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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is the ultimate comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with flavor, it’s topped with melted cheddar and crispy bacon for a truly delicious and indulgent meal. What’s more, it is also low-carb and keto-friendly.
If you don’t have a slow cooker, grab my recipe for baked crack chicken breasts, or this instant pot crack chicken. For more delicious low carb crock pot recipes, try my crock pot chicken marsala and this tender and juicy slow cooker chicken breast.
I’ll never get tired of saying this: my slow cooker is a gem! The sheer simplicity of tossing ingredients in, setting the timer, and then carrying on with my day is something I absolutely cherish. And let me tell you about this crockpot crack chicken – it’s a total game-changer! This chicken dish is nothing short of spectacular. And with the convenience of the slow cooker, it’s not just a treat for your taste buds – it’s also ridiculously easy to make.
Why I Love This Crack Chicken Recipe
- Flavorful: The trio of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon guarantees a mouthwatering and addictive meal.
- Easy: Much like Mississippi chicken, all you’ll need to do is toss your ingredients in the slow cooker, set it, and come home to a cooked meal.
- Versatile: From sandwiches to pasta, chicken cobbler, wraps, and more, this crack chicken in the crock pot lets you enjoy it in various ways.
- Low Carb Indulgence: Creamy and indulgent, yet low-carb and Keto-friendly, slow cooker crack chicken caters to various dietary preferences.
What Is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken and its variants are the current rage in the foodie circles. From pork to pasta, these ‘crack’ dishes spotlight three ingredients: Ranch seasoning, cream cheese, and bacon. It’s this trifecta that makes every meal irresistibly addictive.
Ingredients You Will Need
This crack chicken crock pot recipe is a breeze to make with just a handful of pantry staples and basic ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy chicken dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
- Low Sodium Chicken Broth: It can be substituted with regular chicken broth or vegetable broth.
- Ranch Seasoning Mix: This is a blend of herbs you can buy at any grocery store. As a substitute, a mix of dried dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and parsley can mimic the ranch flavor.
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: You can substitute with boneless skinless chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
- Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish. It melts into the chicken, creating a smooth texture. Neufchâtel cheese can be used as a substitute.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Half of the cheese is mixed into the chicken, and the rest is used as a topping. You can substitute with other shredded cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby for a milder taste.
- Bacon: Adds a smoky, crispy touch to this slow cooker crack chicken recipe.
- Chopped Green Onions: Used for serving. Chives or sliced red onions can also be used.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley: You could also use cilantro or dill for garnish.
What if I Don’t Have Ranch Seasoning Mix?
If you don’t have ranch seasoning mix, you can easily make your own right at home. All you have to do is combine ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried dill weed, ½ teaspoon dried chives, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Tadah, now you have your very own ranch seasoning mix!
How to Make Crack Chicken in the Slow Cooker
If you’re looking for delicious low carb crock pot recipes, this crockpot crack chicken is a must-try! It’s easy to make and packed with Ranch flavor. Follow these simple steps to create a savory dish that everyone will love.
- Prep: Pour chicken broth into your slow cooker and stir in the ranch seasoning mix. Add chicken breasts to the slow cooker and stir around to coat the chicken.
- Slow Cook: Cover with the lid and set on LOW for 5 to 6 hours or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
- Shred: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove the lid and shred the chicken in the slow cooker using two forks. Use shredder claws, if you can – it’s much easier.
- Cheese: Stir in the cream cheese and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted and combined.
- Top: Top your crack chicken with remaining cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
- Serve: Garnish with green onions and parsley, and serve.
Serving Ideas
I love to serve shredded crack chicken on a sandwich. Give it to me on a seeded and toasted bun all day, and I’ll be happy. You can use it to top your favorite pasta or zoodles. In a wrap or lettuce cup. Serve it over rice, quinoa, or riced cauliflower. On top of a baked potato or mashed potatoes. On top of a BBQ chicken pizza! Or simply eat it straight up as a dip with tortilla chips or veggies like you would with a Buffalo chicken dip.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
- Fridge & Freezer. Allow the chicken to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in your refrigerator for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat. To reheat, simmer the chicken over medium-low heat until heated through. Add chicken broth, if needed, to thin it out.
