Welcome to the ultimate guide for creating incredibly easy, irresistibly creamy, and bursting-with-flavor Slow Cooker Crack Chicken! This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that you’ll find yourself making time and time again. With minimal effort and just a handful of staple ingredients, you can whip up a hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or casual gatherings. Get ready to experience a dish so delicious, it earns its playful “crack” moniker!
Effortless Slow Cooker Perfection: Your New Favorite Chicken Dish
The term “Crack Chicken” might sound a bit unconventional, but it perfectly describes the addictively delicious nature of this slow cooker sensation. Rest assured, the name simply reflects how incredibly flavorful and popular this dish has become, not anything untoward. It’s a widely recognized name that people actively search for, and once you try it, you’ll understand why. This dish harmoniously blends tender chicken with the rich, savory notes of ranch seasoning, crispy bacon, and creamy cheddar cheese. It’s a combination that’s hard to resist and surprisingly simple to achieve in your slow cooker.
“Made this just now and wow! Everyone loved it. So many ways to use it too! Thank you for another winning recipe!”
– Polly
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This recipe isn’t just another chicken dish; it’s a culinary revelation that combines ease, flavor, and versatility in one glorious package. Here’s why it’s destined to become a staple in your kitchen:
- Unbelievably Easy: The slow cooker does 90% of the work. Just toss in a few ingredients, set it, and forget it. Perfect for busy schedules!
- Explosive Flavor: The combination of ranch, bacon, and cheese creates a savory, tangy, and deeply satisfying taste that’s truly addictive. Each bite is a burst of comforting flavors.
- Incredibly Versatile: Whether you serve it on buns, in wraps, over rice, with pasta, or as a warm dip, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken adapts to almost any mealtime need. It’s a fantastic solution for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike adore the creamy, cheesy goodness of this chicken. It’s a great way to get picky eaters excited about dinner.
- Minimal Cleanup: Cooking everything in one pot means fewer dishes to wash, making your post-dinner routine a breeze.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crack Chicken
Absolutely! Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to accommodate the increased volume of ingredients. If you need to layer the chicken, the cooking time might be slightly longer, so always check for doneness.
The possibilities are endless! It’s fantastic served on soft hamburger or slider buns for sandwiches, rolled into tortillas for wraps, or as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes. You can also mix it with egg noodles or serve it over a bed of rice. For an appetizer, keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve it as a hearty dip with crackers or tortilla chips – it’s just as good, if not better, than classic buffalo chicken dip!
Certainly! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even chicken tenders work wonderfully in this recipe. Thighs tend to be more forgiving and stay incredibly moist in the slow cooker, adding another layer of richness to the dish.
Yes, you can cook it on high for about 2-3 hours if you’re in a hurry. However, for the most tender, fall-apart chicken that shreds effortlessly, cooking on low for 4-5 hours is generally recommended. The longer, slower cooking process allows the chicken to become incredibly succulent.
It’s tempting to peek, but lifting the lid of your slow cooker releases a significant amount of heat and moisture, effectively extending the cooking time by 15-20 minutes each time. This can interrupt the slow cooking process and potentially lead to tougher chicken. Trust the process and keep that lid on!
Due to the chicken and cream cheese content, leftovers must be refrigerated promptly. Store your Crock Pot Crack Chicken in an airtight container or a heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a saucepan on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if it seems too thick, to restore its creamy consistency.
Yes, it freezes beautifully! Allow the cooked Crack Chicken to cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe bag, pressing out all excess air to prevent freezer burn. It will remain good in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat on the stove until warmed through.
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Masterpiece
Crafting this incredible slow cooker crack chicken requires a simple list of ingredients, most of which you likely already have on hand. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and some helpful tips:
- Chicken Breasts: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken breasts for their lean profile and easy shreddability. However, as noted in the FAQs, boneless, skinless chicken thighs or tenders are excellent alternatives for an even richer flavor.
- Chicken Broth: This provides essential moisture and flavor during the slow cooking process. For those mindful of sodium intake, feel free to opt for a low-sodium or no-sodium chicken broth.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: The heart of the “crack” flavor! A standard 1-ounce packet of ranch seasoning mix works perfectly. For an extra homemade touch, you can also use your own homemade ranch seasoning blend.
- Cream Cheese: Essential for that signature creamy texture. Ensure it’s softened to room temperature and cubed for easier melting and incorporation into the shredded chicken. Forgot to take it out? No problem, discover a great tip on how to soften cream cheese fast.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar adds a wonderful depth of flavor, but mild cheddar is also a great choice. You could even experiment with Colby Jack or a Mexican blend for a different twist. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother, but pre-shredded bagged cheese works fine for convenience.
- Bacon: Crispy, crumbled bacon adds a salty, smoky crunch that elevates the dish. While pre-cooked bacon can be used for convenience, frying up fresh bacon provides a superior texture and flavor that truly enhances the dish.
