe, adding their own twists, and it quickly became a favorite for potlucks, holiday parties, or even just a cozy weeknight dinner.

While the name might evoke some humor, it’s clear that this dish is adored by so many for its rich, creamy texture and comforting flavors. It’s the ultimate comfort food, combining the savory notes of chicken, bacon, and ranch with a luscious cream cheese sauce. The slow-cooked chicken shreds beautifully, creating the perfect creamy filling for sandwiches, wraps, or just eating on its own.

Advanced Tips for the Perfect Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken

While this recipe is easy enough for beginners, there are a few advanced tips that can take your Crack Chicken to the next level. Here are some ideas to enhance the texture and flavor of the dish:

1. Searing the Chicken First

Though the slow cooker can do all the work, searing the chicken breasts in a hot pan before placing them into the slow cooker can help build deeper flavor. The Maillard reaction (the browning process that happens when food is seared) adds an extra layer of savory goodness. Here’s how to do it:

  • Heat a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you like.
  • Sear each side of the chicken for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown. You’re not looking to cook the chicken all the way through—just give it a nice brown exterior.
  • Add the chicken to the slow cooker and continue with the recipe.

Searing also adds a little extra texture to the chicken, making it hold up better when shredded.

2. Control the Creaminess

For an ultra-creamy dish, you can tweak the amount of cream cheese you add to suit your preference. Some like it extra creamy, while others may prefer a lighter version:

  • For extra creaminess: Add 1/2 cup of heavy cream or half-and-half to the slow cooker, along with the cream cheese. This will make the sauce more silky and rich, and it will help bind the ranch seasoning to the chicken even more.
  • For a lighter version: Swap the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or light cream cheese for a lower-fat alternative. These ingredients will still give you a creamy texture but with fewer calories.

3. Use Bone-In Chicken Thighs for Extra Flavor

While boneless, skinless chicken breasts are the standard, using bone-in chicken thighs will add extra richness and flavor to the dish. The bones release gelatin and collagen as the chicken cooks, which can make the sauce even more velvety. The dark meat of the thighs also stays moist, even if it’s cooked longer in the slow cooker.

  • If using bone-in thighs, cook them on low for 7 hours instead of 6, as they may require a bit more time. Once the chicken is done, shred it off the bone and stir everything together.

4. Add Vegetables to the Dish

To balance out the richness of the dish, consider adding some vegetables directly into the slow cooker:

  • Cauliflower rice: For a low-carb, keto-friendly option, you can stir in some cauliflower rice about 30 minutes before the dish finishes cooking. This will absorb the creamy sauce and create a great pairing for the crack chicken.
  • Bell peppers or onions: You can sauté diced bell peppers, onions, or even zucchini and stir them into the crack chicken mixture in the final 30 minutes of cooking. These vegetables will add texture, color, and a touch of sweetness to balance the richness of the dish.

5. Use Different Cheeses

While cheddar cheese is a classic in this recipe, you can experiment with different cheeses for a unique flavor profile:

  • Monterey Jack cheese or Pepper Jack adds a nice meltiness and a slight kick of spice.
  • Creamy Gouda or Gruyère gives a nutty depth to the sauce.
  • If you want a gooey, stretchy cheese, mozzarella is also a great option to add in along with the cheddar for a multi-cheese experience.

6. Spice It Up with Spicy Ingredients

If you like heat, this recipe can easily be adapted to satisfy your taste buds:

  • Jalapeños: Chop up fresh jalapeños and add them to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. The heat will infuse into the chicken as it cooks, giving it a gentle spice.
  • Hot sauce: Stir a few tablespoons of hot sauce or sriracha into the cream cheese mixture for an extra kick.
  • Chili flakes or Cayenne pepper: Sprinkle some chili flakes or cayenne pepper into the ranch seasoning for an added level of heat.

Meal Planning with Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken

One of the best parts about Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is how versatile it is for meal planning. This dish can be repurposed throughout the week in various forms, saving you time and effort. Here are some meal planning tips for making the most out of this delicious recipe:

1. Make It a Weekly Staple

  • Cook once, eat twice (or more): The crack chicken can last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. Make a large batch and enjoy it for several meals. It also freezes well, so you can store individual portions in the freezer for up to 3 months for a quick meal later on.
  • Batch cooking: Make a double or triple batch of the recipe and freeze portions for future meals. You can even freeze the chicken without the cheese and bacon, then add them fresh when reheating.

