Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for busy days when you want a comforting meal without the fuss. Tender chicken cooks low and slow with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon for a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s incredibly versatile.

Ingredients

• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces block of cream cheese (at room temperature, cut into 4 pieces)
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
• 6 slices bacon (cooked to a crisp and chopped)
• Chopped green onions (for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and stir in the ranch seasoning mix until combined.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and stir to coat them with the seasoned broth.
3. Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks or shredding claws.
5. Step 5: Stir in the cream cheese and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for a few minutes.
7. Step 7: Remove the lid, sprinkle chopped bacon over the top, and garnish with green onions and parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use smoked paprika or a pinch of cayenne for a smoky, spicy twist.
• Swap out cheddar for pepper jack cheese to add a little heat.
• Serve over rice or pasta instead of sandwiches for a hearty meal.
• Make it keto-friendly by serving in lettuce cups or low-carb tortillas.
• Cook bacon ahead of time and keep it ready to save time when preparing.

Storage

Store leftover crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of chicken broth to keep it creamy. This dish also freezes well—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs are a great alternative and will result in an even juicier, more flavorful dish.

Is ranch seasoning mix easy to make at home?

Absolutely! You can mix dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper to create your own ranch seasoning blend if you prefer homemade over store-bought.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 106 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes to 5 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe is a creamy, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish perfect for sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or lettuce cups. Featuring tender shredded chicken cooked low and slow with ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon, it’s a comforting crowd-pleaser with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Slow Cooker Base

• ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Cheese & Toppings

• 8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature, cut into 4 pieces
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
• 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and chopped

Garnish

• Chopped green onions (for serving)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Make the ranch mix: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker and stir in the ranch seasoning mix until well combined.
2. Combine and cook: Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and stir to coat them evenly with the ranch broth mixture. Cover with a lid and cook on LOW for 5 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
3. Shred the chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, remove the lid and shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks or shredding claws.
4. Add the cheeses: Stir in the cut cream cheese pieces and 1½ cups of shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and combined into the sauce. Then, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top, cover again, and let it melt for a few minutes.
5. Finish and serve: Remove the lid, sprinkle the chopped crispy bacon over the cheesy chicken mixture. Garnish with chopped green onions and fresh parsley. Serve warm in sandwiches, wraps, burgers, or lettuce cups.

Notes

• You can cook the bacon ahead of time and store it until ready to use.
• For an extra kick, add some chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
• Make sure the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier melting and smooth sauce.
• Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat beautifully.
• Use shredded rotisserie chicken as a quicker alternative if short on time, adding cheese and bacon to warm before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 to 5 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken, creamy chicken recipe, shredded chicken, ranch chicken, cheesy chicken, bacon chicken, easy slow cooker meal