This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a simple, creamy crockpot meal made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon.
You may be wondering what exactly Crack Chicken is. It's a creamy combination of shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, and bacon that's easy to make and always a hit. This keto-friendly dish can be served warm or cold. Enjoy it as sandwiches, over pasta or rice, or even on a bed of lettuce. It's also great for parties as crack chicken pinwheels or piled onto buns like these chicken bacon ranch sliders.
Quick Look: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours
- Total Time: 4-6 hours
- Servings: 6
- Main Ingredients: Chicken, cream cheese, Ranch seasoning, bacon
This slow cooker crack chicken is creamy, cheesy, and full of Ranch and bacon flavor. Made with just a few simple ingredients, it's an easy dump-and-go meal that works for sandwiches, sliders, over rice, or even as a warm party dip.
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Made this tonight served it as a pasta dish and it was super amazing will definitely make this again!!
Ingredient Notes
This easy dinner comes together quickly with just a few simple ingredients and is family-approved. See the printable recipe card below for exact ingredient amounts and step-by-step directions.
- Chicken Breast– Boneless, skinless breasts work best. No need to dice; just place them directly in the slow cooker.
- Cream Cheese– This adds the creaminess. Plain cream cheese works great, but chive and onion is a nice option too.
- Ranch Dressing Mix– A homemade blend or a store-bought packet both work well.
- Bacon– Cooked and crumbled. Jalapeño bacon adds a little extra kick if you like heat.
- Cheddar Cheese & Green Onions– Optional, but highly recommended for added flavor and garnish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This recipe is incredibly easy to make. Add everything to the slow cooker and by dinnertime you'll have a meal the whole family will enjoy. Short on time? This Instant Pot crack chicken is a quick alternative.
Step 1. Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker and top with the cream cheese, dry Ranch seasoning mix, and cooked bacon. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours.
Step 2. Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks.
Step 3. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions over the chicken.
Step 4. Serve with crackers, on a sandwich, over rice, or over potatoes.
Tips for Success
- Use real bacon for the best flavor. Bacon bits work in a pinch, but real bacon adds more richness.
- Cook low and slow when possible to keep the chicken tender and prevent it from drying out.
- This recipe doubles well and leftovers freeze nicely for an easy future meal.
- Cut the cream cheese into chunks before adding it so it melts and blends more easily.
- Serve it as a dip for parties or appetizers with crackers or veggies, alongside other crowd favorites like my jalapeno popper dip.
Serving Suggestions
- On hamburger buns or pita bread
- Over loaded mashed potatoes
- Wrapped in a tortilla or lettuce wrap
- Over Instant Pot jasmine rice
- Served as a dip with crackers, vegetables, or pretzels
- Over Amish buttered noodles
If you love this creamy ranch flavor, you'll also want to try my Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole for an easy baked version the whole family loves.
Storage & Reheating
Leftovers store well and reheat easily.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
- Reheating Instructions: Thaw if frozen, then reheat in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe FAQs
Crack chicken is made with shredded chicken, cream cheese, Ranch dressing mix, and bacon. Some versions also include cheddar cheese and green onions for extra flavor.
Yes. You can use frozen chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cook on LOW and allow extra time until the chicken is fully cooked and easy to shred.
Yes. Crack chicken is naturally keto and low carb when served on its own or with lettuce wraps instead of bread or pasta.
Yes. Let the crack chicken cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Crack chicken is commonly served on sandwich buns, over rice or mashed potatoes, in tortillas, or as a dip with crackers or vegetables. It also pairs well with garlic parmesan spaghetti for an easy dinner.
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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 shredded cheddar cheese optional
- ½ bunch green onions chopped, optional
Instructions
- Add the chicken breasts to the bottom of the slow cooker. Top with the cream cheese, dry Ranch seasoning mix, and cooked bacon.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
- Remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and green onions over the chicken. Serve as desired.
Notes
- For best results, cook on LOW to keep the chicken tender.
- This recipe can be doubled for a crowd and freezes well for later meals.
- Serve on sandwich buns, over rice or pasta, or as a dip with crackers or vegetables.
- For a low-carb option, serve with lettuce wraps or on its own.
Nutrition
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!