Crack Chicken is a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that combines shredded chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon. It’s an easy meal that’s perfect for a busy weeknight and can be served in various ways — on buns, over rice, or even as a dip. This dish is addictively delicious, hence the name “crack chicken,” and is sure to be a family favorite!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1 (8 oz) block cream cheese, softened
• 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 oz)
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
• ½ cup chicken broth (optional for extra moisture)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• ½ cup sour cream for extra creaminess
• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a spicy kick
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

For Serving:

• Hamburger buns or sandwich rolls
• Over rice or pasta
• With crackers or veggies for dipping

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of a slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken.

Step 2: Add the Cream Cheese

1. Cut the cream cheese into cubes and place them on top of the seasoned chicken.
2. Pour in chicken broth (if using) for extra moisture, although the cream cheese will melt and create a creamy sauce on its own.

Step 3: Slow Cook the Chicken

1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and easily shreddable.

Step 4: Shred the Chicken

1. Once the chicken is done, remove it from the slow cooker and use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker and stir it into the creamy sauce.

Step 5: Add the Cheese and Bacon

1. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until it’s melted and well combined.
2. Add the cooked and crumbled bacon and mix everything together.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with chopped green onions for freshness.
2. Serve the Crack Chicken on buns, over rice, or as a dip with crackers or veggies.

Cooking Notes

• Chicken: You can use either boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs for this recipe. Thighs will give you a juicier result, while breasts are leaner.
• Cream Cheese: Be sure to use full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture, but reduced-fat versions can work too.

Variations

1. Spicy Crack Chicken

Add 1-2 teaspoons of hot sauce or red pepper flakes to the slow cooker for a spicy version of this dish. You can also use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar.

2. Buffalo Crack Chicken

Stir in ½ cup of buffalo sauce for a buffalo chicken twist. Serve with extra ranch dressing or blue cheese crumbles.

3. BBQ Crack Chicken

Add ½ cup of your favorite BBQ sauce during the final hour of cooking for a sweet and smoky version of crack chicken.

4. Crack Chicken Casserole

Transfer the finished crack chicken to a baking dish, top with extra shredded cheese, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly and golden. Serve with rice or pasta.

5. Low-Carb Crack Chicken

Serve the crack chicken over cauliflower rice, in lettuce wraps, or simply on its own for a low-carb option.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make Crack Chicken in advance?
Yes! You can make this dish ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Q: Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes! You can use any melty cheese you like, such as pepper jack, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend of cheeses for different flavors.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, if you have leftover cooked chicken, you can shred it and mix it with the other ingredients (minus the broth) and heat everything together in a skillet until the cheese is melted and the mixture is warm.

Q: Can I make Crack Chicken without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can cook the chicken in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat until fully cooked, then proceed with the recipe by shredding the chicken and adding the cheese and bacon.

Crack Chicken is an easy and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed in many ways, whether in sandwiches, over rice, or as a dip. The combination of creamy ranch, melted cheese, and crispy bacon makes this dish utterly delicious and addicting. Perfect for busy weeknights or weekend gatherings, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!