This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a tasty mix of shredded chicken, creamy ranch, and melted cheese. It’s perfect for those busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort!
This dish is so good, I sometimes wonder if it’s magic! 😄 I love serving it on buns or with rice—no complaints here, just happy faces all around!
Honestly, the hardest part is waiting for it to cook while the aroma fills the house. Trust me, you’ll be counting down the minutes! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: This recipe works best with boneless, skinless breasts for easy shredding. If you prefer, you can substitute with thighs for a juicier option. Just be mindful of cooking time as thighs may require a little longer.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This adds a ton of flavor. If you don’t have a packet, you can make your own blend using dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt. Homemade mixes are great because you control the ingredients!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese keeps the dish creamy. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt instead. It’ll still give you that creamy texture with added protein.
Cheddar Cheese: I like sharp cheddar for its strong flavor, but feel free to use any cheddar or cheese blend you have on hand. Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack can add some fun spice to the dish!
Bacon: The crumbled bacon adds crunch and flavor. Turkey bacon is a great alternative for a lighter dish. You can also skip the bacon for a vegetarian version and replace it with smoked paprika for a similar flavor kick.
How Do You Achieve Perfectly Shredded Chicken?
Shredding chicken can be simple if you know the right technique. After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before shredding it. This helps to keep it moist.
- Use two forks to pull apart the chicken, or you can even use a hand mixer on low speed for quick shredding.
- If the chicken seems tough, make sure it was cooked fully (check for an internal temp of 165°F) and consider adding a bit of chicken broth to help with moisture.
- Mix the shredded chicken right away with the cream cheese and seasonings to keep it flavorful and creamy!
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
For the Mix-ins:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- ½ cup green onions, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- ¼ cup chicken broth (optional, for thinning)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken takes about 15 minutes of prep time. You’ll cook it for either 6-7 hours on LOW or 3-4 hours on HIGH in the slow cooker. After cooking, there’s a little time for shredding and mixing, so overall, you’re looking at about 7 hours for the entire process. Perfect for a hands-off meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preparing the Chicken
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure they’re evenly spaced for even cooking. This will be the base of your delicious meal!
2. Adding Seasonings
Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. This will give your chicken a tasty flavor. Then, scoop the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken, spreading it out a little bit. It doesn’t have to cover the chicken completely, just make sure it’s sitting on top.
3. Slow Cooking
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook. Choose LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chicken is ready when it’s fully cooked and can be shredded easily with a fork.
4. Shredding the Chicken
Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the cream cheese and ranch seasoning until everything is well combined and creamy.
5. Mixing in the Goodies
Now, stir in half of the shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped green onions. If you find the mixture is too thick, you can add the chicken broth a little at a time until you get the consistency you like.
6. Melting the Cheese
Finally, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese on top of the mixture and cover the slow cooker for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey. This is where the magic happens!
7. Serving It Up
Once everything is ready, serve your Warm Crack Chicken garnished with extra green onions and crumbled bacon. This dish is delicious over rice, in a sandwich, or just on its own. Enjoy your meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can use frozen chicken, but it may increase the cooking time. If cooking on LOW, plan for about 8 hours; on HIGH, about 4-5 hours. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F once cooked.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make your own with a mix of dried herbs and spices! Combine 1 tsp dried dill, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1 tsp parsley, and a pinch of salt and black pepper to taste. This will give a similar flavor profile.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to reheat, do so gently in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of broth if it seems dry. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months; just make sure to let it cool completely before freezing!
Can I Make This Dish Spicier?
Yes! To add some heat, consider mixing in a dash of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the ranch seasoning. You could also stir in some pickled jalapeños or hot sauce before serving for an extra kick.
