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!
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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
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.
- In a slow cooker, place the boneless skinless chicken on the bottom, followed by the cream cheese, dry Ranch seasoning 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 shredded cheddar cheese and green onions and serve!
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!
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
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!
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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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Equipment
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
Mandy says
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!
Kristin says
Yay! Love hearing that you all enjoy this recipe!!!
Jim says
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…
Kristin says
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!!
Brittany says
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.
Kristin says
Yea!! So glad to hear you enjoyed this!!
Abby says
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!
Kristin says
Ooooo now THAT sounds yummy! I will have to remember that for next time! Glad you enjoyed!!
Traci says
Just another way to use this chicken… I make enchilads out of it and they are amazing!
Kristin says
Oh wow! I never thought of that! Great idea, thanks!
Wendy B says
PS…the REAL bacon pieces from Sam’s is a quick fix to cooking bacon. They are real and do not taste artificial!
Kristin says
Gotta love quick fixes! Thanks for the tip!
Angie says
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
Absolutely! My kids LOVE this in their lunch at school and never warm it up! Such a great idea!
Wendy B says
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!!!
Kristin says
Great idea on the flavored cream cheese, I will have to remember that!
Victoria says
Made this tonight served it as a pasta dish and it was super amazing will definitely make this again!!
Kristin says
Oh yum! Love the idea of serving over pasta!! Glad you enjoyed it!!
Alicia says
does this feed enough to bring to a postseason banquet for school?
Kristin says
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!
Alex says
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!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it! You can even add cooked bacon in at the end if desired!
Kat H says
Has anyone tried this in an instapot??? Just curious on the time???
Kristin says
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!
Tanya Clements says
Absolutely delicious! Extremely flavorful..very rich though. I made a double batch thinking that a single wouldn’t be enough…hahaha..let’s just say I will be enjoying this goodness for a couple days to come. I had one sandwich and was FULL. Awesome recipe, will be making it again
Kristin says
Haha! Glad you enjoyed it! Sounds like you will be enjoying it all week! Try it over rice, in lettuce wraps, as a sandwich, or even over pasta to change it up as well!
Angela says
Very rich. Could only eat a couple bites. I think it’d be better with some onions, mushrooms, green onions and less cream cheese.
Kristin says
I have heard others cut the cream cheese in half, perhaps that would help?
Alyssa says
About to make this. How long do I put it in the crockpot if the chicken is already thawed?
Kristin says
About 5-6 hours on low, 3-4 hours on high. Enjoy!!
TedC says
I want to try this recipe but I have a question. What would you suggest subbing the cream cheese with? My wife isn’t a fan of cheese, but I would like to try making something similar to this.
Kristin says
Hmmm, you can try sour cream or mayo?? Also ricotta cheese or cottage cheese works, but not liking cheese eliminates those! I would try 4 oz sour cream and 4 oz mayo in place of the cream cheese! Hope you enjoy!
Chuck says
Very good recipe. Made this in a double batch. Split the batch and cranked up the heat on half and left the rest of it per the recipe. Had some guests over and between the family and the guests, totally wiped out this one. It’s a keeper!
Kristin says
So glad everyone enjoyed it!!
Valerie Poppell says
I have made this before and enjoyed it, but I have a couple questions. 1. You do not cook the bacon before it goes into the crockpot? 2. Can you use chicken that has already been cookex?
Kristin says
Hi! Yes, bacon is pre-cooked prior to going in slow cooker. If using chicken that is already cooked, it may get a little dry going into the slow cooker. If you were to skip the slow cooker, I am not sure how the cream cheese, ranch mix, etc would combine into the chicken. My guess, you probably wouldn’t want to do that, but its always worth a try! Enjoy!!
AJ says
Is it good cold? We’re thinking of taking it to a tailgate. I do have the option to plug the crock in at the tailgate w/a portable outlet. I’ve made this before and we love it. We always make a huge batch and serve on sweet rolls. I add Dijon to the roll and it’s so good.
Kristin says
Hi!! This is actually quite tasty cold! My kids prefer theirs warm, but I love this cold served on a salad! I love the idea of adding Dijon!! Enjoy!
Sandra Engle says
I’m making now almost ready. Way to soupy. I haven’t shredded yet. Can I drain before shredding? And adding bacon and cheese? We want sandwiches.
Kristin says
Hmmm, shouldn’t have been soupy, but no issues draining! Hope it turned out great!
Paul brush says
Could you use all the chicken pieces and demon when done.just wondering if the dark meat will shread.
Kristin says
Sure! Dark meat would work great and gets just as tender, so shredding works perfect! Enjoy!
chuck says
Could you add a few boneless skinless thighs, or would it be be too much juice
Kristin says
No problem at all, that would work out great!!
