Slow Cooker Crack Chicken has everything that is good and addicting in it! Filled with bacon, cheese, cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix.
I finally got around to trying this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe. My neighbor told me about this crack chicken, though she makes hers in her instant pot.
This recipe is a creation by Shelly from the website Cookies and Cups; you can see her recipe here. 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 great. I also only use one ranch packet to cut back on the sodium.
You will need these ingredients:
- Chicken thighs
- Ranch dressing seasoning mix
- Cream cheese
- Cheddar Cheese
- Cooked Bacon
- Green Onions
How to prepare:
Add the chicken to the slow cooker and top with the ranch packet and cream cheese. That’s all you need to add at this point. Cover and 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
The ideas are endless on how to serve this crack chicken. You could make it a different way every week!
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 Green Chile Chicken
- Slow Cooker Barbecue Chicken with Bell Peppers and Onions
- Slow Cooker Orange Chicken Drumsticks
- 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.
Didn’t have the ranch mix so I substituted taco seasoning mix. It was great and only used 8oz cream cheese. Served it with Mexican rice and beans.
Sounds more like desert!
So wonderful! It really smells good too
Can this be cooked on high for 3.5 hours or will that ruin it?
It should be fine. May need 4 on high.
For leftovers, is this good cold? I don’t have a way to heat it up later. Thanks!
One of our favorites! Great served on buns (pretzel or onion are great) for yummy sandwiches. Also delicious on tortillas with salsa!
Tip – I use my blender instead of forks to shred the chicken – fast and easy!
This is the third time I’m making this dish, but the first time with thighs. Have always used breast in the past. This is an easy recipe for Dad to make. Plus it’s always a hit.
Rich B
Loved this! I seasoned my chicken. I wanted it with a little kick! so very good! Thanks!
Sooo I got everything to make this except the ranch packet. Could I use a little of actual ranch instead?
I have not tried, I apologize that I can’t help without trying.
Yes, dredge the chicken breast or thighs in ranch dressing before placing them in the crockpot!!
16 ounces of cream cheese seems like a lot
I loved it so much, that i am making it again!!!
I used the chicken thighs as well, and we also used only one packet of Ranch seasoning mix. Overall, this one was a hit! My wife chastised me to adding salsa to mine once served, but anything with melted cheddar or cheddar jack just screams out for a good salsa, IMHO. Easily, the hardest part about this whole recipe was cutting the extra fat off of my boneless, skinless chicken thighs.
Great recipe!!! I used the spicy ranch seasoning. yummmmmmm!!
I will most definitely try this recipe…
Can you use breast instead ?
I just used breast. Very good!
Do u drain the water off the chicken once it’s done before you add teethe cheese and bacon
No, I don’t drain that.
Hmm, mine was so watery, it was like soup!
Did you use frozen chicken that is coated in ice? That would do it.
Only used one packet of ranch, but it was really sallty. Wont make again.
GREAT
mine cooked an hour sooner than anticipated. kept on low for an hour. was very dry. could I add chicken broth and not ruin it?
Yes, will work fine!