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    Home » Recipes » Chicken

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Modified: Nov 29, 2023 · Published: Jun 28, 2023 by Kristin · This post may contain affiliate links. · 83 Comments

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    Indulge in creamy, cheesy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken! A flavorful blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and BACON! Effortlessly create a simple, addictive, and flavor-packed meal for any occasion!

    melted cheese and green onions over shredded chicken in a slow cooker

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    Jump to:
    • Crack Chicken Recipe
    • Ingredients Needed for Creamy Crock-pot Crack Chicken
    • How to make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
    • Tips for the best Creamy Crack Chicken
    • Storing Leftovers
    • What to eat Crack Chicken With
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • More Chicken Recipes to try
    • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Crack Chicken Recipe

    You may be wondering what exactly is Crack Chicken? Its the addictive combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, and bacon. Basically, comfort food at its finest and perfect for potlucks, picnics, gatherings, or busy weeknights! Although I don’t love the name, it is a recipe that has been passed down for generations!

    This keto-friendly dish can be served warm or cold, as sandwiches, over pasta, rice, in tortillas, or even a bed of lettuce. It fits any diet and is incredibly versatile!

    Ingredients Needed for Creamy Crock-pot Crack Chicken

    Easy to make dinner options are my FAV and this recipe is just that! Using just a few simple ingredients, this hearty meal comes together in no time and is family approved. See printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step by step directions.

    • Chicken Breast– I use boneless, skinless breasts. No need to dice them, simply place into your slow cooker
    • Cream Cheese– this brings the creaminess to the recipe! I use plain cream cheese, but chive and onion flavor works great too
    • Ranch Dressing Mix– homemade or store bought packet Ranch seasoning works great
    • Bacon– cooked and crumbled, use jalapeno bacon for an added flavor kick
    • Cheddar Cheese/Green Onions– optional of course, but highly recommended. Add cheesy goodness and an added garnish to the finished dish

    all the ingredients needed for creamy crack chicken

    How to make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    This recipe is so easy! In fact, after trying it once, you’ll wonder where it has been all your life! Dump the ingredients into your slow cooker, move on with your day, and come dinnertime, you’ll have a meal the entire family will enjoy.

    1. In a slow cooker, place the boneless skinless chicken on the bottom, followed by the cream cheese, dry Ranch seasoning mix, and bacon.
    2. Place lid on slow cooker and cook low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
    3. Remove lid and shred chicken using two forks.
    4. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and green onions and serve!

    step by step on how to make crack chicken

    Tips for the best Creamy Crack Chicken

    • Use real bacon in lieu of bacon bits. Real bacon has much more flavor!
    • Cook this low and slow. You definitely don’t want to overcook this and have it dry out, so cook on low if possible.
    • This recipe can easily be doubled and the leftovers can be frozen. It is perfect to keep in the freezer when you need a quick meal.
    • Chunk the cream cheese into smaller pieces before adding it on top of the chicken so it blends in easier.
    • This can also be enjoyed as a dip for parties, appetizers, and more! Crack Dip is great on crackers, vegetables, and more!

    chicken sandwiches served with chips

    Storing Leftovers

    If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, they store easily and are just as tasty the next day!

    • Refrigerator: place in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
    • Freezer: store in a freezer safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
    • Reheating Instructions: Allow to thaw if frozen and reheat in 30 second increments in the microwave.

    What to eat Crack Chicken With

    • Hamburger Buns or Pita Bread
    • Over Mashed Potatoes
    • White Rice
    • Wrapped in a lettuce wrap or tortilla
    • On top of cooked pasta
    • As a dip with crackers, vegetables, or pretzels

    an up close look at crack chicken sandwiches

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is a good side dish to this meal?

    Depends on how you choose to serve this chicken, however, I typically serve ours as a sandwich with some fries or onion rings. I add in a simple side salad and we all devour the meal!

    Why is it called Crack Chicken?

    Although I don’t really love the name, it was labelled “crack chicken” due to the fact it is addictive and you’ll want more!

    Is this recipe Keto friendly?

    Absolutely! Serve this on lettuce wraps or on its own for a low-carb, Keto crack chicken meal!

