This crack chicken is creamy ranch flavored chicken that’s cooked in the crock pot until tender. A super easy slow cooker recipe that only contains 3 ingredients.
I make a lot of slow cooker dinners like apricot chicken, beef stroganoff and sloppy joes, but this crack chicken has to be one of our all time favorites. It takes just 5 minutes of prep time and the recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to feed a crowd.
Today we’re talking about crack chicken. You’re probably wondering where it got that unusual name, and the reasoning is, this chicken is so good it’s addictive! You won’t even believe how easy it is to make, simply throw the ingredients in the crock pot and come back later to a delicious meal.
How do you make crack chicken?
This crack chicken has just 3 ingredients – boneless skinless chicken breasts, ranch powder, and cream cheese. Everything goes into the slow cooker and simmers away until the chicken is tender enough to shred into bite sized pieces.
You may be tempted to add some liquid to your crack chicken, but additional liquid is not necessary because the chicken will release juices as it cooks.
Tips for crack chicken
- You can use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast if you prefer.
- Do not use low fat cream cheese, it won’t melt as well as regular cream cheese.
- You can use flavored cream cheese, such as jalapeno or garlic and herb cream cheese, for an extra level of flavor.
How do you shred chicken?
After your chicken is done, simply grab two forks, shred your meat and mix everything together, and dinner is ready! You can serve this crack chicken as-is, but I highly recommend adding a topping of crispy bacon and sliced green onions.
How do you eat crack chicken?
There are so many different ways to eat crack chicken, it’s great in the following preparations
- Piled onto buns
- Served over pasta
- As a pizza topping
- In lettuce wraps
- In a casserole
The most common way to eat crack chicken is in sandwich form. I pile the chicken onto brioche buns and add a slice of cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions for a satisfying meal.
You can add other toppings to your crack chicken to mix things up a bit, some of my favorites are
- Diced tomatoes
- Green chiles
- French fried onions
- Red onion
- Sauteed mushrooms
However you serve your crack chicken, it’s sure to be a big hit! Admittedly this is not the most beautiful dish, but what it lacks in looks, it makes up for in flavor. Your family will certainly agree.
More easy chicken dinners
- Chicken Ranch Tacos
- Monterey Chicken
- Buffalo Chicken Tacos
- Chicken Alfredo Stuffed Shells
- Bacon Wrapped Chicken
Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 ounce packet ranch seasoning
- 16 ounces cream cheese cut into cubes
- cooked crumbled bacon and green onions for serving optional
Instructions
- Place the chicken breasts, ranch seasoning and cream cheese in a slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Shred the chicken with two forks. Stir until everything is thoroughly combined.
- Serve, topped with bacon and green onions if desired.
Nicole says
This looks so amazing!! I cannot wait to get home and try this!
Becca Talbot says
I have never tried this before!! Sounds delicious – will have to give it a go x
Bella at Dear Mummy Blog says
Our slow cooker is such a lifesaver and we love the creamy ranch you’ve used in this dish!
Fatima Torres says
I can imagine how great the kitchen would smell while making this dish. I love the combination of red onions.
Preet says
Wow, I love this recipe it is so delicious and look so easy to prepare. I will def try to make this for the whole family.
Alexandra Cook says
Wow, I have never tried to make a crack chicken and this recipe looks really delicious and easy. I will try to make this for my kids, thanks for sharing!
John Mulindi says
This recipe is completely new one to me! can’t wait to try it. I like the name ”Crack Chicken”
Norafiqin says
I’ve never actually used the slow-cooker to cook anything and it looks like it’s time to start! I’ve just convinced the husband to get me one and i’m going to put it to good use.
Yeah Lifestyle says
Oh wow this crack chicken looks so good! I’m definitely going to be giving this a try – might not even share it, haha!
Jasemine Denise says
Crack chicken is so good, and this recipe is so ridiculously well done! 5 stars, most deinitely.
Georgiana Lohan says
Lovely! Now I am starving and I can`t wait to try this one!
Sam says
We make chicken pretty often in the Instant Pot, but it’s been a while since we’ve done one in a crockpot. This sounds like a great recipe and I’m all about easy recipes with just a few ingredients.
Elizabeth Weitz says
Ohhh this is delicious! I actually add Buffalo Franks sauce for an extra kick! Yummy recipe!
Anthony says
Sara,
I just came from Trader Joe’s here in NYC, I got the plump breasts & cream cheese….. however I could not find powder ranch there. I can go elsewhere tomorrow or the next day to try to find it, like maybe Fairways or Western Beef, but I have major sciatica leg pain issues. So….my big question is “any alternative options?” I have regular liquid ranch in my fridge but that is not meant to be heated right?? I could hold off on cooking until I figure out when & where I can find the ranch powder, was just wanting to cook this tonight or tomorrow! Let me know your thoughts on this! Thanks!
Sara says
Trader Joe’s typically doesn’t carry ranch powder. Most major grocery store chains have ranch powder and it’s located near the salad dressings in little packets. I do have a recipe for homemade ranch powder here: https://www.dinneratthezoo.com/homemade-ranch-dip/. I’m sure you don’t have the powdered buttermilk on hand but you may have the other spices to blend together for a similar effect?
Anthony says
Thanks Sara! I will try to find the ranch powder somewhere so that I can experience your original recipe, looks and sounds amazing. Manhattan neighborhoods have different styles of grocery stores compared to California where I grew up out West. i can picture exactly where to find it if I was walking around a Vons or Ralphs or Safeway in San Diego, but it’s a little different here. I’ll find it eventually. Thanks for your time!
Heidi Roberts says
Slow cookers are so versatile and useful! I would eat your chicken with rice!
Candace Moczarski says
ok Im making this so easy but looks amazing my kids will love. You can even do over nachos!!
-xoxo
Candace
Joanna says
I love using my slow cooker but I have never tried this recipe before. It sounds delicious ,especially as a sandwich spread or even for breakfast.
Catherine says
This looks absolutely fantastic! Yet another delicious and wonderful meal….I have to give this a try!
Jordan says
Omg- cream cheese and chicken, I’m done! I was supposed to be on a New Year’s diet, but no more.
Anthony Vitte says
Wow!!! Holy crackamole!!! You’re gonna make addicts out of us Sara if you keep it up with these irresistible recipes!!!