Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

This dish is a total game-changer, loaded with juicy chicken, ooey-gooey cheese, crispy bacon, and that punchy ranch flavor we all know and love. It’s the kind of meal you whip up in the slow cooker, forget about until dinnertime, and then bask in the glory of minimal effort and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just looking to switch up your dinner routine with some true comfort food goodness, crack chicken is the way to go. Trust us, one bite and you’ll understand why it’s got such a crave-worthy name!

What is crack chicken you ask? Oh, it’s the stuff of legends in the comfort food world! Imagine pulling apart tender, juicy chicken that’s been slow-cooked to perfection, then swirling it around in a dreamy, creamy sauce packed with the tang of ranch, the richness of cream cheese, and a generous sprinkle of melty cheddar. Top that off with bits of crispy bacon, and you’ve got a dish that practically begs you to dive in.

Ingredient Notes

• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: you can also use boneless skinless chicken thighs without any adjustment to the cooking time. You can use frozen chicken without thawing by adding 1 hour to the cooking time.
• Salted Butter: slice it into 4 to 6 slices to ensure it melts evenly over the chicken.
• Dry Ranch Seasoning: make your own like we do to control the flavor, or use one of those convenient 1-ounce packets.
• Cream Cheese: cubed for even melting like the butter. Light cream cheese (Neufchatel) also works for those who want to indulge a little less.
• Bacon: freshly cooked bacon is always better, but bacon crumbles from a jar are a convenient alternative that still works.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: sharp cheddar is where it’s at, but feel free to switch things up with pepper jack or mozzarella.
• Green Onions: optional but they do add a pop of color that makes this more visually appealing for those who have the self-control to eat with their eyes first.

Spicy Variation

If you’re looking to bring the heat, we have four options for you to consider, each with their own spicy vibe. Mix in a whole minced jalapeño and let it cook down with your chicken. For a more even heat throughout, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with your ranch seasoning. If you want to add a little tang with your heat, ¼ cup of Frank’s Red Hot sauce will do the trick. And if you are trying to please everyone, serve it up with your favorite bottle of hot sauce on the side, letting everyone add their own level of heat.