Slow Cooker Crack Chicken has everything that is good and addicting in it! Filled with bacon, cheese, cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix.
Who doesn’t love a recipe with cream cheese in it! If you have extra cream cheese also try my olive garden chicken pasta or artichoke mushroom chicken.
I finally got around to trying this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe. My neighbor told me about this crack chicken, though she makes instant pot crack chicken.
This crack chicken recipe is a creation by Shelly from the website Cookies and Cups. I am so glad I gave this recipe a try the flavors go so good together and go great over white rice which helps take away a bit of the saltiness.
How to make Crack Chicken:
I start with chicken thighs instead of breasts. I feel the thighs have more moisture, and the overall dish turns out decadent with the thighs. I also only use one ranch packet to cut back on the sodium.
You will need these ingredients:
- Chicken thighs – trim off excess fat
- Ranch dressing seasoning mix (can use dip mix if that’s what you have)
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar cheese
- Cooked bacon
- Green onions
- Add the chicken to the slow cooker.
- Top with the ranch packet and cream cheese. Wait to add the other ingredients.
How long do I cook?
- Place the lid on the slow cooker
- Cook on low for 7 hours and do not open the lid during the cooking time.
- After the cooking time is up, shred the chicken with 2 forks. I do this right in the slow cooker, no need to remove the chicken and dirty a plate.
- Add the cooked bacon then top with the cheddar cheese. Place the lid back on to let the cheese melt. Sprinkle over green onions if desired.
What to serve this with
- Over white rice (my favorite option)
- Eat it as is if you are on a low carb or keto diet
- Over-toasted hamburger buns
- Mashed potatoes
- Inside of baked potatoes
- With crackers; serve as a dip
- Add a salad on the side with any of the above options
This dish is so rich and creamy! I am dreaming about making it again this week. Such a fun recipe to try for a Sunday dinner or even to entertain guests. Give this recipe a try and let me know how you like it. Have a great week.
Here are my other favorite slow cooker chicken recipes:
- Slow Cooker Mississippi Chicken
- Slow Cooker Chicken with Bacon Gravy
- Slow Cooker Root Beer Chicken
- Slow Cooker Basil Chicken
- Slow Cooker Hot Chicken
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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Equipment Needed:
- Slow Cooker – 4 quart or larger
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (trim off excess fat if desired)
- 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 8 slices bacon (sliced, cooked and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Instructions:
- Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Sprinkle over the ranch seasoning mix. Place the cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time.
- Shred the chicken, I do this right in the slow cooker with 2 forks. Stir the cream cheese into the shredded chicken and also stir in the bacon. Spread out into an even layer. Sprinkle over the cheese. Cover for 10 more minutes to allow the cheese to melt.
- Serve over rice and sprinkle over the green onions. Enjoy! Other great ways to serve is over a baked potato or on sandwich rolls.
Do the chicken breasts need to be thawed 1st?
Yes, all my recipes use thawed meat. (except frozen precooked meatballs)
Can you use frozen chicken breasts? Do I need to thaw?
Hi! I would thaw.
Hi if I’m doing this recipe in half, does the cooking time 7 hours in crock pot stay the same? Thanks!
I think 6 hours will be plenty of time
Made this a couple weeks ago and me biyfeiwnd and I Loved it. So I’m making it again today 8/2. Sure it will be as delicious as the first time!!
I have made this recipe soooooo mny times that I’ve lost count, and that’s because of one simple reason: It tastes amazing and even though it takes a good, long seven hours to cook, so be prepared… once you start serving, it’ll be gone within seven seconds, because it’s so incredibly delicious!!!
There is just one thing I’ve switched up on this particular recipe: Serving the chicken as a sandwich, after putting the chicken on a sandwich bun/roll, I take the (cooked) bacon and place three strips on top of the chicken, add a slice of cheese and then broil it on low for a couple minutes to melt the cheese and slightly toast the sandwich roll/bun.
I have never received anything but high praise for this dish, it’s definitely a family favorite and is beyond simple to make! (And, as the name suggests, once you try some “crack chicken” you’ll be “hooked” on it like a bad habit! 🙂 Enjoy!!
Just made this today! My chicken ended up shredding itself and falling apart in the crockpot. It was amazing on a baked potato ❤❤❤
I would like to try this recipe with pork chops instead. I am thinking of browning the pork chops first.
Slicing an onion to put on the bottom of the crock pot, browning the chops and then placing them on top of the onions and adding the ranch and then cream cheese.
Baking for 4 hours and seeing how it turns out.
Have you ever tried it with chops?
I have not tried with pork chops, it may be good!
I serve wrapped in flour tortillas. Kids love this!
Hello! Excited to try this recipe, even bought some imported ranch dressing mix! (Not sold over here). I am wondering whats the best way to prepare this meal in advance though?
Is it something I should cook and then freeze, or can I put all the ingredients together and freeze and then dump in a slow cooker when I want to cook?
Appreciate your valued advice in advance!
Hi Luke, this isn’t one I would freeze. Though you cook store you chicken in the freezer and then throw it all together when wanted (thaw meat first).
Loved!