Description
Crock pot crack chicken delivers irresistible comfort with minimal effort, blending creamy cheese, tender chicken, and zesty ranch seasoning. Busy home cooks can easily prepare this crowd-pleasing dish that promises rich flavors and satisfying textures in one simple meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheese and Seasoning:
- 2 (8-ounce) (226 grams) blocks cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup (113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (1-ounce) (28 grams) packet ranch seasoning mix
Garnish and Topping:
- 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- ½ cup (120 milliliters) sliced green onions (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare your 6-quart slow cooker by lightly coating the interior with nonstick spray, ensuring easy cleanup and preventing ingredient sticking.
- Gently place whole chicken breasts into the slow cooker, creating an even layer at the bottom of the vessel.
- Generously sprinkle ranch seasoning across the chicken surfaces, ensuring complete flavor coverage.
- Distribute cream cheese cubes uniformly over the seasoned chicken, allowing them to melt and create a rich, creamy base during cooking.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and set the temperature. For tender, fall-apart meat, choose low heat for 6-7 hours or high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Once chicken reaches optimal tenderness, utilize two forks to meticulously shred the meat directly within the cooking vessel.
- Thoroughly incorporate the shredded chicken with the developing creamy sauce, creating a consistent, luxurious texture.
- Introduce crispy crumbled bacon pieces and sharp cheddar cheese into the mixture, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly.
- Allow the cheese to melt by covering and cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes, enhancing the dish’s richness.
- Optional final touch includes garnishing with freshly sliced green onions for added color and mild onion flavor.
- Serve the versatile chicken preparation warm, offering multiple serving suggestions like hamburger buns, rice, pasta, or lettuce wraps.
Notes
- Customize the ranch seasoning by using homemade or low-sodium versions to control salt intake and flavor intensity.
- For a healthier twist, swap cream cheese with Greek yogurt or low-fat cream cheese to reduce calories without sacrificing creaminess.
- Prep chicken breasts in advance by trimming excess fat and patting them dry to ensure better seasoning absorption and more consistent texture.
- Accommodate gluten-free diets by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional bread or pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 486
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1010mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 118mg