Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Why do we call this slow cooker crack chicken? Imagine tender, juicy chicken that effortlessly shreds apart with just a touch of a fork, mixed with creamy and tangy flavors that will make your mouth water. That’s what slow cooker crack chicken is all about!
The chicken breasts are cooked low and slow in a magical pot called a slow cooker, which brings out all the amazing flavors and makes the chicken incredibly tender. And guess what? This recipe is super easy to make, so don’t worry if you’re new to the kitchen. You’ll become a crack chicken expert in no time!
This recipe is a breeze to prepare, and you won’t need any fancy cooking skills or complicated techniques. It’s perfect for those days when you want a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
Quick to Prep: This recipe requires minimal effort and time. Simply set it up in your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day.
Creamy and Flavorful: The combination of cream cheese, ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese creates a luscious and savory flavor profile that will have your taste buds dancing with joy.
Versatile: Whether you want to enjoy it on a sandwich bun, dip tortilla chips into it, or pair it with a fresh salad, Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is incredibly versatile. (Ideas to follow! Keep reading!)
Why is it called ‘crack’ chicken?
The name “crack” chicken is not related to any illicit substance. It is simply a playful term used to describe how addictive and irresistible this dish is. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it earned its name!
Why use cream cheese?
Cream cheese is actually kind of the star of this recipe, adding richness and creaminess to the dish. It helps create a luscious texture and enhances the overall flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, you can use Greek yogurt as a substitute, but the richness and creamy texture of cream cheese is how this dish earned its title.
*Don’t use reduced-fat or fat-free cream cheese in this recipe, as it won’t melt well in the Crockpot!
Recommended
Slow Cooker Sesame Chicken
Crockpot Chicken Parmesan
Slow Cooker Pineapple Chicken
Ingredient Substitutions
Here are a few ingredient substitutions you can try:
Ranch Dressing Seasoning Mix: If you don’t have a packet of ranch seasoning mix on hand, you can make your own by combining a blend of herbs and spices such as dried parsley, dill, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Bacon: For a vegetarian version, you can skip the bacon altogether or substitute it with vegetarian bacon bits or crispy fried onions for added texture and flavor.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese: If you prefer a different cheese or have a favorite cheese blend, feel free to experiment and use it instead. Mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack would all work well in this recipe.
How to Serve Crack Chicken
- Sandwich Buns: Scoop the creamy crack chicken onto soft sandwich buns for a delightful and satisfying sandwich experience.
- Tortilla Chips: Serve the crack chicken as a dip alongside tortilla chips for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack.
- Salad: Spoon the crack chicken over fresh greens or mixed veggies for an unbelievably yummy salad.
Tips for Making Perfect Crack Chicken
- Chicken breasts work best in this recipe because they stay tender and moist when slow-cooked. You can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs as a substitute if you need to.
- After cooking, shred the chicken using two forks for a pulled chicken consistency.
- Taste the crack chicken before serving and adjust the seasoning to your tastes. You can add more ranch seasoning, salt, or pepper before serving, if you want.
Recipe Variations
You can crank up this crack chicken recipe by giving it your own twist. Here are a couple of ideas for you:
Give it a Spicy Kick: Add some heat by mixing in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper for a spicy twist.
Go Mexican Style: Incorporate taco seasoning and top the crack chicken with fresh cilantro, diced tomatoes, and a squeeze of lime for a Tex-Mex flair.
How to Store Leftovers
In the fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
In the freezer: If you have extra crack chicken, you can freeze it in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
How to reheat: Thaw frozen crack chicken in the refrigerator overnight, if frozen. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through. Add a splash of broth or water if needed to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Make This Ahead?
Yes! Crockpot crack chicken is a great recipe to make ahead. You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until warmed through. You can also freeze it in portions and pull it out as needed for quick lunches or dinners.
FAQs
Absolutely! This recipe is easy to adjust. You can double or halve the ingredients as needed.
It’s best to thaw the chicken breasts before cooking because it helps your chicken to cook more evenly and be more tender. However, if you’re in a pinch, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but the cooking time may need to be extended.
While the recipe calls for cooking on low heat for tender chicken, you can cook it on high heat for less time if you really need to. Watch it carefully so it doesn’t get overcooked, and keep in mind, your chicken may be a bit less tender.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
You'll love creamy chicken flavor that's come with these easy to make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken sandwich recipe!
Ingredients
- 2-pounds chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 16 ounces (2 packages) cream cheese
- 8 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Place the chicken in the bottom of a large (at least 4-quarts) slow cooker and sprinkle with the ranch seasoning mix. Place the blocks of cream cheese on top of the chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set to low. Cook for 6 hours until the chicken is tender and easily shreds with a fork.
- Shred the chicken with forks (can be done in the slow cooker or on a plate) and stir the cream cheese into the shredded chicken.
- Add the cooked crumbled bacon and chopped green onions and stir well.
- Top the shredded chicken mixture with the cheese and place the lid back on the slow cooker, set to low or warm, and allow the cheese to melt.
- Once the cheese is melted, serve the Crack Chicken with sandwich buns or tortilla chips for dipping.
Notes
•This chicken is a great sandwich filling, but also delicious served with tortilla chips for dipping.
•Don’t drain off the cooking liquid from the chicken. Once the chicken is shredded and the liquid and cream cheese mixed in, it will be the perfect consistency.
•This recipe is also delicious made with boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast.