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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is a creamy, ranch-seasoned main dish made by slow-cooking chicken until tender, then stirring in melted cheddar for a rich texture. This easy crockpot method finishes with bacon crumbles and green onion garnish for a savory, crowd-ready bowl or sandwich filling.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 5 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Chicken
  • 2 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
Creamy base
  • 8 oz cream cheese, cubed
  • 1 packet (1 oz) ranch seasoning mix
  • 0.5 cup chicken broth
Cheese and bacon
  • 6 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Garnish
  • 1 sliced green onions for garnish

Equipment

  • 1 cast iron skillet
  • 1 Dutch oven

Method
 

Slow-cook the chicken
  1. Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken and pour the chicken broth around it.
  2. Place the cream cheese cubes on top. Cook on low for 6–7 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred and melt into a creamy sauce
  1. Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Stir the cream cheese into the sauce until fully smooth and melted.
  2. Return the shredded chicken to the slow cooker. Stir in half the bacon and all the cheddar until melted and glossy.
Serve
  1. Serve topped with the remaining bacon and green onions. Offer it on buns, over mashed potatoes, or in bowls.

Notes

Pro tip: cubing the cream cheese helps it melt quickly into the sauce without lumps. Refrigerate leftovers in a sealed container for up to 4 days; reheat in the microwave or on low until warmed through. Freezing is not recommended because the dairy can break and turn grainy after thawing. For a lighter option, use reduced-fat cream cheese and reduced-fat cheddar (texture stays creamy, flavor is slightly milder).