– **Title**: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
– **Ingredients**:
– 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 packet ranch dressing mix
– 8 oz cream cheese (softened)
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/4 cup green onions (scallions), sliced
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– 1/2 tsp onion powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– **Instructions**:
1. Place the chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper over the chicken.
3. Add the softened cream cheese on top of the chicken.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
5. After cooking, shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks, mixing it with the cream cheese and seasonings.
6. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon until well combined.
7. Serve topped with sliced green onions and additional bacon if desired. This can be served on buns, as a dip, or alongside vegetables. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for a tender result. If you have thighs on hand, they can be a great substitute as they tend to be juicier. You can even use frozen chicken—it will cook wonderfully in the slow cooker!
Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is key to the flavor. If you’re looking for a healthier option, you can make your own mix using dried herbs like parsley, dill, and garlic powder. I like adding a pinch of paprika for extra zing!
Cream Cheese: Softened cream cheese is what gives this dish its creamy texture. For a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt or cashew cream for a dairy-free take. Trust me; it’s still delicious!
Cheddar Cheese: I prefer sharp cheddar for a strong flavor, but feel free to mix in other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Pepper Jack for a kick. If you’re avoiding dairy, nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor without the calories.
Bacon Bits: Cooked bacon adds a nice crunch. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey bacon is a great substitute. You can also use plant-based bacon for a vegetarian twist.
How Do I Shred Chicken Effortlessly?
Shredding chicken can seem tricky, but it’s actually super simple! Here’s the best way to achieve tenderly shredded chicken:
- Once cooked, keep the chicken in the slow cooker. The broth will help moisten it.
- Use two forks or a hand mixer on low speed to pull the chicken apart. The chicken will shred easily while mixing with the sauce!
- Mix well until the chicken is well combined with the cream cheese and broth—this creates that wonderful creamy texture.
Don’t rush this step. Take your time to make sure every piece of chicken gets coated in that flavorful sauce!
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Base:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup chicken broth
For the Toppings:
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup cooked bacon bits (or 4-6 slices of bacon, crumbled)
- 2 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This slow cooker crack chicken takes about 15 minutes for prep and then cooks for 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. Just set your slow cooker and let it do the work!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by placing the chicken breasts at the bottom of your slow cooker. This creates a nice base for all the delicious flavors to mix together.
2. Season the Chicken:
Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken breasts, making sure it’s evenly coated. This is where all that tasty flavor starts!
3. Add the Cream Cheese:
Now, add the softened cream cheese right on top of the chicken. This will melt down into a creamy, delicious sauce as it cooks.
4. Pour in the Broth:
Next, pour the chicken broth around the chicken in the slow cooker. This will help keep everything moist and flavorful as it cooks.
5. Cook the Chicken:
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When the chicken is fully cooked and tender, it will shred easily!
6. Shred the Chicken:
Once cooked, take two forks and shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. Mix it well with the cream cheese and broth to create a creamy sauce.
7. Add Cheese and Bacon:
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits, mixing until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted into the creamy mixture.
8. Season to Taste:
Don’t forget to taste your chicken! Add salt and pepper as needed to make it just right.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your crack chicken hot! Garnish with sliced green onions and chopped parsley for a pop of color. It’s amazing over rice, in a sandwich, or just on its own. Enjoy every bite!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts! Just be sure to extend the cooking time to about 8-10 hours on low or 4-5 hours on high. This way, the chicken will have enough time to fully cook and tenderize. Always check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) before serving.
What Can I Substitute for Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning, you can make a quick substitute by combining 1 tablespoon of dried parsley, 1 teaspoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, and a pinch of salt. Mix these together and use it in place of the ranch seasoning mix!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place your crack chicken in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage—just ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Absolutely! You can substitute the cream cheese with a dairy-free cream cheese alternative and the cheddar cheese with a dairy-free cheddar shreds. Be sure to check that your ranch seasoning does not contain dairy if you’re following a strict dairy-free diet.
