Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

By Sarah Olson

948 Comments

Updated Oct 17, 2024

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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.

shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

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.

raw chicken with ranch dressing mix and 2 blocks of cream cheese top.

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
cooked chicken, ranch dressing and cream cheese in slow cooker.
  • 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.
Finished crack chicken in slow cooker with bacon, cheese and green onion on top.
  • 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.
shredded creamy chicken with cheese, bacon and green onion on top, in the slow cooker.

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
shredded chicken with cheese on top over rice on plate.

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.

crack chicken over rice with salad on side on speckled plate

Here are my other favorite slow cooker chicken recipes:

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shredded creamy chicken with bacon and cheese on top.

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

4.37 from 275 votes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6
By: Sarah Olson
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is made of everything addicting and delicious! This chicken has bacon, cheese, cream cheese and flavored with ranch dressing seasoning mix.
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How to Video

Equipment

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 cooked 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 cheddar 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. 

Sarah’s Notes

Can I use chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, chicken breast do work with this recipe if you prefer them.
Can I use more than 2 lbs of chicken?
More chicken can be used in this recipe without changing the other ingredients and still will turn out great!
Can I make this spicy?
Use a spicy ranch packet or add 1 jalapeno to this recipe for added spice.

Nutrition

Calories: 690kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 44g | Fat: 53g | Saturated Fat: 26g | Cholesterol: 275mg | Sodium: 1102mg | Potassium: 583mg | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1430IU | Vitamin C: 1.6mg | Calcium: 297mg | Iron: 1.9mg

Nutrition info is auto-generated. This information is an estimate; if you are on a special diet, please use your own calculations.

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Recipe Rating




948 Comments

  1. Cynthia Henrickson says:

    5 stars
    Excellent! I follow the recipe exactly as written, but in my serving I also add brown rice, cooked chopped broccoli florets, and a little bit of Buffalo sauce.

    Reply
  2. Bri says:

    I want to make this tonight but don’t have 7 hours. How long would I cook it on high?

    Reply
    1. Sarah Olson says:

      3.5 -4 hours.

      Reply
  3. Norma says:

    Does it taste good cold – as a sandwich?

    Reply
    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I’ve heard many say they like it cold.

      Reply
  4. Martha Hannah says:

    I’m trying this today just put it on would it be ok to put cream of chicken soup in it or not

    Reply
    1. Sarah Olson says:

      Yes, many have cut the dressing back and did a can of cream of chicken.

      Reply
  5. Helton says:

    1 star
    Gross. Way too much cream cheese and then add cheddar? I did make it but jeez. Never again

    Reply
    1. Sarah Olson says:

      If you don’t like massive amounts of cream cheese and cheddar this NOT the recipe for you.

      Reply
    2. JoAnne says:

      Uh oh I just put it in my crock and left the house – hope it’s ok for at least one try

      Reply
      1. Sarah Olson says:

        It’s the most popular recipe on my site. It’s great over rice, mashed potatoes or on buns. It’s meant to be eaten on something, not alone for it’s very rich.

  6. Chell says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious and soooo easy!

    Reply
  7. Jay G says:

    2 stars
    3/10 would not recommend. Followed directions and it came out like a tuna casserole consistency. Wasn’t very flavorful either. Had to bump it up with Cholula sauce.

    Reply
  8. Fay says:

    Tasty!!!

    Reply
  9. Rachel says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious!

    Reply
  10. Jeannie Johnson says:

    Where do the carbs come in? The seasoning mix? Seems like it should be even lower in carbs with these ingredients. Can’t wait to try this!!

    Reply
    1. Sarah Olson says:

      I believe cream cheese has carbs (there is SO much cream cheese in this recipe) and the ranch mix.

      Reply
    2. Pamela Langley says:

      Sugar

      Reply