This creamy crockpot crack chicken is a warm and hearty dish made with tender chicken, cream cheese, and tasty seasonings. It’s like a hug in a bowl!
You can serve it on buns, over rice, or with veggies, and trust me, it disappears quickly at dinner! I love how easy it is—just toss everything in the crockpot and forget about it!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish because they shred easily. If you’re short on time, rotisserie chicken is a great substitution – just skip the cooking step and mix everything with the meat.
Cream Cheese: This ingredient adds creaminess to the dish. For a lower-fat option, you can use light cream cheese or even Greek yogurt for a tangy taste.
Ranch Seasoning Mix: Using a packet is super convenient, but you can make your own using dried herbs like dill, parsley, and garlic powder if you want to avoid preservatives.
Cheddar Cheese: I love sharp cheddar for its rich flavor, but you can also use Monterey Jack, Colby, or even pepper jack for a bit of spice!
Bacon: While bacon adds a great crunch, you can leave it out for a lighter version or use turkey bacon for a healthier twist.
How Do You Shred Chicken Easily?
Shredding chicken can feel like a chore, but there’s a simple trick! Once your chicken is cooked, you just need two forks. Here’s how:
- Take the chicken out of the crockpot, but leave the juices.
- Use one fork to hold the chicken in place and the other to pull apart the chicken into shreds.
- For a faster method, you can also use a stand mixer with the paddle attachment – let it do the shredding for you!
Mix the shredded chicken back into the creamy sauce, and it’s ready to serve! Enjoy your delicious meal on those sesame seed buns!
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped (for garnish)
- Sesame seed hamburger buns (for serving)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 6-8 hours of cooking time on low or 4 hours on high in the crockpot. You’ll love how easy it is to let the crockpot do the work while you go about your day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the boneless, skinless chicken breasts at the bottom of your crockpot. This will be the base of your creamy crack chicken and help it absorb all the flavors as it cooks.
2. Add the Cream Cheese:
Next, unwrap the cream cheese and place it on top of the chicken. This adds a rich creaminess that everyone will enjoy.
3. Sprinkle the Seasonings:
Now, take the ranch seasoning mix and sprinkle it evenly over the cream cheese and chicken. This seasoning is key to giving your dish its wonderful flavor.
4. Pour in the Chicken Broth:
Carefully pour the chicken broth around the chicken and cream cheese in the crockpot. This will help keep everything nice and moist while it cooks.
5. Cover and Cook:
Put the lid on the crockpot and set it to cook. You can choose to cook it on low for 6-8 hours or on high for about 4 hours. It’s done when the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once the cooking time is up, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Mix it well with the melted cream cheese and broth until everything is combined and creamy.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped cooked bacon into the mixture. Let it melt and combine perfectly with the chicken mix.
8. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to taste your creamy crack chicken! Add salt and pepper as needed for that extra kick.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, scoop the creamy chicken mix onto sesame seed hamburger buns. Top it off with some chopped green onions for a fresh crunch. Enjoy this tasty, crowd-pleasing meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken! Just make sure to adjust the cooking time. It may take an extra hour or so on high, or about 2-3 hours on low, to ensure the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Always check that it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
What Can I Substitute for Cream Cheese?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt or cottage cheese. Just blend the alternative until smooth before adding it to the crockpot. This will give you a similar creamy texture, although the flavor may vary slightly.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the creamy crack chicken! Just let it cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
What Else Can I Serve with Crack Chicken?
Besides hamburger buns, you can serve crack chicken over rice, in lettuce wraps, or with tortilla chips for a fun dip option. Adding some fresh veggies or a side salad can elevate your meal and balance out the richness!
