There’s nothing quite like the smell of creamy, cheesy chicken wafting through your home. This Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food, and it’s become a favorite for a good reasonwho can resist bacon and ranch flavors melting together with tender chicken? It’s trending for its simplicity and sheer deliciousness!
Imagine a dish that combines tender chicken, rich cream cheese, and crispy bacon, all cooked together until everything is flavorful and luscious. It’s like your favorite comfort meals combined into one cozy dish, ready in no time. And the best part? You likely have the ingredients in your pantry, making it a super easy recipe for busy weeknights.
I started making this comforting classic during chilly autumn evenings a few years back. The first time I served it, my husband couldn’t stop raving about the flavors; he declared it a “top-shelf” creation! I discovered that adding a splash of chicken broth really enhances the creaminess without overwhelming it. With years of testing under my belt, I can assure youthis dish is a crowd-pleaser every time.
Yesica Andrews
Crack Chicken Recipe The Ultimate Comfort Food
Crack Chicken is a popular addictive recipe loaded with creamy, cheesy chicken and crispy bacon, bursting with savory ranch flavors. This comforting dish is easy to make either in a crockpot or instant pot, perfect for busy days when you want a flavorful, hearty meal. Enjoy this popular recipe that combines rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and bacon for the ultimate cheesy chicken experience.
2 lbs chicken – boneless skinless thighs or breasts
1 packet (1 oz) Ranch seasoning
2 (8oz) blocks cream cheese
6 strips bacon
½ cup chicken broth
1.5 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
3 scallions, diced
Method
For the crockpot, place the chicken and chicken broth in the crockpot bowl. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
Distribute the cream cheese in small cubes on top of the chicken mixture.
Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender.
While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Close the lid and let it warm until the cheese melts.
Garnish with the diced scallions just before serving.
For the instant pot, start by cooking chopped bacon on the sauté setting until crispy. Remove the bacon and discard any excess fat.
Add the chicken broth, chicken, and ranch seasoning to the pot.
Seal the lid and select manual or pressure cook mode on high for 15 minutes.
When finished, release the pressure and open the lid. Shred the chicken with two forks.
Switch the instant pot back to sauté mode, then stir in the cream cheese. Keep stirring until it melts smoothly into the chicken.
Add shredded cheddar cheese and the cooked bacon, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and combined.
Notes
This versatile Crack Chicken works great as a dip, sandwich filling, or served over pasta or rice. For a keto-friendly meal, try it with zoodles or stuffed in bell peppers. To ensure a creamy sauce, let the cream cheese soften at room temperature before adding it. The diced scallions not only add a fresh crunch but also brighten the dish visually. Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 4 days in an airtight container and freeze nicely for a couple of months. Reheat thoroughly before serving.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting Flavors: With a mix of creamy cheese, smoky bacon, and zesty ranch, this Crack Chicken is sure to warm hearts and fill bellies.
Easy to Make: Whether you choose the crockpot or the Instant Pot, this recipe is simple, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will adore this dish, making it a great addition to your family’s rotation.
Versatile Options: Serve it in various waysover rice, in sandwiches, or as a dip. The possibilities are endless!
Key Ingredients
Chicken: 2 lbs of boneless, skinless thighs or breasts for that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Ranch Seasoning: 1 packet brings the signature flavor that makes Crack Chicken so irresistible.
Cream Cheese: Two 8-ounce blocks provide a creamy consistency that binds everything together beautifully.
Bacon: Six strips add that smoky, crunchy element, taking the dish over the top.
Cheddar Cheese: 1.5 cups shredded cheese for a gooey, cheesy finish.
Chicken Broth: ½ cup to keep the chicken moist and flavorful.
Scallions: Diced, to add a fresh, crunchy garnish at the end.
How It Works Step-by-Step
Prepare the Crockpot/Instant Pot: For the crockpot, add chicken and broth, sprinkle ranch seasoning, and top with cream cheese cubes. For the Instant Pot, sauté the bacon first.
Cook: In the crockpot, cook on high for 4-5 hours or low for 6-7 hours. In the Instant Pot, secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
Shred: Once cooked, shred the chicken right in the pot using two forks.
Add Cheese: Stir in cheddar cheese and bacon. If using the crockpot, allow it to cook for a few minutes for the cheese to melt.
Serve: Garnish with scallions and enjoy your cozy meal!
Tweaks and Variations
Different Cheeses: Feel free to swap out cheddar for pepper jack or mozzarella for a fun twist.
Cooking Methods: Use the slow cooker for a leisurely meal or the Instant Pot for quicker preparationeither way, it’s delicious.
Dietary Alternatives: For a lower-carb version, serve over zoodles or stuffed in bell peppers instead of traditional carbs.
Serving and Storage Tips
This dish is not only delightful but practical for meal prepping too!
Storage Method
How Long
Refrigerate
3-4 days in an airtight container
Freeze
Up to 2 months in freezer bags or containers
When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, simply thaw and reheat in the microwave or oven. Perfect for those cozy days when you want a quick and comforting meal!
Expert Says
Creating a flavorful CRACK CHICKEN relies on the balance of ingredients. Enriching the dish with cream cheese not only adds creaminess but also enhances mouthfeel and richness, while the herbs contribute antioxidants. Slow cooking helps meld the flavors, resulting in a dish that’s not just tasty but also comforting.
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The Delicious Transformation of My Crack Chicken Recipe
This Crack Chicken recipe was a labor of love that took me many attempts to perfect. From over-seasoning to realizing I forgot the cream cheese, each trial brought lessons as I worked towards that creamy, savory flavor. Now, it’s a comforting dish that brings my family together and fills our home with warmth.
FAQs ( Crack Chicken )
What is Crack Chicken?
This dish is a creamy, cheesy chicken recipe that’s packed with flavors of ranch, bacon, and cheese. It’s cooked slowly to perfection in a slow cooker or Instant Pot, resulting in ultra-tender chicken that’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or served over rice.
How long does it take to cook Crack Chicken?
If using a slow cooker, you’ll want to cook it on low for about 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. For the Instant Pot, cook under high pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release for best results.
What are good sides to serve with this dish?
This meal pairs wonderfully with simple sides like steamed broccoli, garlic bread, or a fresh garden salad. You can also serve it on buns for a delicious sandwich option that makes for a great family dinner.
Can I prepare Crack Chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken mixture a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat before serving, or cook it in the slow cooker or Instant Pot when you’re ready.
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, especially in the Instant Pot. Just increase the cooking time slightly to ensure it reaches a safe temperature. For slow cooking, it’s best to thaw it first to ensure even cooking.
Conclusion
You’ll love how this Crack Chicken turns into a creamy, dreamy dish that fills your kitchen with comfort and warmth. In just under an hour, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to shareperfect for gatherings or a cozy night in.
Feel free to mix things up! Try adding some green chiles for extra zing or serve it over a bed of fresh greens for a lighter twist. A little tip from my kitchen: leftovers reheat beautifully, so don’t hesitate to make a big batch!
I’d love to see your creations! Did you grow up with something similar or have a special twist to share? Save this recipe for your next family gathering or share it with a friend who could use some warmth in their kitchen. Happy cooking, friends!
