This Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is a hit! It’s made with tender chicken, creamy cheese, and tasty ranch seasoning, all cooked slowly for a perfect blend of flavors.
You can serve it on a bun, with rice, or even on its own! Honestly, it’s hard to resist—the smell alone will have everyone excited for dinner! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a tender result. If you’re looking for a quicker option, shredded rotisserie chicken works great too and cuts down on cooking time!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: The packet adds a tasty flavor. If you prefer homemade seasoning, mix dried herbs like dill, parsley, garlic powder, and onion powder as an alternative.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient makes the dish creamy. If you want a lighter version, you can use Neufchâtel cheese, which is similar but lower in fat.
Cheddar Cheese: Shredded cheddar adds richness. For a twist, try pepper jack for some spice, or mozzarella for a milder taste.
Bacon: Cooked bacon gives a crispy texture. For a vegetarian version, you could skip it or use a plant-based bacon alternative.
Green Onions: They provide a nice fresh garnish. If you don’t have green onions, chopped chives or parsley would work fine.
How Do I Ensure the Chicken Shreds Perfectly?
Getting the chicken to shred easily is key. Remember to cook it low and slow. Cooking on low for 6-7 hours is ideal for tenderness. Here’s how to get it right:
- Place chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot and season with ranch mix.
- Add cream cheese on top without stirring initially. This helps keep moisture in.
- After cooking, use two forks to shred the chicken. Mix in the cream cheese and ranch for a silky texture.
Make sure to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding. This will keep it juicy!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
- ¼ cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- 4 burger buns or sandwich rolls
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and will need to cook in the crockpot for 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. So, overall, you can have a scrumptious meal ready in just a few hours with very little hands-on time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Get Started with the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your delicious dish. Then, grab the ranch seasoning mix and sprinkle it evenly over the chicken to add plenty of flavor. Don’t be shy with it!
2. Add the Cream Cheese:
Next, take the block of cream cheese and place it right on top of the chicken. This will melt down and blend in beautifully with the chicken as it cooks.
3. Cook It Up:
Now, cover the crockpot with its lid. You can set it to cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. You’ll want to wait until the chicken is fully cooked and can shred easily with a fork. Patience is key here!
4. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, uncover the crockpot and grab two forks. Use them to shred the chicken right in the crockpot. As you shred, mix it with the melted cream cheese and ranch mixture until everything is nicely combined. It should look creamy and inviting!
5. Stir in Cheese and Bacon:
Now for the fun part! Toss in the shredded cheddar cheese and the crumbled bacon into the mixture. Stir it thoroughly until everything is melted and mixed well. The aroma will be heavenly!
6. Season to Taste:
Take a moment to give your mixture a taste. If you think it needs it, add a little salt and pepper to suit your preferences. This adds that perfect finishing touch!
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Time to eat! Spoon the creamy chicken mixture onto your burger buns or sandwich rolls. Don’t forget to sprinkle some chopped green onions on top for a fresh garnish. It’s time to enjoy your creamy crockpot crack chicken sandwiches!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to add an additional hour to the cooking time if using the Crockpot on low, or 30 minutes on high. Just be sure that the chicken is fully cooked and shreds easily before serving!
What If I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
No worries! You can make your own ranch seasoning with a mix of dried herbs and spices like dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and a little salt. Use about 2 tablespoons of this mixture for a similar flavor, and feel free to adjust according to your taste preferences.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or chicken broth if the mixture seems too thick.
Can I Use a Different Cheese?
Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack for a different flavor twist. Just ensure that it melts well to get that creamy texture you want in the dish.
