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Crack chicken in a crock pot is simple and tasty. Everyone is sure to love this creamy, cheesy chicken dish.
Shredded crack chicken can be utilized in many variations, and makes a yummy left over. Try pairing with Easy Coleslaw, or for more shredded meat goodness check out Café Rio Shredded Chicken and Pulled Pork.
what is crack chicken?
I thought the name “crack” chicken came from how deliciously addicting this chicken is, but apparently I was way off! Although it IS crazy delicious.
It turns out “crack” is actually a term used for a certain combination of ingredients: cheese, Ranch seasoning and bacon. Aside from crack chicken there’s crack bread, crack pasta, crack dip. All referring to the use of those 3 ingredients.
Crack chicken uses the flavoring from my favorite ranch dressing and combines my equal love of bacon for a delicious dish that can be enjoyed in so many different ways!
Crock pot crack chicken
COOK. Spray a crock pot with cooking spray, then place the chicken breasts in the pot. Add the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and hot sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
SHRED, MIX & COOK. Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Stir the cream cheese mixture in the pot until smooth, then add the chicken back into the pot. Stir in the grated cheese. Cover and cook 30-60 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
SERVE. To serve, scoop the chicken onto the hamburger buns and top with bacon.
Recipe Notes:
- You do not need to add water to the pot as the chicken will release its own natural juices.
- For even more flavorful chicken use boneless chicken thighs.
- Double or triple the recipe for larger crowds or to freeze some for later.
tasty variations
How to serve this tasty crack chicken:
- in a hamburger bun
- over rice
- over noodles
- wrapped in a tortilla
- in a lettuce wrap
- with crackers
- over a baked potato
- with pretzel rolls
Not only can you change up the methods of serving, but you can also add mushrooms, diced chilies or jalapenos, red or green onions, diced tomatoes or add a slice of American cheese to the sandwich.
Store & freeze
Make ahead and STORE covered in the fridge 3-4 days.
FREEZE in a ziploc or storage container for 1-2 months.
REHEAT in the microwave or in a skillet on the stove. Add a bit of milk to smooth it out as it warms.
More Delicious Chicken Recipes:
- Baked Honey Mustard Chicken
- Chicken Scallopini
- Chicken Fried Steak
- Mayo Parmesan Chicken Bake
- Huli Huli Chicken
- Crock Pot Chicken Alfredo
Crack Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
for the chicken:
- 4 large chicken breasts
- 16 ounces cream cheese
- 1 packet ranch dressing mix
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
for serving:
- 8 hamburger buns
- 8 slices bacon fried until crisp
Instructions
- Spray a crock pot with cooking spray, then place the chicken breasts in the pot. Add the cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and hot sauce. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4-6 hours.
- Remove the chicken from the pot and shred with two forks. Stir the cream cheese mixture in the pot until smooth, then add the chicken back into the pot. Stir in the grated cheese. Cover and cook 30-60 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- To serve, scoop the chicken onto the hamburger buns and top with bacon.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I used chicken thighs instead of breasts and also used a Mexican cheese blend instead of cheddar. Perhaps if I used cheddar the flavor might’ve been better, however as it was, it was bland. I served it over pasta. I broke up the bacon and stirred into the pasta/chicken sauce and added some salt and pepper. I’ll try again with cheddar and see how it goes. The dish was still yummy, but not quick “crack”! LOL!