    Can I use bacon bits in this recipe to save on time?

    Yes! I always recommend using real bacon if possible, but you can also look for the packages that say real bacon bits on them.

    What equipment do I need to make Creamy Crack Chicken?

    Just a slow cooker! To make clean up easy, you can get slow cooker liners, but that’s about it!

    Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?

    Yep! In fact, that’s what I always do. Just make sure you are cooking the chicken on low all day and you’re set.

    Can I use chicken thighs in this recipe?

    Yes! That works great too, simply adjust the cook time a bit!

    Can I make this in the Instant Pot?

    Sure can! HERE is that recipe!

    creamy chicken combined with cream cheese, ranch mix, and bacon

    More Chicken Recipes to try

    Instant Pot Crack Chicken Pasta– chicken pasta loaded with cheddar, bacon and ranch! Seriously delicious!

    Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole– chicken, pasta, ranch seasoning, crumbled bacon, and cheese in a tasty dish! Using only a few simple ingredients, this casserole is quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights!

    Crock Pot BBQ Chicken– an easy, affordable meal option packed with flavor! Shredded BBQ Chicken on a Hawaiian Roll with some cabbage slaw for an added crunch. Perfect for an appetizer, meal, or tailgating!

    Slow Cooker Chicken Ranch Tacos– chicken breasts slow cooked in taco seasoning, ranch dressing mix, and chicken broth and served in tortillas with your favorite toppings!

    Ultimate Chicken Casserole– tender noodles, shredded chicken, bacon, corn, and more!

     

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    an up close look at crack chicken sandwiches

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Recipe by: Kristin
    Move over crockpot recipes. This recipe for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is going to be your new favorite recipe to make! Only 4 ingredients needed!
    4.20 from 77 votes
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    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 4 hours hrs
    Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 408 kcal

    Equipment

    • Slow Cooker
    • Slow Cooker Liners

    Ingredients
      

    • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast
    • 8 oz cream cheese
    • 1 packet dry Ranch dressing mix
    • ½ lb bacon, cooked and crumbled
    • 1 cup cheddar cheese *shredded
    • ½ bunch green onions *chopped

    Instructions
     

    • In a slow cooker, place the chicken on the bottom, followed by the cream cheese, dry Ranch mix, and bacon.
    • Place lid on slow cooker and cook low for 6-8 hours, or high for 4 hours.
    • Remove lid and shred chicken using two forks.
    • Sprinkle cheese and green onions on top of shredded chicken.
    • Serve on its own, on a bun as a sandwich, wrap, over pasta, rice, etc.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 408kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 9gPolyunsaturated Fat: 6gMonounsaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 1228mgPotassium: 387mgFiber: 4gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 530IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 79mgIron: 1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @TheCookinChicks or tag #TheCookinChicks!

     

     

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      Chicken Zucchini Casserole
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    Comments

    1. Mandy says

      January 03, 2021 at 1:19 am

      5 stars
      This is my second time making it. It’s in the crockpot now!! I’m a single mom of a teen and tween boys and they LOVE it as a chicken sandwich. (they also like it by the spoonful out of the crock. This time I finely chopped some sun-dried tomato and will stir in some chopped up spinach a little bit before serving. It is SO yum and so easy to adapt to your family’s favorite add ins. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 03, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Yay! Love hearing that you all enjoy this recipe!!!

        Reply
    2. Jim says

      January 31, 2020 at 1:08 am

      Questions.. 1. Will the bacon not fully cook in the 6 to 8 hours of slow/low cooking?
      2. Why skinless, On keto, I want all the fat…

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 31, 2020 at 11:05 am

        The bacon won’t get crispy if cooked in the slow cooker alone. If you are okay with that, then you can definitely cook it at the same time, rather than precooked.
        As for the chicken, skinless tends to shred easier, but if you prefer skin, definitely go for it as that works too!!
        Enjoy!!

        Reply
    3. Brittany says

      October 10, 2019 at 8:01 pm

      Omg this was AMAZING!!! Was my first crockpot meal,family loved it. I added shredded Parmesan cheese (put on top of chicken before adding everything). Plus added very little water.

