This creamy crockpot crack chicken is a winner! It’s made with tender chicken, cream cheese, and ranch dressing mix, all cooked together for a tasty meal.
I’m always amazed at how easy it is—just throw everything in and let the slow cooker do the work! It’s perfect for busy days, and it makes for fantastic leftovers too!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they become tender and soak up flavors. If you want to use thighs instead, they will add some richness to the dish.
Ranch Seasoning: The packet of ranch seasoning makes it easy. If you prefer a homemade version, simply mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder. It’s a great way to control the flavors!
Cream Cheese: I love the creaminess it brings. If you’re looking for a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or a low-fat cream cheese, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great taste. If you want to mix it up, feel free to use Monterey Jack or pepper jack for a little kick.
Bacon: While I use cooked bacon for crunch, turkey bacon is a lighter alternative that still gives you that smoky flavor.
Sandwich Buns: Any type of bun works! I recommend soft brioche buns. If you’re watching carbs, lettuce wraps can be a fun alternative!
How Can I Make Sure My Chicken Stays Moist and Flavorsome?
Keeping the chicken juicy is key for this recipe. The process starts with seasoning the chicken before adding the cream cheese. Here are some tips:
- Layer the chicken with ranch seasoning and ensure it’s evenly coated.
- The cream cheese should sit on top—this lets it melt into the chicken as it cooks.
- Adding chicken broth (or water) helps create steam, keeping the chicken moist.
- Cooking on low for a longer duration gives a more tender result than cooking on high.
By following these steps, your chicken will be flavorful and juicy—perfect for mixing with the other ingredients!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or water)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Sandwich buns for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 10 minutes to prep and then around 6-8 hours to cook on low or 3-4 hours on high in the crockpot. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal that gets more flavorful as it cooks!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. Make sure to spread them out so they cook evenly. Next, sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring each piece gets coated.
2. Add the Cream Cheese:
Now, take the block of cream cheese and place it right on top of the seasoned chicken. Pour the chicken broth (or water) around the sides of the crockpot. This will help keep the chicken moist as it cooks.
3. Cook It Up:
Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll know it’s done when the chicken is fully cooked and tender enough to shred with a fork.
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, carefully remove the lid. Using two forks, shred the chicken right inside the crockpot. Stir the chicken with the cream cheese and ranch mixture until everything is well combined and creamy.
5. Mix in Flavor:
Stir in the chopped bacon and shredded cheddar cheese. The heat from the mixture will help the cheese melt nicely into the creamy chicken. Yum!
6. Season and Serve:
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Scoop the creamy chicken onto sandwich buns and top with sliced green onions for a fresh crunch. Enjoy your delicious creamy crockpot crack chicken!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you will need to extend the cooking time. Cook on high for about 4-5 hours or on low for 8-9 hours until fully cooked. Keep in mind that cooking from frozen might result in a slightly less tender texture, so it’s best to thaw if possible!
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you want a lighter alternative, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream instead of cream cheese. Just be sure to add them at the end of cooking, stirring gently to combine, as they don’t need to cook down like cream cheese.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. If you want to freeze it, let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container, where it can be kept for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I Make This Recipe Spicier?
Absolutely! For a kick, add some diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken before cooking. Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance and enjoy a spicy twist on this dish!
