This Crock Pot Crack Chicken is one of the easiest and most delicious comfort food recipes you can make. With tender shredded chicken, creamy ranch-flavored sauce, crispy bacon, and melted cheddar cheese, this dish lives up to its name—it’s unbelievably good.
Everything cooks together in your slow cooker, making it the perfect weeknight dinner or crowd-pleasing meal for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings. Whether you serve it on buns, over rice, or wrapped in a tortilla, you’ll fall in love with every bite.
The Story Behind Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Why It’s So Popular
This recipe went viral for good reason. It combines simple ingredients that come together to create rich, creamy flavor. The ranch seasoning adds a zesty kick, the cream cheese brings silky texture, and the bacon gives a satisfying crunch.
The best part? You only need a few minutes of prep, and your slow cooker does all the work. By the time it’s done, your kitchen smells amazing, and dinner is ready to serve straight from the pot.
What Makes It So Good
- Simple to prepare: Just layer, cook, and stir.
- Loaded with flavor: Ranch, bacon, cheese, and chicken—an unbeatable combo.
- Versatile: Great for sandwiches, wraps, or even lettuce cups.
- Perfectly creamy: Cream cheese and cheddar create a smooth, cheesy sauce.
This Crock Pot Crack Chicken is one of those recipes you’ll make again and again because it’s effortless and always delicious.
Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Ingredients
Method
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Lay 1 1/2 – 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts in an even layer in the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour 1/2 cup chicken broth over the chicken breasts, then sprinkle 1 ounce packet Ranch seasoning mix on top.
- Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours or low for 4 to 5 hours. Do not remove the lid while the chicken is cooking.
- After it is cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken. Don’t drain the broth. Add 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened to room temperature and cubed. Stir until creamy and the cream cheese is melted and combined.
- Next, add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the crumbled bacon, and half of the sliced green onion. Stir to combine. Top the crack chicken with the remaining cheese and bacon.
- Place the lid back on the slow cooker for 5 to 10 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese. Remove the lid, and add the rest of the green onions.
- Serve hot on hamburger buns, in wraps, with crackers, in quesadillas or over rice.
How to Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breasts in an even layer at the bottom. Pour in the chicken broth and sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the top.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Cover and cook on high for 2–3 hours or low for 4–5 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily with a fork.
Step 3: Add Cream Cheese
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it right in the crockpot using two forks. Don’t drain the broth. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir until it melts and blends into the sauce, creating a creamy base.
Step 4: Mix in Cheese and Bacon
Add half of the shredded cheddar cheese, half of the bacon, and half of the green onions. Stir to combine everything evenly. Sprinkle the remaining cheese and bacon over the top.
Step 5: Melt and Serve
Cover the crockpot again and cook for another 5–10 minutes, just until the cheese on top is melted. Garnish with the rest of the green onions and serve hot.
You can serve this creamy chicken over rice, on hamburger buns, or in wraps.
| Step | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cook the chicken | Makes it tender and ready for shredding |
| Add cream cheese | Creates the creamy ranch sauce |
| Mix in cheese and bacon | Adds flavor, texture, and richness |
Serving Ideas
This Crock Pot Crack Chicken is as versatile as it is delicious. You can serve it in a variety of ways depending on your meal style:
- Sandwiches or sliders: Pile the chicken on buns and top with extra cheese and bacon.
- Over rice: Spoon the chicken and sauce over fluffy rice for a hearty meal.
- In wraps or tortillas: Roll it up for an easy grab-and-go lunch.
- With crackers or chips: Serve as a dip for parties or casual gatherings.
- Low-carb option: Serve over cauliflower rice or in lettuce wraps.
It’s creamy, cheesy, and perfectly satisfying no matter how you serve it.
Tips and Variations
Tips for Best Results
- Use softened cream cheese: This helps it melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Don’t drain the broth: It keeps the chicken juicy and the sauce creamy.
- Shred chicken in the crockpot: It blends better with the sauce.
- Save some bacon for topping: It adds a nice crunch at the end.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy version: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Extra cheesy: Mix in a handful of mozzarella or Monterey Jack cheese.
- Loaded version: Stir in cooked pasta or diced potatoes for a full meal.
- Healthier twist: Use low-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar.
Storage and Reheating
Storing
Let the chicken cool completely, then store it in an airtight container.
- Refrigerator: Up to 4 days
- Freezer: Up to 2 months
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Add a splash of chicken broth or milk to restore the creamy texture if it thickens after refrigeration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless thighs work great and add extra flavor.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes, cook the chicken in a skillet, then add cream cheese, cheese, and bacon over low heat until creamy.
Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
Yes, just reduce the cook time by half and stir in the cooked chicken once the sauce is hot.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, simply skip the buns and serve over veggies or cauliflower rice.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely. Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the ingredients.
Conclusion
This Crock Pot Crack Chicken is creamy, cheesy, and packed with flavor in every bite. The combination of ranch seasoning, bacon, and cheddar cheese creates a dish that’s rich and addictive while still being incredibly easy to make.
It’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or meal prep. Serve it however you like—over rice, on buns, or straight from the crockpot—and watch it disappear fast. Once you make it, you’ll understand why it’s called “crack chicken.”