| |

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

If you love easy, cheesy, and downright addictive slow cooker recipes, then you’re going to adore this one. The Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe is truly fan-freaking-tastic — it’s creamy, flavorful, and effortless to make. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want a comforting dish ready when you walk in the door, this recipe has got you covered. Keep reading, because I’ll share all my best tips to help you nail this every single time!

🤍

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • So Simple to Prep: Just dump the ingredients in your crock pot and go – no sautéing or fancy steps needed.
  • Melts in Your Mouth: The chicken turns ultra tender and so flavorful, it’s impossible not to scoop seconds.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Use it on sandwiches, over rice, or even as a dip – perfect for whatever mood you’re in.
  • Family Favorite: My crew always goes crazy for this dish, and I bet yours will too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe lies in its simple, complementary ingredients that blend into a creamy, cheesy dream. When shopping, I recommend using good-quality cream cheese for that silky texture and fresh green onions for a pop of brightness at the end.

Flat lay of three fresh boneless, skinless chicken breasts, a small white ceramic bowl of clear chicken broth, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy white cream cheese block, a small white ceramic bowl with light tan powdered ranch dressing mix, cooked crispy bacon strips crumbled on a simple white ceramic plate, shredded bright orange cheddar cheese in a small white ceramic bowl, and thinly sliced fresh green onions scattered neatly on the surface, all arranged symmetrically, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Crock Pot Crack Chicken, slow cooker cheesy chicken, easy crockpot chicken recipes, creamy chicken crockpot, comforting slow cooker dinner
  • Chicken breasts: I like boneless and skinless for easy shredding and quick cooking.
  • Chicken broth: Adds moisture and a gentle savory note that balances the richness.
  • Ranch dressing mix: The seasoning powerhouse here; I often double-check the label for gluten-free versions if needed.
  • Cream cheese: Softened and creamy, it melts right into the sauce for that luscious finish.
  • Bacon: Crispy cooked and crumbled, for salty, smoky goodness.
  • Cheddar cheese: Sharp or mild, shredded fresh for gooey meltiness.
  • Green onion: Thinly sliced, sprinkled on top for fresh flavor and a little crunch.
📝
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best parts about this Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Over time, I’ve experimented with a few twists — feel free to customize it depending on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

  • Add some heat: I sometimes toss in a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick that wakes up the creamy sauce.
  • Dairy-free version: When I want to lighten it up, I swap cream cheese for a dairy-free alternative and use vegan cheese — it still tastes amazing!
  • Vegetable boost: Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the last hour gives a nice earthy contrast and sneaks in some veggies.
  • Swap the cheese: Colby jack or Monterey jack work beautifully if you want a milder, mellow flavor.

How to Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients in the Crock Pot

Start by placing your boneless, skinless chicken breasts right at the bottom of the slow cooker. This ensures they cook evenly. Then pour in the chicken broth over the chicken — this keeps everything moist and prevents the cream cheese from sticking to the bottom later. Next, scatter the ranch dressing mix evenly on top, and add the cream cheese in chunks around the pot, so it melts into the sauce as it cooks. Easy peasy!

Step 2: Set It and Forget It — Cook!

Cover and cook on HIGH for about 3 hours, or if you’re planning ahead, LOW for 6 hours works beautifully. The chicken should be fully cooked and tender enough to shred with two forks when done. I love coming home to this slow cooker magic already underway.

Step 3: Shred the Chicken and Mix Everything Together

Once cooked, take the chicken breasts out and shred them with two forks — or if you prefer, you can shred them right in the crock pot using two forks, which saves a little clean-up. After shredding, stir the sauce thoroughly, then add the chicken back in to soak up all that creamy goodness.

Step 4: Add the Cheese, Bacon, and Green Onions

Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crispy crumbled bacon, and thinly sliced green onions directly into the crock pot. Give everything a good stir until the cheese melts and the ingredients are evenly combined. Serve it warm, either piled high on toasted buns or in bowls for spooning. Trust me, it’s just incredible.

👨‍🍳

Pro Tips for Making Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

  • Don’t Skip the Broth: It keeps the cream cheese from burning and makes the sauce silky. I learned this the hard way the first time!
  • Shred While Warm: Shredding the chicken right after cooking gives you perfect tender pieces without the chicken drying out.
  • Use Bacon Wisely: Cooking bacon separately until crispy before adding ensures it stays crunchy, which really contrasts nicely with the creamy sauce.
  • Green Onions at the End: Add fresh green onions last to keep their color and bite — it really brightens up the dish.