Amanda says
If chicken is frozen how long should it cook in crockpot?
Kristin says
The time in the recipe is perfect for frozen chicken! I almost never thaw my chicken first as I typically don’t know what I am cooking until I am needing to make something, haha!! Hope you enjoy this!!
Chris says
Can you double the recipe in one large crock pot?
Kristin says
Definitely! I have done that before and it works great! Enjoy!
Sue says
Do you cut up the block of cream cheese?
Kristin says
You can if desired, I usually just plop it in whole! Enjoy!!
Donna says
Very good….will use again…..I added a little water and put it over black beans and rice….topped with salsa, sour cream, and shredded cheese. I didn’t have bacon but will be sure to have it next time and try as a sandwich….thanks for this easy, versatile recipe.
Kristin says
Oh yum! I love the changes you made! So glad you enjoyed this!
Christina Criswell says
Deliciousness!! I made this for a work potluck and it was a huge hit. I use a block of cream cheese for every 2 chicken breasts and we added rotel. First time we bought different breads and had it as a sandwich the next time we cooked rotini pasta and ate it with that. Yum yum yum.
Kristin says
Ooooo I love the addition of Rotel, great thinking! So glad you all enjoy this!
Angela says
Can this be done on the stove or in the oven?
Kristin says
Hmmm, I have never tried it before, however, the oven would work I believe. I would guess at 350 until chicken is cooked, shred and add ingredients, and put back in oven for an additional 15-20 minutes. Hope that helps!!
Anonymous says
Although the flavor was good, it was VERY salty. I’ll probably make this again but with 1/2 the ranch or another 1/2 bar of cream cheese.
Kristin says
That would work great too!! Glad you enjoyed it!
Frank says
Couple notes….I did 2 pounds of boneless skinless chicken thighs so I doubled the recipe and did one pack of green onion and one pack of ranch instead of 2 raches. Added a container of chopped onion and a container of chopped diced peppers along with 3 tablespoons of jalapeno and some garlic powder. This is FRIGGIN MONEY. For those who said their’s was dry…not sure how (I know the veggies added some moisture but I ended up having to do a corn starch slurrie to tighten it up. That being said, this is a GREAT recope. My wife and her neighborhood friends were in the pool today and they kept sliding by the slow cooker and trying spoonfuls. Had to give them all the receipe. Can see this being great on fettucine as well.
Kristin says
Yea!! I am so glad to hear it is a hit with the neighborhood and your family! I love the variety you added to this, I will have to keep that in mind for next time!! Have a great day!!
Samantha says
I made this with 2 lbs of chicken, 1 1/2 blocks of cream cheese, 2 packets of ranch and some smoked paprika and of course bacon! It was delicious! Thank you for this recipe! When served I added some cheddar jack cheese and hot sauce and it made it out of this world.
Kristin says
Yea! So glad you enjoyed it!!
Annette Johnson says
This looks really good, but I need to cut out as much fat as possible for my family. Has anyone tried non fat or reduced fat cream cheese?
Kristin says
I accidentally bought non fat cream cheese a few weeks back when I made this and it worked great!!
Deb says
I left in on high for fours hours and it burnt the ranch dressing. I had no liquid from the chicken breasts. Didn’t turn out so well.
Kristin says
Oh no!! What a bummer!! I haven’t had that issue so I am not sure what happened! Sorry it didn’t turn out!
Emily says
Should chicken be frozen or thawed?
Kristin says
Either works great, just changes the cooking time a bit. I almost always use frozen since I tend to forget to thaw it, but no biggie either way!
MLL says
This was not good at all and everyone I know that made it didn’t like it either. Looks good and easy to make but it doesn’t taste good
Kristin says
Sorry it wasn’t a hit with you!
Rich says
Only 1 lb of Chicken?
Kristin says
Yep! If you increase to 2lbs, be sure to add another block of cream cheese!
Karen says
This is delicious! I used chicken thighs because it’s what I had. Very rich and flavorful. So simple too. I can’t imagine why the one reviewer said it had no flavor, it sure does! I topped mine with a little smoked paprika and tossed in a finely chopped jalapeño. This is a keeper!
Kristin says
So glad you enjoyed it!!
Midge8 says
Sorry, this just didn’t get it. Made it tonight and I won’t make it again. No flavor, none what so ever.
Kim says
How many servings per chicken breast?
Kristin says
This recipe serves about 8, depending on how big the chicken breasts are 😉
Beverly says
Could this be frozen for later use?
Kristin says
Sure! Once cooked, I have frozen the leftovers and they have been great!
Tabby says
It didn’t need any kind of liquid added?
Kristin says
Nope, the chicken will release some juices and it is plenty! Enjoy!