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        October 12, 2019 at 9:33 am

        Yea!! So glad to hear you enjoyed this!!

        Reply
    4. Abby says

      September 01, 2019 at 5:48 pm

      5 stars
      This turned out fantastic! I served this over spicy Thia noodles. The spicy noodles with the flavors of the chicken was a perfect blend. I added red onions to the chicken and scallions to the noodles. Will be having it again. So easy to make. Awesome sauce!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        September 03, 2019 at 11:36 am

        Ooooo now THAT sounds yummy! I will have to remember that for next time! Glad you enjoyed!!

        Reply
    5. Traci says

      May 26, 2019 at 9:40 am

      5 stars
      Just another way to use this chicken… I make enchilads out of it and they are amazing!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 27, 2019 at 8:28 am

        Oh wow! I never thought of that! Great idea, thanks!

        Reply
    6. Wendy B says

      May 22, 2019 at 6:23 pm

      5 stars
      PS…the REAL bacon pieces from Sam’s is a quick fix to cooking bacon. They are real and do not taste artificial!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 23, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Gotta love quick fixes! Thanks for the tip!

        Reply
        • Angie says

          October 06, 2024 at 11:56 am

          Can this be served cold the next day? Thinking of sending in my daughters lunch, but she doesn’t have access to warm it up.

        • Kristin says

          October 06, 2024 at 3:08 pm

          Absolutely! My kids LOVE this in their lunch at school and never warm it up! Such a great idea!

    7. Wendy B says

      May 22, 2019 at 6:21 pm

      5 stars
      I have made this a couple of times. Used a can of green chilis the first time. Did not have any this time, so I added Salsa Verde! AMAZING!!! Also, you can use the flavored cream cheese..the one with onion and chives, and it adds so much flavor!! This recipe is a hit!!!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        May 23, 2019 at 8:36 am

        Great idea on the flavored cream cheese, I will have to remember that!

        Reply
    8. Victoria says

      March 30, 2019 at 6:30 pm

      5 stars
      Made this tonight served it as a pasta dish and it was super amazing will definitely make this again!!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 31, 2019 at 9:09 am

        Oh yum! Love the idea of serving over pasta!! Glad you enjoyed it!!

        Reply
    9. Alicia says

      March 28, 2019 at 4:04 pm

      does this feed enough to bring to a postseason banquet for school?

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 29, 2019 at 6:51 am

        You’ll get about 8 servings from this, possibly more depending on how its served and how big of portion people take! You can easily double this though!

        Reply
    10. Alex says

      March 12, 2019 at 2:38 pm

      5 stars
      Just made this last night and it was excellent! I skipped the bacon since I’ve found bacon to get soggy in crockpot recipes and less cream cheese since I didn’t really know the weight of my chicken as it was previously portioned. It looked gross when it was first done but after shredding the chicken it mixed really well and was delicious and super easy!

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        March 13, 2019 at 8:23 am

        So glad you enjoyed it! You can even add cooked bacon in at the end if desired!

        Reply
    11. Kat H says

      January 29, 2019 at 11:13 am

      Has anyone tried this in an instapot??? Just curious on the time???

      Reply
      • Kristin says

        January 29, 2019 at 12:07 pm

        Ooooo, I like your thinking! Being that everything would be pre cooked minus the noodles, I would guess 3-5 minutes high, manual pressure with a quick release, but I haven’t personally tried it yet!

        Reply
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    Trackbacks

    1. February 2019 Video-a-Thon Day 11 | Crafty Vlog | Spend the Day with Me says:
      February 11, 2019 at 2:00 pm

      […] Chicken Dip recipe I made for the party (I left the bacon out of it this time): https://thecookinchicks.com/crack-chicken/ […]

      Reply
    4.20 from 77 votes (69 ratings without comment)

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    Welcome to The Cookin' Chicks…I am so glad you've stopped by! I am Kristin, a busy mom of 3, a wife, and a family chef! There are three things that motivate me each day - Family, Faith, and FOOD! I, along with the occasional help of friends and family, want to share my food creations with you! So, I invite you to join me around my dinner table through the recipes that I will share with you here. I hope you will enjoy the journey as much as I do!

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