How to Serve Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

The image shows a close-up of a sandwich on a white plate with a white marbled surface background. The sandwich has a sesame seed bun with the top slightly tilted to the side, revealing the filling inside. The filling has several layers: shredded chicken mixed with a creamy sauce, small pieces of green onion, and bits of crispy bacon or similar meat with an orange tint, likely melted cheese, scattered throughout. In front of the sandwich, there are ridged potato chips resting on the plate. There is another sandwich blurred in the background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Crock Pot Crack Chicken, slow cooker cheesy chicken, easy crockpot chicken recipes, creamy chicken crockpot, comforting slow cooker dinner

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with a little extra shredded cheddar and green onions for color and freshness. Sometimes a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds an extra layer of creaminess and aroma that just elevates the meal — and trust me, your guests will notice.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides for this Crock Pot Crack Chicken are simple and hearty — think buttery mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, or even a crisp side salad to cut through the richness. If you’re serving it on buns, some crunchy pickles on the side always hit the spot too.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, I’ve served crack chicken as a dip by scooping it into a warm casserole dish and adding extra cheese on top. It’s a crowd-pleaser that disappears fast. I’ve also made crack chicken stuffed baked potatoes — just spoon the warm mixture inside and sprinkle with bacon and green onions for a loaded treat your guests won’t forget.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. This Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe reheats really well, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.

Freezing

If you want to freeze it, just pop the cooled chicken mixture into a freezer-safe bag or container. It holds up nicely for about 2 months and is a lifesaver for busy days when you haven’t cooked.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often to keep it creamy and avoid drying out. Alternatively, warming in the microwave covered with a damp paper towel works well for a quick fix.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts in the Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe?

    Absolutely! Chicken thighs will work well and actually stay juicy and tender due to their higher fat content. Just adjust cooking times slightly — thighs may take a little less time to cook fully, especially on HIGH setting.

  2. Do I need to add extra seasoning besides the ranch mix?

    The ranch dressing mix provides plenty of flavor on its own, but if you like, you can add garlic powder, onion powder, or a little smoked paprika for a subtle twist. Just taste and adjust before serving.

  3. Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a crock pot?

    Yes! Using an Instant Pot, you can set it to pressure cook on high for about 15 minutes with a quick release. Then shred and mix in the cheese, bacon, and green onions off the heat.

  4. Is Crock Pot Crack Chicken kid-friendly?

    Definitely. Most kids love creamy, cheesy dishes, and because it’s not spicy unless you add heat, it’s usually a big hit with little ones. Just be sure to chop the green onions finely or omit them for picky eaters.

Final Thoughts

This Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe is one of those gems I keep going back to because it’s reliable, indulgent, and practically fuss-free. Every time I serve it, my family begs for seconds — and honestly, I don’t blame them! If you want a cozy meal that comes together fast and tastes like a warm hug, give this recipe a try. You’ll be so glad you did!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Crock Pot Crack Chicken Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 57 reviews
  • Author: Julia
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Crock Pot Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful slow-cooked chicken dish featuring tender shredded chicken breasts cooked in a blend of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and chicken broth, then mixed with crispy bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. Perfect as a hearty main served on buns or in bowls, this easy recipe is a family favorite for its rich taste and minimal prep effort.


Ingredients

Chicken and Base

  • 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup chicken broth
  • 16 ounces cream cheese
  • 2 ounces ranch dressing mix (powdered)

Add-ins

  • 8 ounces bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (or colby jack cheese)
  • ½ cup green onion, thinly sliced


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Crock Pot: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts into the crock pot or slow cooker base evenly.
  2. Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth over the chicken. Add the cream cheese in chunks on top and sprinkle the powdered ranch dressing evenly over everything.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 hours or on LOW for 6 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred easily.
  4. Shred the Chicken: Remove the chicken breasts from the crock pot and shred using two forks. Alternatively, shred the chicken directly inside the crock pot for less mess and to retain more juices.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Stir the sauce in the crock pot thoroughly, then return the shredded chicken to the pot and mix well to coat with the creamy ranch sauce.
  6. Add Cheese, Bacon, and Onions: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese, cooked and crumbled bacon, and sliced green onions over the chicken mixture. Stir everything together until well combined and the cheese begins to melt into the warm mixture.
  7. Serve: Serve warm on sandwich buns for a delicious crack chicken sandwich or spooned into bowls as a hearty dip or main dish.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can crisp the bacon yourself and reserve some for garnish.
  • Use colby jack cheese if cheddar is not available – it melts well and complements the flavors perfectly.
  • To make it low carb, omit the buns and serve the chicken in lettuce wraps or over salads.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a microwave or stovetop.
  • Feel free to add extra green onions or even diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/8 of recipe
  • Calories: 360 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 780 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 12 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 0.2 g
  • Protein: 27 g
  • Cholesterol: 105 mg

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star