Have you ever seen a dish with just a handful of ingredients win over everyone? The Crack Chicken Crock Pot recipe does just that. It’s simple, yet it guarantees you’ll enjoy every bite. With nearly a perfect 5-star rating from over 400 people, it clearly has its charm.
This recipe is special because it uses ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions. By cooking it in a crock pot, the flavors blend together perfectly. Imagine the taste of a favorite party dip but with chicken β that’s what you get.
Key Takeaways
- The Crack Chicken Crock Pot recipe boasts a 4.95-star rating from 431 enthusiastic voters.
- Each serving offers a flavorful mix of ranch seasoning, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar cheese.
- Ideal for busy schedules, this shredded chicken crock pot recipe ensures a creamy, savory dish with minimal effort.
- The dish can be spiced up with a spicy ranch packet or jalapeno for an extra kick.
- With variations like serving over rice, in sandwiches, or as a dip, it suits various dietary preferences and occasions.
Introduction to Crack Chicken
Crack chicken is loved for its simple preparation and great taste. It uses only 6 ingredients. Plus, it’s keto-friendly. This recipe takes just 5 minutes to prepare, perfect for busy families.
What is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken is a tasty mix of shredded chicken, cream cheese, and more. It’s great for sandwiches, dips, or over rice. The dish is a creamy, crunchy comfort food that everyone enjoys.
The Popularity of Crack Chicken
This recipe is well-loved for being easy and delicious. It’s perfect for feeding a big group at parties. And it meets many diet needs, like low-carb and keto.
Plus, you can keep leftovers in the fridge for 5 days or freeze them for 4-5 months. So, it’s great for meal planning too!
With its minimal ingredients, it’s a favorite for quick meals. The slow cooker makes it even simpler, needing just 3-4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low. It’s family-friendly and has top ratings, proving its wide appeal.
Benefits of Using a Crock Pot
A crock pot makes slow cooker crack chicken tasty and easy for cooks at home. It’s great for those looking for simple cooking and great taste. By cooking slowly for hours, the chicken turns tender and tastes amazing.
Meal prep is a breeze with this slow cooker. You can prepare and let it cook for about 3 hours and 30 minutes. And, there’s less mess to clean up after since everything cooks in one pot.
This crack chicken recipe works well for anyone with a busy schedule or a family. It only takes 10 minutes of prep and 4 hours of cooking. You get about 6 servings, perfect for making meals ahead. Plus, you can freeze leftovers for later, so you always have something quick to eat.
The health benefits are impressive too. Each serving has around 256 calories, a good amount of protein, and low fat. It’s a healthy and tasty choice for main meals, even for people with diabetes or those avoiding gluten.
The table below shows more about the nutrition and cooking of this recipe:
Cooking Method | Prep Time | Cooking Time | Servings | Calories per Serving | Net Carbs per Serving |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Slow Cooker | 10 minutes | 4 hours | 6 | 256 | 4g |
Choosing a crock pot for this recipe makes cooking easy and the meal delicious. It’s a win-win for anyone looking for a tasty, straightforward recipe.
Ingredients Needed for the Crack Chicken Crock Pot Recipe
To make a tasty creamy ranch chicken dish in the crock pot, choose the right ingredients. This makes your meal full of flavor and very satisfying.
Essential Ingredients
Let’s talk about the must-have ingredients for a creamy ranch chicken crock pot recipe. You’ll need:
- 3 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 16 ounces of cream cheese, cubed
- 6 slices of cooked and crumbled bacon
- Two 1-ounce packets of ranch seasoning mix
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Optional Ingredients for Extra Flavor
Want to add even more taste to your meal? Here are some optional ingredients to consider:
- Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro
- Sliced jalapenos for a spicy kick
- Chopped green onion tops
- 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Ingredient | Amount | Calories |
---|---|---|
Chicken Breasts | 3 pounds | 1185 kcal |
Cream Cheese | 16 ounces | 1440 kcal |
Bacon | 6 slices | 252 kcal |
Ranch Seasoning | 2 packets | 60 kcal |
Cheddar Cheese | 1 cup | 456 kcal |
Preparation Instructions
Making a tasty creamy ranch chicken crock pot is simple and quick. It’s great for hectic days. You only need 10 minutes to prep and 3 to 4 hours on high (or 6 to 8 hours on low) to cook. It serves about 8 people. Just follow our easy recipe to cook creamy ranch chicken that everyone will love.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Place 3 boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the bottom of the crock pot.
- Pour Β½ cup of chicken broth over the chicken.
- Sprinkle 2 ounces of ranch dressing mix evenly over the chicken breasts.
- Top with 16 ounces of cream cheese.
- Cover the crock pot and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Remove the chicken and shred it using two forks.
- Return the shredded chicken to the crock pot and stir in the cream cheese mixture.
- Add 8 ounces of cooked bacon, 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and Β½ cup of sliced green onions.
- Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well-combined and creamy.
Tips for Best Results
- Use real bacon bits for the best flavor and texture.
- Opt for high-quality ranch seasoning to enhance the taste of your meal.
- Make sure the chicken is fully covered by the broth and cream cheese mixture. This will keep it moist and creamy.
- Experiment with different cream cheese brands to find the best for your recipe.
Follow these easy steps and tips for a perfect creamy ranch chicken crock pot dish every time. Bon appΓ©tit!
Cooking Time and Temperature
An easy crack chicken recipe needs 6-7 hours in your slow cooker on low. This method makes the chicken soft and brings out the flavor of the dish. It’s perfect for making a meal that is full of taste.
But if you’re in a hurry, you can cook it on high for 4 hours as well. Yet, cooking it slowly on low is better to keep the chicken from getting hard. This way, all the ingredients mix together perfectly.
