Name: Easy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 430 min
Total time: 440 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs ((trim off excess fat if desired)); 1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix; 16 oz. cream cheese; 8 slices bacon ((sliced, cooked and drained)); 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup sliced green onions

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Get ready for an incredibly satisfying meal with this amazing Slow Cooker Crack Chicken recipe! It’s famously called “crack chicken” because its creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors are truly irresistible. We use your slow cooker to create this mouth-watering dish with minimal effort. This versatile recipe becomes a delicious foundation for so many different meals, making dinner time a breeze.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This slow cooker crack chicken will become a family favorite for many reasons:

Effortless One-Pot Meal: Just toss ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do all the work. Cleanup is minimal, making busy weeknights much simpler.
Incredible, Addictive Flavor Profile: The combination of creamy cheese, zesty ranch, and savory bacon creates a taste sensation everyone will crave.
Perfect for Busy Weeknights: With only a few minutes of prep, you can set it and forget it. Come home to a delicious, hot meal ready to serve.
Adaptable for Various Diets: Easily adjust this recipe for low-carb, keto, or gluten-free preferences without sacrificing flavor.
Crowd-P\leasing for All Ages: Both kids and adults adore the rich, comforting flavors of this cheesy chicken dish.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Making this delicious slow cooker crack chicken requires just a few simple ingredients. You likely have many of these staples in your pantry already!

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (trim off excess fat if desired)
1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix
16 oz. cream cheese
8 slices bacon (sliced, cooked and drained)
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sliced green onions

Notes & Substitutions

Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well if you prefer white meat. Thighs offer richer flavor and stay more moist during slow cooking.
Ranch Seasoning: A store-bought packet is convenient, but you can also use a homemade ranch blend. Adjust the amount to your taste preference.
Cream Cheese: Opt for full-fat cream cheese for the best creamy texture and richest flavor. Light cream cheese can be used, but the consistency may be slightly different.
Cheese: Sharp cheddar cheese brings a nice tang, but Colby Jack or a Mexican blend are also fantastic options. Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded.
Bacon: Pre-cooked bacon bits save time, or you can cook fresh bacon until crisp. Make sure to drain off any excess grease before adding it.
Green Onions: These add a fresh, mild onion flavor and vibrant color. Fresh chives or finely chopped parsley make great substitutes for garnish.

Equipment Needed

Gathering your equipment beforehand makes cooking easier. You don’t need many special tools for this simple recipe.

Slow cooker: A 4-6 quart size is ideal for this recipe.
Two forks: Essential for easily shredding the cooked chicken.
Measuring cups and spoons: To ensure accurate ingredient amounts.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create your mouth-watering Slow Cooker Crack Chicken. This recipe is designed for simplicity, making it perfect for beginners and busy cooks alike.

First, add your 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bottom of your slow cooker. There is no need to add any liquid, as the chicken will release its own juices. Next, sprinkle the entire 1 oz. packet of ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Then, place the 16 ounces of cream cheese on top of the chicken pieces. You can place the blocks whole; they will soften as they cook.

Cover your slow cooker with the lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 7 hours. It’s important to resist the urge to open the lid during this cooking time, as it lets out heat and extends the cooking process. The low and slow cooking ensures the chicken becomes incredibly tender and flavorful.

Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken right in the slow cooker pot. It should be very tender and easy to pull apart. Stir the softened, cooked cream cheese into the shredded chicken along with the 8 slices of cooked and drained bacon. Ensure everything is well combined and spread the mixture into an even layer in the slow cooker.

Finally, sprinkle the 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the chicken mixture. Replace the lid and cook for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheddar cheese is completely melted and bubbly. Serve your delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken immediately over rice or your preferred serving option. Garnish each portion with a sprinkle of fresh green onions before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the best results with your slow cooker crack chicken by keeping these helpful tips in mind.

Avoid Lifting the Lid: Every time you open the lid, you lose valuable heat. This significantly extends the cooking time.
Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese blends much more smoothly into the chicken.
Adjust Ranch for Desired Saltiness: Some ranch packets can be salty. Taste and adjust by adding less initially if sensitive, or a pinch more if you like it bolder.
Crisp Bacon Adds Great Texture: Ensure your bacon is crispy before adding it. This contrasts wonderfully with the creamy chicken.
Monitor Chicken for Doneness: According to FoodSafety.gov, chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Thighs are more forgiving than breasts.

Serving Suggestions & Variations

This slow cooker crack chicken is incredibly versatile, making it perfect for various meals and dietary needs.

How to Serve

Over fluffy white rice: A classic and comforting pairing that soaks up all the delicious sauce.
On toasted hamburger buns: Create a satisfying and easy sandwich for lunch or dinner.
Stuffed in baked potatoes: A hearty and complete meal, just scoop chicken into a fluffy baked potato.
As a dip with crackers/chips: Serve warm with sturdy crackers, tortilla chips, or even vegetable sticks for a fantastic appetizer.
With a simple side salad: Balance the richness with a light, fresh green salad.
Low-carb options: Serve in crisp lettuce wraps, over cauliflower rice, or alongside steamed green beans.

Flavor Variations

Spicy: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper with the ranch seasoning.
Garlic: Include 1-2 cloves of minced garlic with the chicken for an extra aromatic kick.
Smoky: A dash of liquid smoke during the last hour of cooking will deepen the smoky flavor.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a quarter cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt just before serving for added tanginess and creaminess.
Veggies: Stir in a cup of steamed broccoli florets or frozen corn during the last 30 minutes of cooking for a more complete meal.

Storage & Reheating

Refrigeration: Store any leftover slow cooker crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing: This recipe freezes beautifully. Divide it into individual portions and freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating: Reheat in the microwave until warmed through, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk if it seems too thick.

Nutrition Information

Please note that these are estimated nutritional values based on the ingredients listed. Actual values may vary depending on specific brands and preparation methods. This slow cooker crack chicken recipe is a hearty and satisfying meal.

Nutrient	Value	Unit
Calories	690	kcal
Carbohydrates	7	g
Protein	44	g
Fat	53	g
Saturated Fat	26	g
Cholesterol	275	mg
Sodium	1102	mg
Potassium	583	mg
Sugar	2	g
Vitamin A	1430	IU
Vitamin C	1.6	mg
Calcium	297	mg
Iron	1.9	mg

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken? Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts or thighs. Increase the cooking time on LOW by 1-2 hours to ensure it cooks through properly.
What if I don’t have ranch seasoning mix? You can make your own by combining dried dill, parsley, garlic powder, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
How to prevent the chicken from drying out? Using chicken thighs helps maintain moisture. Avoiding lifting the lid during cooking is also key to keeping the chicken juicy for your slow cooker crack chicken.
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! Cook the chicken completely, then store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently when you are ready to serve.
Is this recipe keto-friendly? Yes, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in fat and protein, making it an excellent option for a keto diet.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is truly a game-changer for weeknight meals, proving that incredible flavor doesn’t require endless effort. Its creamy, cheesy goodness with hints of savory bacon and zesty ranch makes it an ultimate comfort food everyone will adore. We encourage you to try this simple recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself. Don’t forget to leave a rating and share your feedback; we love hearing from you! Explore our other easy slow cooker recipes for more beginner-friendly meal ideas.