Why Make This Recipe
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is a delightful dish that has captured the hearts (and appetites) of many. This recipe combines tender chicken with rich cream cheese, crispy bacon, and a medley of savory spices, resulting in a flavor explosion that’s hard to resist. One of the best things about this dish is its simplicity. The use of a crockpot means you can set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy families or anyone who wants a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it over rice, in a sandwich, or with your favorite veggies, and you have a versatile meal that can cater to any taste preference.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Making Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps. Here’s how you can prepare it with ease.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6-8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 110 grams)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce / 28 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Directions
Cook the Bacon: Start by cooking 6-8 slices of bacon in a skillet over medium heat. This should take about 8-10 minutes until the bacon is crisp. Once done, transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels to drain the grease. Allow it to cool, then crumble it into smaller pieces.
Prepare the Chicken: While the bacon cools, pat dry 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breasts with paper towels. This step helps ensure that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs all the flavors.
Blend the Cream Cheese Mixture: In a medium bowl, combine 8 ounces of softened cream cheese, the packet of ranch seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they form a smooth, even blend.
Layer in the Crockpot: Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the crockpot. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the chicken. This helps the flavors meld together as it cooks.
Add Cheese and Bacon: Top the chicken with half of the shredded cheddar cheese (about 1/2 cup) and half of the crumbled bacon.
Cooking Time: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-7 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The low and slow cooking method allows the chicken to become very tender and absorb the delicious flavors.
Finish with Cheese and Bacon: About 15 minutes before you are ready to serve, sprinkle the remaining cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon on top. Cover the crockpot again to allow the cheese to melt fully.
Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the crockpot. Gently stir to combine the shredded chicken with the creamy cheesy sauce.
Garnish and Serve: For the final touch, garnish your dish with chopped green onions or parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!
How to Serve Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
There are many delicious ways to enjoy Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken. Here are a few serving suggestions:
Over Rice: Serve the crack chicken over a bed of fluffy white rice or brown rice. The sauce will soak into the rice for an extra comforting meal.
In a Sandwich: Use the crack chicken as a filling for sandwiches or wraps. Add fresh veggies like lettuce or tomato for crunch.
On a Salad: Create a hearty salad by adding the chicken on top of mixed greens, cucumbers, and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with your favorite dressing for a complete meal.
With Vegetables: Serve it alongside steamed broccoli or green beans for a balanced dinner.
How to Store Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
If you have leftovers (though that’s often unlikely with this crowd-pleaser), storing the Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken is easy:
Refrigerate: Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They’ll be good for about 3-4 days.
Freeze: If you wish to store it longer, you can freeze the chicken. Make sure it’s cooled down, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating: To reheat leftovers, either warm them in the microwave or on the stovetop. If frozen, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
To ensure your Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken turns out perfectly, consider these helpful tips:
Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken breasts and cream cheese for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients make a big difference.
Don’t Overcook: If possible, use a meat thermometer to check the chicken’s internal temperature. It should reach 165°F (74°C). Overcooking may lead to dry chicken.
Customize Seasoning: Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper can give it a nice kick if you like a bit of heat.
Experiment with Cheeses: While cheddar is delicious, you can try other types of cheese. Mozzarella or pepper jack would add different flavors and textures.
Add Fresh Herbs: For a burst of freshness, consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or dill right before serving.
Variation
While the original recipe is delightful, you might want to try some variations:
Buffalo Chicken Version: Add buffalo sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy twist. Top with crumbled blue cheese for extra flavor.
Mushroom Lover’s Delight: Add sliced mushrooms to the crockpot along with the chicken for added texture and flavor.
Veggie Packed: Throw in some colorful bell peppers or spinach before cooking for a nutrition boost.
Low-Carb Option: Swap out the cream cheese with a low-fat alternative or use Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts in this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts. Just note that they will take longer to cook; keep an eye on the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F (74°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the ingredients and assemble everything in the crockpot the night before. Just store it in the fridge and cook in the morning.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, if you use a gluten-free ranch seasoning packet, this dish can be made gluten-free. Just double-check the ingredients to ensure they meet your dietary needs.
How can I add more flavor to the dish?
Experiment with different spices such as smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to enhance the flavor profile further.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate all the ingredients. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add a lot of extra chicken.
By following these simple steps and tips, you’ll create a mouthwatering Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken that’s sure to become a favorite in your home! Enjoy the creamy, rich flavors and let the crockpot do all the hard work.
Print
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
- Total Time: 255 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free (if gluten-free ranch is used)
Description
A delightful and creamy dish made with tender chicken, cream cheese, crispy bacon, and savory spices, cooked effortlessly in a crockpot.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 8 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 6–8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (about 110 grams)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix (about 1 ounce / 28 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the bacon until crisp in a skillet over medium heat (8-10 minutes). Transfer to paper towels to drain and crumble.
- Pat dry the chicken breasts with paper towels to ensure even cooking.
- In a bowl, mix cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the chicken in the crockpot and spread the cream cheese mixture over it.
- Top with half of the cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until tender.
- 15 minutes before serving, add the remaining cheddar cheese and bacon, covering to melt.
- Shred the chicken in the crockpot, stir to combine with the sauce, and garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
Notes
For a spicy twist, add buffalo sauce to the cream cheese mixture or try different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: crockpot, chicken, creamy, easy recipe, dinner recipe