If you use the slow cooker method, here are the nutrients you get with each serving:
Nutrient | Value |
---|---|
Net Carbs | 4g |
Calories | 469kcal |
Protein | 31g |
Fat | 36g |
Saturated Fat | 19g |
Cholesterol | 144mg |
Sodium | 782mg |
Potassium | 429mg |
Sugar | 1g |
Vitamin A | 908IU |
Vitamin C | 1mg |
Calcium | 312mg |
Iron | 1mg |
Stick to the suggested cooking time and temperature to make a great meal. This dish will be a favorite at any event.
Serving Suggestions
Slow cooker crack chicken is very versatile and can fit many different occasions. We’ll look at three common ways to serve it to show how yummy and flexible it is.
Sandwiches and Sliders
Slow cooker crack chicken shines best in a sandwich or slider. Its creamy, savory taste is perfect as a filling. Just add some lettuce or coleslaw, and you’ve got a tasty, quick lunch or dinner.
With Rice or Noodles
Pairing the chicken with rice or noodles is another top choice. It makes for a classic, comforting meal. Just put the chicken on top of any cooked rice, noodles, or pasta you like for a simple, delicious dinner.
As a Dip
For parties or get-togethers, using crack chicken as a dip is a hit. Its creamy texture and bold taste go well with veggies, crackers, or chips. It’s a great appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
Low Carb Crack Chicken Options
If you’re into low carb crack chicken, you’re in for a treat. This dish, first shared on January 28, 2019, is a hit with keto fans and pretty much everyone else. It has just 4g of carbs in each serving, making it ideal for low-carb eaters.
There are many ways to enjoy low carb crack chicken. You can tweak it to match various tastes and dietary needs. Here are some top serving ideas for those cutting down on carbs:
- Lettuce Cups are a fresh take compared to buns or bread. Fill large lettuce leaves with the chicken and enjoy a wrap that’s carb-free.
- Standalone Dish With cream cheese, bacon, and cheese, it’s already rich. So eat it as is straight from your Crockpot.
- As a Dip It’s perfect for parties or snacks. Pair it with low-carb veggies for a tasty, but guilt-free, treat.
Let’s dig into the nutrition info of this meal:
Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
---|---|
Calories | 346 |
Fat | 23g |
Protein | 24g |
Total Carbs | 6g |
Net Carbs | 5g |
Fiber | 1g |
Sugar | 1g |
Making this dish is easy. Spend 10 minutes prepping it and let it cook for 5 hours. It’s made with chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning for a delicious meal.
Preparation takes just 10 minutes, and it cooks up in 5 hours. It features chicken, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning for tasty results.
Low carb crack chicken is not just tasty; it’s versatile too. Whether you prefer it as a dip or in lettuce wraps, it’s an easy fit for many low-carb diets. For another great version of the recipe, look at this slow cooker crack chicken recipe.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
Storing leftover shredded chicken crock pot meals is easy. Make sure your crack chicken cools to room temp before putting it away. Use an airtight container for storage. It’s best kept in the fridge and should be eaten within three days.
This way, your meal stays fresh, and you avoid harmful bacteria.
For reheat, you’ve got a few choices so your chicken stays juicy. On the stove, use a pan on low to medium heat. Add in a bit of chicken broth and stir often. This keeps your chicken tasty and not dried out.
Or, you might like the microwave. Put your chicken in a microwave-safe dish and cover it. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. Don’t forget a little chicken broth to keep it tender. Both ways will make your crack chicken as tasty as the first time.
FAQ
What is Crack Chicken?
Crack Chicken is a tasty dish. It includes shredded chicken and ingredients like cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and cheese. Bacon adds a savory twist. Fans say it’s addictive like the ‘crack dip’ often seen at parties.
Why is Crack Chicken so popular?
People love Crack Chicken for its rich, creamy taste. It’s easy to make and can be served in various ways. This makes it a favorite comfort food for many.
What are the benefits of using a crock pot to make Crack Chicken?
A crock pot makes cooking Crack Chicken simple. It tenderizes the chicken and blends flavors perfectly. Plus, you have less to clean up with this method.
What essential ingredients are needed for Crack Chicken?
You’ll need chicken breasts and key ingredients like ranch mix, cream cheese, bacon, and cheddar. These ingredients make a dish that’s creamy and full of flavor.
Are there optional ingredients that can enhance Crack Chicken?
Indeed, you can add green onions, herbs, or jalapenos to spice it up. These extras let you customize the taste to your liking.
How do I prepare Crack Chicken in a crock pot?
First, place chicken in the crock pot and add ranch mix and cream cheese. Cook on low for 6-7 hours. After, shred the chicken and mix in cheddar, bacon, and if you want, green onions.
What are some tips for achieving the best results when making Crack Chicken?
For top-notch Crack Chicken, use real bacon and quality ranch seasoning. Keep the chicken moist by cooking it on low heat. Check it sometimes, and you can add broth to keep it juicy.
How long should I cook Crack Chicken in a crock pot?
About 6-7 hours on low heat is the usual cooking time. This method makes the chicken tender and the flavors blend perfectly.
How can I serve Crack Chicken?
You can enjoy Crack Chicken in many ways. Serve it in sandwiches or over rice. It’s also perfect as a dip. This dish works for any occasion.
Are there low-carb serving options for Crack Chicken?
Yes, Crack Chicken can be put in lettuce wraps or served with low-carb veggies. This makes it a great option for those on a keto or low-carb diet.
How should I store and reheat leftover Crack Chicken?
To keep it fresh, store Crack Chicken in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a bit of chicken broth can prevent it from drying out.