Crock Pot Crack Chicken

My Crockpot Crack Chicken Recipe At A Glance

Primary Cooking Method: Slow Cooker/Crockpot
Main Protein: Chicken
Number of Ingredients: 7 (including salt and pepper)
Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Cook Time: 6 hours
Level of Effort To Make: Easy Peasy
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Well, folks, it has officially happened—I’ve fallen head over heels for a chicken recipe.

I’ve been making this slow cooker crack chicken as a part of my meal plan for the last month, and guess what? I’m nowhere near tired of it; in fact, I’m already planning to have it for dinner. Again. I’m all about set-it-and-forget-it meals, and this creamy crock pot crack chicken is easy cookin’, (and it’s so good it’ll make your lips beat your brains out, as my grandfather likes to say).

Anyway… this recipe can’t help but fit perfectly into your meal planning routine. It’s just so freakin easy and versatile. Serve it over rice, tucked into buns, or—if you’re feeling fancy—as the filling of a baked potato.

7 Ingredients to make Crack Chicken

• 4 pounds chicken breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe. You can substitute with chicken thighs for a richer flavor, but it does tend to be a bit more oily.
• 16 ounces cream cheese: Use full-fat cream cheese for the creamiest result, but low-fat cream cheese can work if you prefer a lighter version.
• 2 packets ranch dressing mix: If you don’t have packets, use about 3 tablespoons of homemade ranch seasoning per packet.
• 8 ounces cheddar cheese: Swap for a blend of cheeses like Monterey Jack or Colby if you want a slightly different flavor.
• 6 ounces bacon bits: Use pre-cooked bacon bits for convenience, or cook and crumble fresh bacon. Don’t do pork? Turkey bacon is a great substitute for regular bacon. You still get that smoky flavor!
• Salt and pepper: Season the chicken lightly at the beginning. The ranch mix already contains salt, so taste before adding more at the end.

Make This Recipe Yours With Additions

• Greek Yogurt: If you’re looking to cut down on the richness a bit, swap out 8 ounces of the cream cheese for plain Greek yogurt. It still gives you that creamy texture with a bit more tang.
• Add Buffalo Sauce: Turn this Crack Chicken into Buffalo Crack Chicken! A cup of your fav, like Franks Red Hot works great!
• Add Different Seasonings: Get creative with your seasonings! How about some BBQ or maybe a little Cajun spice?
• Herbs: Top with 2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley, chives, or green onions before serving for a fresh garnish.

How to Make Crack Chicken in the Crock Pot

Making Slow Cooker Crack Chicken As A Dump Freezer Meal

Turning Crack Chicken into a crock pot dump freezer meal is a great way to have a delicious meal ready with minimal effort. This is especially useful for busy days or meal prep.

Preparation For Freezing:

1. Combine Ingredients: In a large zip-lock freezer bag, add the chicken breasts, cubbed cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, and, if you’re using, salt and pepper.
2. Seal and Mix: Press out as much air as possible before sealing the bag. Then gently massage the bag to mix the ingredients together, ensuring the chicken is evenly coated.
3. Label and Freeze: Write the cooking instructions and the date on the bag. Lay it flat in the freezer, allowing for even freezing and easy storage.

Cooking From Frozen:

1. Thaw Safely: Ideally, move the freezer bag to the refrigerator at least 24 hours before cooking, allowing for a safe and even thaw.
2. Cooking Time Adjustment: Place the thawed contents in the slow cooker. If cooking directly from frozen, adjust the cooking time: set on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 5-6 hours.
3. Final Steps: Once cooked, shred the chicken in the slow cooker, then top with the shredded cheddar cheese and bacon bits and let it melt.

My Best Cooking Tips for Making Crack Chicken

1. Chunk the Cream Cheese: Instead of adding the cream cheese in one big block, cut it into chunks. This helps it melt more evenly and blend with the other ingredients.
2. Chicken Shredding Hack: When it’s time to shred the chicken, ditch the forks and use a hand mixer right in the crockpot! It’s a quick, efficient way to get perfectly shredded chicken without the extra hassle or mess. This hack saved my life, you guys!
3. Keep an Eye on the Clock: It’s tempting to just let it cook as you go about your day, but to avoid overcooking (which can make the chicken dry), start checking for doneness at the 6-hour mark. Remember, slow cookers can vary!
4. Add the Bacon Bits Last: Be sure to add the bacon bits towards the end of cooking. This way, they’ll stay a bit crispy, adding a delightful crunch to your creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken.

Menu Ideas – What to Eat with Crack Chicken

Okay, guys… I’ve legit eaten Crack Chicken in all the ways listed below, and it’s all so good I can’t even tell you what my fav is. Seriously, it’s that amazing.

• Loaded Baked Potatoes: A fluffy baked potato topped with creamy, cheesy chicken. Add some green onions or extra bacon bits.
• Sandwiches: Grab a soft bun, pile on the chicken, and add some lettuce and tomatoes. Maybe a little bit of mayo or ranch dressing too.
• Wraps: Roll up the chicken in a tortilla with some fresh veggies. I love adding avocado and a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.
• Over Rice: Serve the chicken over a bed of fluffy buttered white rice or brown rice. It soaks up all the yummy sauce.
• Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes topped with the cheesy chicken.
• With Pasta: Mix the shredded chicken into cooked pasta for an easy, delicious meal. If you’re feeling fancy, add a bit of Alfredo sauce.
• On a Salad: For a lighter option, top a fresh green salad with the chicken. It’s a great way to balance the richness with veggies.
• Stuffed Peppers: Fill bell peppers with the crack chicken and bake until the peppers are tender.
• As a Dip: Serve the chicken as a dip with tortilla chips or veggie sticks. It’s always a hit at parties, and people will be asking for the recipe!
• In a Casserole: Combine the chicken with cooked pasta, some veggies, and extra cheese, then bake it into a casserole.

Give them a try, and let me know which one becomes your new favorite in the comments!

How to Store & Reheat Crack Chicken

Alright, let’s talk about storing and reheating Crack Chicken. This dish is so versatile, and it’s perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to keep it tasting amazing:

Storing:

• Refrigerator: Once the chicken has cooled down, transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4 days. I usually make a big batch, so having it ready to go is super convenient.
• Freezer: If you want to save some for later, you can freeze it! Place the cooled chicken in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. It’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just make sure to label it with the date, so you remember when you made it.

Reheating:

• Microwave: For a quick reheat, the microwave is your friend. Pop a portion of the chicken into a microwave-safe dish, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel (this helps retain moisture), and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through. Keep an eye on it to make sure it heats evenly.
• Stovetop: If you have a bit more time, reheating on the stovetop is a great option. Place the chicken in a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep it from drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
• Oven: Reheating in the oven works well if you’re warming up a larger batch. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chicken in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent it from drying out, and bake for about 20 minutes or until it’s heated through.

Tip:

• Add Extra Moisture: If the chicken seems a bit dry after reheating, stir in a little more cream cheese, chicken broth, or a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Quick Recipe Help and Common Questions

More Slow Cooker Recipes

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