There’s nothing like walking into the kitchen and catching a whiff of savory goodness bubbling away. This Crockpot Crack Chicken is the definition of cozy, and it’s become a fan favorite for busy weeknights. Why? Because who doesn’t love creamy, ranch-infused chicken that practically makes itself?
Imagine tender chicken swimming in a sauce of cream cheese and ranch seasoning. It’s like your grandma’s famous dish, but with the ease of a slow cooker! Just toss everything in, and let the magic happen while you unwind. And yes, it’s made from ingredients you likely have on hand, so no last-minute grocery runs!
Started making this during a hectic fall when the kids were back to school and sports were in full swing. One night, I heard my husband say, “This tastes like comfort in a bowl!” The secret? Letting the chicken cook low and slow, which keeps it unbelievably tender. After more than 10 years of recipe testing, this one is a keeper for family dinners.
Discover the ultimate Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe that combines tender chicken breasts with a creamy ranch sauce, making it a standout among Chicken Crockpot Recipes With Ranch Seasoning. This Easy Crockpot Chicken Recipes With Cream Cheese brings a rich, savory dish perfect for any meal. Enjoy a comforting and hassle-free way to make Crockpot Crack Chicken that everyone will love.
Add chicken breasts, cream cheese, garlic, ranch seasoning, butter, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper into the crockpot.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 7 hours.
Once done, carefully remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot, then mix in the cooked bacon and shredded cheese.
Stir everything well and continue cooking until the cheese melts completely.
Serve your creamy crack chicken warm and enjoy!
Notes
Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches 165°F before shredding. This dish can be served as a sandwich, dip, or over pasta for a comforting meal. To make ahead, combine all ingredients in the crockpot and refrigerate; start cooking the morning you plan to serve.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Comforting Flavors: Indulge in the rich, creamy goodness that’s reminiscent of home-cooked comfort meals.
Simple Preparation: Toss your ingredients into the crockpot and let it work its magic – the perfect solution for busy days!
Family Favorite: With its delicious ranch seasoning and creamy consistency, it’s guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a dip, in sandwiches, or over pasta for a cozy dinner option.
Key Ingredients & Tools
To whip up this delicious Crockpot Crack Chicken, you’ll need just a handful of ingredients:
2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
12 oz cream cheese (room temperature)
2 garlic cloves (minced)
2 Tbsp ranch powder
3 Tbsp unsalted butter
1/4 cup chicken broth
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp ground black pepper
8 oz bacon (cooked and chopped)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese
Make sure to have your trusty crockpot ready – it’ll be doing all the heavy lifting for you!
How It Works: Step-by-Step
Place the chicken breasts in your crockpot along with the cream cheese, minced garlic, ranch powder, butter, chicken broth, salt, and black pepper.
Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3–4 hours or on low for 6–7 hours until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, remove the chicken and shred it using two forks. Return the shredded chicken back to the crockpot along with the cooked bacon and shredded cheese.
Stir to combine, and cook for another 15–20 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.
Troubleshooting Tips
Chicken Not Shredding Easily: Make sure it has reached an internal temperature of 165°F before trying to shred it. If it’s still tough, let it cook a little longer.
Too Thick: If your sauce is thicker than you’d like, stir in a splash more chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Recipe Too Salty: If you find the flavor a bit salty, balance it with an extra dollop of cream cheese or a splash of cream, which can enhance the creaminess.
Serving and Storage Tips
Whether you’re serving up plates or storing leftovers, here are some handy tips:
Perfect Pairings: Serve the crack chicken as a sandwich filling, over pasta, or as a dip with crispy veggies or bread.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for easy meals later.
Reheating: Reheat leftovers gently in the microwave or stovetop. If needed, add a little splash of broth to restore creaminess.
Timing Chart
Cooking Method
Time
High Setting
3–4 hours
Low Setting
6–7 hours
This easy recipe is what cozy weeknight dinners are made of. Your family will be asking for seconds (and thirds), and you’ll enjoy the effortless prep that allows you more time to relax. So, grab your ingredients and let that crockpot do its thing!
Expert Says
Crockpot crack chicken showcases the magic of low and slow cooking. This method allows all the flavors to meld beautifully while retaining moisture in the chicken. Additionally, using cream cheese adds richness and a creamy texture, making it a satisfying comfort dish that’s perfect for effortless entertaining.
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The Long Road to Crockpot Crack Chicken
Perfecting this Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe was a true labor of love. After a few too salty and one too soupy attempts, I found the balance of creamy, zesty, and downright comforting. The smell alone as it cooked brought back lovely memories of family gatherings, making every trial worth it in the end.
FAQs ( Crockpot Crack Chicken )
What is Crack Chicken?
This dish is a creamy, flavorful combination of chicken, ranch seasoning, and cheese, cooked slowly in a Crockpot. It’s perfect for sandwiches, wraps, or on its own with a side of veggies. The result is tender chicken that’s bursting with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare.
How long do I cook this recipe in the Crockpot?
For optimal flavor and tenderness, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Always ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety. Cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific Crockpot model.
Can I use frozen chicken for this meal?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but it’s best to increase your cooking time. For frozen chicken breasts, cook on high for approximately 4-5 hours or on low for 8-9 hours. Just make sure that the chicken reaches the safe cooking temperature.
What should I serve with Crack Chicken?
This meal pairs well with a variety of sides, including coleslaw, roasted vegetables, or rice. You can also serve it in sandwiches or wraps for a hearty meal. For a lighter option, consider a fresh garden salad.
Conclusion
Get ready to fall in love with this Crockpot Crack Chicken it’s a warm hug in a bowl, perfectly creamy and oh-so-comforting! Just set it and forget it while the tantalizing aroma wraps around your kitchen.
Feeling adventurous? Try adding some diced jalapeños for a kick or serve it over zoodles for a twist! Leftovers? No problem! Just pop them in the microwave to reheat and enjoy a cozy meal all over again a trick I learned from my aunt’s kitchen.
Have you made something similar or trying it for the first time? I’d love to hear about your kitchen adventures! Don’t forget to share this recipe with loved ones it’s the perfect dish to bring everyone together. Happy cooking!