- Green Onions: These provide a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color. If you’re not a fan, you can certainly omit them, but they truly add a fantastic finishing touch that balances the richness of the other ingredients.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create your mouth-watering Crock Pot Crack Chicken:
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Layer the Chicken: Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker.
- Add Liquids and Seasoning: Pour the chicken broth evenly over the chicken breasts. Then, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix generously on top, ensuring the chicken is well-covered.
- Initial Cook: Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on high for 2 hours or on low for 4 to 5 hours. It’s crucial not to remove the lid during this cooking phase to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Shred the Chicken and Add Cream Cheese: Once the chicken is cooked through and tender, use two forks to shred it directly in the slow cooker, mixing it with the cooking liquids. Do not drain the broth – it adds to the flavor and creaminess! Add the cubed, softened cream cheese on top of the shredded chicken.
- Combine for Creaminess: Stir the chicken and cream cheese mixture until it’s smooth, creamy, and the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
- First Round of Toppings: Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onions to the chicken mixture. Stir gently to combine these delicious additions.
- Melt the Cheese: Top the crack chicken with the remaining shredded cheese and crumbled bacon. Place the lid back on the slow cooker for just 5 to 10 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt beautifully and become gooey.
- Final Garnish and Serve: Remove the lid and sprinkle the rest of the fresh green onions over the top for a vibrant finish. Serve your hot and delicious Crock Pot Crack Chicken immediately!
Tips for Achieving the Best Crock Pot Crack Chicken
- Don’t Overfill: For optimal cooking, avoid filling your slow cooker more than two-thirds full, especially if doubling the recipe. This allows for even cooking and proper heat circulation.
- Freshly Shredded Cheese: While bagged cheese is convenient, freshly shredded cheddar melts more smoothly and incorporates into the chicken more uniformly, yielding a creamier final product.
- Bacon Crispy Factor: For the best texture, ensure your bacon is cooked to a crisp perfection before crumbling. This contrast of crispy bacon with the creamy chicken is what makes the dish truly special.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chicken after shredding and mixing with the cream cheese. You can always add a pinch more ranch seasoning or a dash of black pepper if desired. Remember, ranch seasoning mixes can vary in saltiness.
- Slow Cooker Size: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, particularly if using 1.5-2 pounds of chicken. If you have a smaller one, consider reducing the chicken quantity slightly.
Creative Serving Ideas for Your Crack Chicken
The versatility of Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is one of its greatest assets. Beyond the classic sandwich, here are some inspiring ways to enjoy this flavorful dish:
- Sliders or Sandwiches: Serve on soft brioche slider buns or classic hamburger buns with extra green onions.
- Wraps & Tacos: Spoon into warm tortillas or lettuce wraps for a lighter meal. Add your favorite taco toppings like shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, or a dollop of sour cream.
- Loaded Potatoes: Top baked potatoes or sweet potatoes with a generous helping of Crack Chicken, a sprinkle of extra cheese, and chives.
- Pasta Perfection: Toss with cooked pasta like penne or rotini for a satisfying creamy chicken pasta dish.
- Rice Bowl: Serve over white or brown rice for a comforting and complete meal.
- Quesadillas: Spread between two tortillas with extra cheese and grill until golden and crispy for a delicious quesadilla.
- Warm Dip: Keep it warm in the slow cooker and serve with sturdy crackers, pita bread, or vegetable sticks for an unbeatable appetizer.
Craving More Irresistible Recipes?
- Crack Chicken Dip
- Crack Chicken Ball
- Instant Pot Crack Chicken
- Crack Chicken Cups
- Crock Pot Chicken and Ranch
- Crack Chicken Soup (with Cheddar Bay Biscuit Topping)
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Casserole
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Baked Subs
- Crock Pot Monterey Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Country Style Ribs
- Crock Pot Mississippi Chicken
- Crock Pot Mississippi Pot Roast
- 10 Crock Pot Mississippi Recipes
Originally published: February 2021
Updated and republished: May 2025
Crock Pot Crack Chicken
10 minutes
2 hours 10 minutes
2 hours 20 minutes
7
Brandie Skibinski
Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 chicken breasts)
- ½ cup chicken broth (can use low or no sodium)
- 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cubed
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (divided use)
- ½ pound bacon (cooked and crumbled) (divided use)
- ½ cup sliced green onions (divided use)
- hamburger or slider buns, if using
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Lay 1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning mix on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. Do not remove the lid while the chicken is cooking.
- After it is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken. Don’t drain the broth. Add 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cubed. Stir until creamy and the cream cheese is melted and combined.
- Next, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onion. Stir to combine. Top the crack chicken with the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Place the lid back on the slow cooker for 5 to 10 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese. Remove the lid, and add the rest of the green onions.
- Serve hot on hamburger buns, in wraps, with crackers, in quesadillas or over rice.
Video
Notes
- Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions.
Main Course
American
Nutrition
Calories:
506
kcal
|
Carbohydrates:
5
g
|
Protein:
40
g
|
Fat:
35
g
|
Sodium:
986
mg
|
Fiber:
1
g
|
Sugar:
1
g
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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