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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.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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
 

  1. For the crockpot, place the chicken and chicken broth in the crockpot bowl. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning evenly over the chicken.
  2. Distribute the cream cheese in small cubes on top of the chicken mixture.
  3. Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-7 hours until the chicken is tender.
  4. While the chicken cooks, fry the bacon until crispy, then crumble and set aside.
  5. Once cooked, shred the chicken directly in the crockpot using two forks.
  6. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon over the top. Close the lid and let it warm until the cheese melts.
  7. Garnish with the diced scallions just before serving.
  8. For the instant pot, start by cooking chopped bacon on the sauté setting until crispy. Remove the bacon and discard any excess fat.
  9. Add the chicken broth, chicken, and ranch seasoning to the pot.
  10. Seal the lid and select manual or pressure cook mode on high for 15 minutes.
  11. When finished, release the pressure and open the lid. Shred the chicken with two forks.
  12. Switch the instant pot back to sauté mode, then stir in the cream cheese. Keep stirring until it melts smoothly into the chicken.
  13. 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.