Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Why I Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Crock pots and comfort food are made for one another. From my slow cooker chicken and dumplings to just about any of my favorite easy crockpot chicken recipes, rarely is there a winter weeknight when my crock pot isn’t at work. I came up with this easy slow cooker crack chicken with my family’s crazy schedule in mind, and it’s a hit! Here’s why it has me hooked:

• Addictive flavors. This crack chicken is fully loaded with tender chicken, savory ranch, melty cheese, and smoky crumbled bacon. Just 4 simple ingredients transform into the most flavorful and creamy shredded chicken ever.
• 5 minutes of prep. Crack chicken couldn’t be easier to make in the crock pot or slow cooker. Just combine everything, and hit go. It’s perfect for weeknights, potlucks, last-minute dinners, and parties.
• Super versatile. Crack chicken is a delicious dinner served over rice, or you can serve it in a sandwich, tortilla, or lettuce wrap. I’ll even serve it hot from the slow cooker, like my crock pot chicken nacho dip, with bread or crackers for dunking.

What Exactly Is Crack Chicken?

A while ago, the internet came up with the name “crack” for the addictive combination of cheese, bacon, and ranch. I created this crack chicken as a way to fit all of those delicious, cheesy, smoky flavors in one easy slow cooker recipe. It became so popular that I made an Instant Pot version, too!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The real beauty of this slow cooker crack chicken is the simple ingredients. My original recipe needs only 4 of them! You can easily customize it by adding freshly grated cheddar, fresh herbs, or add-ins like veggies based on what your family likes. More on this later on.

For now, here are some quick notes on what you’ll need. Scroll down to the recipe card for a printable ingredients list with the full details.

• Chicken – Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken thighs might take a little more time to cook.
• Cream Cheese – My favorite is Philadelphia cream cheese. The first time I made this recipe, I went all out and used their bacon cream cheese. They also make a jalapeno flavor if you’re after a spicy kick (also check out this creamy fiesta chicken). I recommend swapping only one of the blocks for flavored cream cheese so you don’t overdo it.
• Ranch Seasoning – Choose your favorite packets of store-bought ranch seasoning mix. Or, if you have a homemade mix that you love, go ahead and use it.
• Bacon – Cooked using your preferred method until it’s nice and crispy. Afterward, crumble or chop the bacon into smaller pieces.

How to Make Crack Chicken

Making slow cooker crack chicken is as easy as dumping your ingredients into the crock pot, and walking away until it’s done cooking. Here’s a quick overview, and you’ll find the printable instructions in the recipe card below the post. 

1. Combine the ingredients. Add the chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to the slow cooker.
2. Cook. Set the crack chicken to cook on Low for 6-8 hours, or on High for 4 hours.
3. Shred and serve. Once the chicken cooks through, stir it with a fork to shred it. Finally, stir in the crispy bacon and dig in!

Recipe Tips and Variations

• Use blocks of cream cheese. This recipe works best with full blocks of cream cheese, and not the bagel spread that comes in tubs.
• Don’t overcook the chicken. Overcooked chicken will be dry. Use your slow cooker’s Low setting if you plan on leaving this crack chicken to cook for the day unattended.
• Test the chicken for doneness. The easiest way to do this is with an instant-read thermometer. Chicken is done when the internal temperature reads 165ºF. Fully cooked chicken should be easy to shred with a fork.
• Time-saving hack: If you’re short on time, shred a rotisserie chicken from the store. Then, melt the cheese, add the ranch, and stir everything together.
• Less sodium. If you’re watching your sodium levels, feel free to use one packet of ranch seasoning mix instead of two.
• Herbs and seasonings. This recipe is deliciously simple, so there’s room to adapt it with your favorite seasonings. Stir in thyme, oregano, or Italian seasoning. Chopped parsley, green onions, or chives are a great way to add some green. You can give this crack chicken some kick with a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes, too.
• Add cheddar cheese. For more melty, cheesy flavor, add freshly shredded sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even Pepper Jack cheese.
• Add vegetables. Good options to add to crack chicken are fresh diced carrots, broccoli, sliced green beans, and mushrooms. You could also use a frozen vegetable medley.

Serving Suggestions

This slow cooker crack chicken is one of those go-to recipes that you can use in TONS of ways. I think I’ve tried them all, but my favorite way to serve pulled chicken and crack chicken is between toasted hamburger buns. Top the chicken with shredded cheddar and extra bacon, pop it under the broiler quickly, and… *chef’s kiss*. A sprinkle of chives adds a nice pop of green.

My crack chicken is low-carb and keto-friendly on its own, or you can tuck it into a lettuce wrap or serve it with a green salad on the side. This chicken also makes a tasty topping for rice, enchiladas, or tacos, or I’ll serve it as a creamy dip with bread, crackers, or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

• Refrigerate. Crack chicken is great for meal prep. Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge to reheat for easy lunches and dinners within 3 days. 
• Reheat. Warm the chicken on the stove or in the microwave. If the cream cheese has thickened a little in the fridge, stir in a splash of water or broth while reheating.

More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes

• Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
• Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
• Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
• Slow Cooker Thai-Style Chicken