Crockpot Crack Chicken
Crockpot Crack Chicken is a delicious and creamy dish that has taken the internet by storm. This recipe combines tender chicken with rich cream cheese, savory ranch flavor, and crispy bacon. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a hearty meal without spending a lot of time in the kitchen. Just let your crockpot do the work, and soon you’ll have a tasty dish that everyone will love!
Why Make This Recipe
There are plenty of reasons to make Crockpot Crack Chicken. First, it’s incredibly easy to prepare. Just throw the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook! Second, the flavors are fantastic; the combination of cream cheese, ranch, and bacon creates a rich taste that is satisfying and comforting. Finally, this dish is quite versatile. You can serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or even as a dip!
How to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients:
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix (1 packet)
- 8-10 strips bacon (cooked and crumbled)
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (if needed)
- 1/2 cup green onions (chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Black pepper (to taste)
Directions:
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in your crockpot. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning packet directly to the crockpot. No need to mix yet.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Add chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
- Fold in most of the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese, reserving some for garnish.
- Top with remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Cover for 5 minutes to melt cheese, then serve hot.
How to Serve Crockpot Crack Chicken
Crockpot Crack Chicken can be served in many tasty ways. You can serve it over a bed of rice or pasta, making a delicious creamy chicken dish. It’s also great in a soft tortilla, creating a fantastic wrap or burrito. If you like dips, pair it with crackers or fresh veggies for a fun appetizer. Whatever way you choose to serve it, your family and friends will surely enjoy it!
How to Store Crockpot Crack Chicken
To store leftovers, let the Crockpot Crack Chicken cool completely. Transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tips to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken
- Make sure to soften the cream cheese before adding it to the crockpot for easier mixing.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic powder and pepper to fit your taste.
- For extra flavor, consider adding spinach or jalapeños.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken is cooked through; it should reach an internal temperature of 165°F.
Variation
You can customize Crockpot Crack Chicken easily! Try adding different cheeses, like pepper jack for a spicy twist or mozzarella for a gooey texture. You can also switch out the bacon for chopped ham or turkey for a different flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but the cooking time will be longer. Make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
2. Can I make Crockpot Crack Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it a day in advance and store it in the fridge. Just reheat before serving.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, since it uses ranch dressing mix, just make sure you choose a gluten-free version if needed!
With these simple steps and helpful tips, making Crockpot Crack Chicken will be a breeze, and soon you’ll have a crowd-pleasing meal ready to serve! Enjoy!
Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs Use breasts or thighs as per preference.
- 8 oz cream cheese Softened for easier mixing.
- 1 oz ranch dressing mix Use one packet.
- 8-10 strips bacon Cooked and crumbled for topping.
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese Shredded for mixing and topping.
- 1/4 cup chicken broth Add if the mixture is too thick.
- 1/2 cup green onions Chopped for garnish.
- 1/4 cup fresh chives
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder Can adjust to taste.
- Black pepper To taste.
Instructions
Preparation
- Place chicken breasts or thighs in your crockpot. Season lightly with salt and pepper if desired.
- Add softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning packet directly to the crockpot. No need to mix yet.
Cooking
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours until chicken shreds easily with a fork.
- Remove chicken and shred using two forks. Return shredded chicken to the crockpot.
- Stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Add chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
- Fold in most of the crumbled bacon and cheddar cheese, reserving some for garnish.
- Top with remaining bacon, cheese, and green onions. Cover for 5 minutes to melt cheese, then serve hot.