2. Use It as a Protein for Other Meals

  • Taco Tuesday: Take the shredded crack chicken and serve it in soft tortillas with your favorite taco toppings like lettuce, salsa, cheese, and sour cream.
  • Salads: Use the creamy crack chicken as a topping for salads, such as a simple green salad or a more substantial one with avocado, tomatoes, and crumbled tortilla chips.
  • Sandwiches and Wraps: Spread the crack chicken on toasted buns for a quick sandwich or wrap it in a large tortilla for a flavorful wrap.

3. Make It Into a Casserole

Another great way to use the leftover crack chicken is to turn it into a casserole. Layer it with cooked pasta, extra cheese, and some additional vegetables, then bake it in the oven for a family-friendly casserole.

Conclusion: The Perfect Comfort Meal

This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s an easy, low-maintenance recipe that delivers big results. Whether you’re looking for a hearty family dinner, a simple weeknight meal, or a dish to impress at a party, this crack chicken is a winner. With its versatility, you can serve it in multiple ways, and it’s easy to make it your own by adjusting the flavors and toppings. Don’t forget, it also makes fantastic leftovers and meal prep, which means you can enjoy this creamy goodness even after the first round of deliciousness.

In summary, Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is an easy-to-make, versatile, and utterly delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or prepping meals for the week, this dish has you covered with its rich, cheesy flavor and tender chicken.

By following a few advanced tips and customizing the recipe to your preferences, you can make the dish your own, whether that’s by adding spice, extra vegetables, or even a different cheese. With a variety of serving options and ways to repurpose leftovers, Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken quickly becomes a staple in your recipe rotation.

Yield: 6

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is a creamy, savory dish that’s loaded with flavors. This hearty, satisfying recipe uses chicken breasts, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon for a meal that is indulgent, comforting, and utterly delicious. The beauty of the slow cooker is that it allows you to throw everything together, and after several hours, you have a perfectly cooked, creamy, cheesy chicken dish. It’s a fantastic family meal, party food, or even a meal prep option for the week.

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours

Ingredients

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
  • 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
  • 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
  • 1/2 cup cooked bacon (crumbled) or 1/2 cup bacon bits
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/4 cup green onions (sliced, optional for garnish)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the slow cooker: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken.
  2. Add cream cheese: Cut the cream cheese into chunks and place it on top of the chicken and seasoning.
  3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
  4. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker.
  5. Add bacon and cheese: Stir in the crumbled bacon (or bacon bits) and shredded cheddar cheese. Continue to cook for another 10-15 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is combined.
  6. Serve: Garnish with green onions, if desired, and serve!

Notes

1. Chicken Options:

  • Chicken Breasts vs. Thighs: While chicken breasts are the standard for this recipe, you can use bone-in chicken thighs for added flavor and moisture. Just be sure to cook on low for 7 hours and shred the chicken once it’s done. Thighs have more fat, which makes them extra juicy!
  • Frozen Chicken: If you start with frozen chicken, it may take an additional 1-2 hours to cook on low, but it’s best to thaw the chicken first for even cooking.

2. Bacon:

  • Crispy Bacon: For the best texture and flavor, make sure your bacon is crispy before adding it to the slow cooker. You can either cook it on the stovetop, bake it in the oven, or even use pre-cooked bacon bits.
  • Turkey Bacon: If you prefer a lighter option, turkey bacon can be used in place of regular bacon. It won’t be as crispy, but it will still provide a great flavor.

3. Creaminess Adjustments:

  • If you want a creamier texture, you can add 1/2 cup of sour cream or heavy cream to the mixture in the last hour of cooking.
  • Light Version: For a lighter version, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or use light cream cheese. This will still provide creaminess without all the calories.

4. Spices and Seasonings:

  • Ranch Seasoning: The ranch seasoning packet is essential for this recipe, but feel free to experiment with homemade ranch seasoning if you prefer. You can even add extra seasoning like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika for additional depth.
  • Add Heat: If you love spice, consider adding jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce to the mixture.

5. Serving Suggestions:

  • Over Rice: Serve this dish over steamed rice (or cauliflower rice for a low-carb version) to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • In Lettuce Wraps: For a low-carb option, use large lettuce leaves as wraps to hold the creamy chicken.
  • On a Bun: For a more indulgent option, serve the chicken on hamburger buns or slider buns for sandwiches.
  • With Vegetables: Pair with roasted veggies like broccoli, green beans, or a salad for a complete meal.

6. Meal Prep:

  • This recipe is perfect for meal prepping. It can be made in bulk and stored in individual containers for easy grab-and-go meals throughout the week.

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