More Slow Cooker Chicken Recipes
- Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken Tacos
- Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Pasta
- Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
- Slow Cooker Coq Au Vin
- Slow Cooker Chicken Breast
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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning mix
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 block (8-ounces) cream cheese, at room temperature, cut up into 4 pieces for easier melting
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- 6 slices bacon, cooked to a crisp and chopped
- chopped green onions, for serving
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Pour chicken broth into the slow cooker and stir in the ranch seasoning mix.
- Add the chicken breasts to the slow cooker and stir around to coat the chicken.
- Cover with the lid and set the slow cooker on LOW for 5 hours, or on HIGH for 2 to 3 hours.
- When done, remove the lid and shred the chicken inside the slow cooker using two forks or shredding claws.
- Stir in the cream cheese and 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese; stir until completely melted and combined.
- Top with remaining cheddar cheese; cover with the lid and let the cheese melt.
- Remove the lid and sprinkle chopped bacon on top.
- Garnish with green onions and parsley.
- Serve in sandwiches, wraps, burgers, and/or lettuce cups.
Notes
- DIY Ranch: You can make your own ranch seasoning mix by combining ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon dried dill weed, ½ teaspoon dried chives, and season with salt and pepper, to taste.
- Net Carbs: 4 g
- Storage: Keep the chicken stored in an airtight container and in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
Can you double the recipe?
Hi!
Yes, you can.
My husband hates ranch, is there any other option?
Try Italian dressing packet or just any seasoning blend you want
It was amazing! I’ve already shared the link to the recipe with friends. The only thing I would do different next time is leave a little juice in it. I drained all of it.
That’s great! I am very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Thank you so much. I’ve lost 20 lbs using o carb bread or low carb flour tortillas eating this weekly. Also use it as my main dish like a casserole with a side of broccoli or greenbeans. I’ve also used real bacon bits in a pinch. Not near as pretty though. 🙂
The recipe mentions wraps but on Keto or low carb I buy low carb flour tortillas. Same asile as regular. Also Wallyworld has a complete cheese wrap in the fridge cheese section. I’ve lost 20lbs eating this amazing food. I think Neufchâtel cream cheese has 1 less carb per serving. Exact same taste. You’ll find it same price & right beside cream cheese. Just be sure to check carb label from brand to brand but I use store brand. I’ve also used whipped or flavored like sour cream & onion c c spread in a pinch….maybe even better. Great recipe. Thank you.
No comment, yet, just a question. I was just preparing this and I thought there were 4 breasts in the pack, but it’s only 2. Two large ones. Do you know about how many pounds this recipe calls for?
About 1.5 pounds of chicken.
Thank you! That’s how much the two weigh together. :-). I’ll rate it this evening.
Hope you’ll enjoy it! 😊
Delicious recipe! My kids, husband and I really enjoyed it! We ate it with low carb tortillas. Will definitely be making it again! Thank you for sharing the recipe!
What size is a serving?
Hi!
It comes out to about 1.5 cups. The entire recipe amounts to 6 servings, total, so 1/6 is one serving size.
Can you use chicken tenders
Hi!
You can, but they’ll need less time to cook. I’d start checking for doneness around the 2-hour mark.
I mean if you want soggy breading…sure? It also defeats the purpose of keto which is to avoid carbs or at least processed carbs, starch and sugar. I guess if you take the breading off it could work.
I believe she’s referring to chicken tenderloin, not breaded tenders.
Can you use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast . My family doesn’t like chicken breast
Yep, you can definitely use boneless chicken thighs. That’ll be delicious!
Cooked this recipe today as we are on a keto diet and the carb count is great for the dish. This is a wonderfully rich dish with the creamy, cheesy-ness with the bacon lift. I felt like it needed more bitter and acid though. In making this again, I think that I will sauté at least 1/2 a good sized onion and perhaps a can of green chiles or 1-2 chopped jalapeño (seeds removed). This might add some sweetness and brightness to the dish.
I’m glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂
Is there an instant pot version for this?
Yes, there is: https://diethood.com/instant-pot-crack-chicken-recipe/
I have a SUPER PICKY husband, meat and potatoes kind of guy (no veggies EVER) and I rarely try anything new, have to stuck to the classics, I get bored honestly. So, I made this tonight and served over roasted baby red potatoes, he loved it. It’s added to the rotation 😊
That’s great to hear! I’m very glad you enjoyed it! Thank YOU! 🙂