By Becky Hardin
Published Jan 31, 2024
This Crockpot Crack Chicken recipe is deliciously savory and creamy, filled with ranch, cream cheese, shredded chicken, bacon, and more cheese. With only a handful of ingredients and a totally hands-off cooking method, this irresistible crack chicken is so easy to make in a slow cooker.
Why We Love This Crockpot Crack Chicken Recipe
This shredded crockpot version of our favorite baked ranch chicken puts a new spin on a classic. Cream cheese and cheddar cheese add a deliciously creamy element to the dish that’ll make your mouth water!
Variations on Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
There are so many ways to change up this crockpot crack chicken recipe. Add some heat by mixing in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a dash of Buffalo sauce . Or instead of using ranch seasoning mix, try using a packet of French onion soup mix, Italian seasoning , or taco seasoning for a different flavor twist. You could also mix in some BBQ sauce for a zesty flavor.
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover crockpot crack chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
How to Freeze
Freeze slow cooker crack chicken in individual portions in airtight containers or Ziplock bags for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until hot.
Serving Suggestions
This cheesy crack chicken is delicious as a sandwich served with french fries and creamy coleslaw . You can also make wraps or add this chicken to a cobb salad , or serve it simply over mashed potatoes with a side of roasted Brussels sprouts !
More Ranch Chicken Recipes To Try
- Crispy Ranch Chicken
- Bacon Ranch Chicken Salad
- Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta
- Crockpot Ranch Chicken
- Cheddar Bacon Ranch Chicken
- Bacon Crusted Chicken with Ranch Potatoes
- Chicken Ranch Wrap
- King Ranch Chicken Casserole
- Ranch Chicken Pasta Salad
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- ▢ 16 ounces cream cheese (2 bricks)
- ▢ 1 ounce ranch seasoning store-bought or homemade (1 packet)
- ▢ 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- ▢ 8 strips crumbled cooked bacon
- ▢ 5 scallions sliced
- ▢ 6 hamburger buns
Video
Instructions
- Add the chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to your crockpot. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, 16 ounces cream cheese, 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- Cover and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Take two forks and shred the chicken.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Top with the cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions. 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese, 8 strips crumbled cooked bacon, 5 scallions
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve on the buns. 6 hamburger buns
Equipment
- Crockpot
Becky’s Tips
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Crockpot Crack Chicken Step by Step
Fill the Crockpot: Add 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken breast, 16 ounces (2 bricks) of cream cheese, and 1 ounce (1 packet) of ranch seasoning to your crockpot.
Cook the Chicken: Cover and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours.
Shred the Chicken: Take two forks and shred the chicken.
Stir the Mixture: Stir the mixture until well combined.
Top and Serve: Top with 1 cup of freshly shredded cheddar cheese, 8 strips of crumbled cooked bacon, and 5 sliced scallions. Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted. Serve on 6 hamburger buns.
Contrary to popular belief, “crack” actually refers to the flavor combination of cheese, ranch seasoning, and bacon in a dish, not the addictive quality of the dish–although this is certainly addictive!
Nope! The cream cheese will melt and protect the chicken from burning in the crockpot.
I do not recommend cooking chicken from frozen in the crockpot, because it spends too much time in the “temperature danger zone”, which could cause food poisoning.
If your chicken is watery, it’s likely because you used defrosted chicken. Previously frozen chicken tends to release a lot of water as it defrosts, so be sure to pat the breasts dry before adding them to the crockpot.
Crockpot Crack Chicken Recipe
Equipment
- Crockpot
Ingredients
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 16 ounces cream cheese (2 bricks)
- 1 ounce ranch seasoning store-bought or homemade (1 packet)
- 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
- 8 strips crumbled cooked bacon
- 5 scallions sliced
- 6 hamburger buns
Instructions
- Add the chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning to your crockpot. 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast, 16 ounces cream cheese, 1 ounce ranch seasoning
- Cover and set to low for 6-7 hours or high for 4 hours.
- Take two forks and shred the chicken.
- Stir the mixture until well combined.
- Top with the cheddar cheese, bacon, and scallions. 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese, 8 strips crumbled cooked bacon, 5 scallions
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 5-10 minutes until the cheese is melted.
- Serve on the buns. 6 hamburger buns
Video
Notes
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
