December 18, 2023

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

Prepare to embark on a journey of irresistible flavors with our Slow Cooker Crack Chicken – a dish that lives up to its name in both taste and simplicity. This culinary marvel features tender, slow-cooked chicken infused with a savory blend of cream cheese, crispy bacon, and zesty ranch seasoning. The result is a dish so addictive, that it’s been affectionately dubbed ‘Crack Chicken’ for its undeniable ability to leave taste buds craving more. Join us as we unravel the secrets to creating this indulgent masterpiece that easily combines convenience with a burst of deliciousness.”

INGREDIENTS TO PREPARE THE CROCKPOT CRACK CHICKEN:

With these ingredients, you’re ready to create this easy and flavorful chicken dinner that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy the creamy, bacon-infused goodness over a bed of fluffy white rice, garnished with the freshness of green onions!

Main Ingredients:

Chicken Breasts – 3 pounds (approximately 4 medium breasts, boneless and skinless): Ensure the chicken is fresh and trimmed for uniform cooking.
Bacon – 1 pound (fried crispy and crumbled, divided in half): Crispy bacon adds a smoky and savory element to the dish.
Onion – 1 (finely chopped): Finely chopped onion adds a sweet and aromatic base to the chicken.
Cream Cheese – 8 ounces (cut into cubes): Provides a rich and creamy texture to the dish.
Cream of Chicken Soup – 21 ounces (low sodium or unsalted, 2 cans): Use low-sodium or unsalted cream of chicken soup to control the dish’s saltiness.
Heavy Cream – ¾ cup: Enhances the creaminess and richness of the sauce.
Whole Milk – 1 cup: Whole milk contributes to the overall creaminess of the dish.
Dry Ranch Dressing – 2 ounces (two 1-ounce packets): Dry ranch dressing mix adds a zesty and herby flavor to the chicken.
Black Pepper – ½ teaspoon: Black pepper adds a hint of warmth and depth of flavor.
Colby-Jack Cheese – 1½ cups (shredded): Shredded Colby-Jack cheese brings a mild and melty consistency.
Sharp Cheddar Cheese – 2 cups (shredded): Shredded sharp cheddar cheese provides a bold and robust flavor.

Additional Ingredients:

White Rice – 1¼ cups (pre-cooked): Pre-cooked white rice serves as a delicious base.
Green Onions – 3 tablespoons (optional garnish, chopped): Chopped green onions add a fresh and vibrant garnish to the finished dish.

Why IS CRACK CHICKEN CALLED CRACK CHICKEN?

The origin of the term is a bit unclear, and the recipe itself has become popular in various online cooking communities. The name likely comes from the idea that the combination of ingredients, particularly the savory and addictive flavors of bacon, cream cheese, and ranch seasoning, creates a dish so irresistible that it’s as addictive as the drug crack cocaine.

The recipe has gained popularity on social media platforms, food blogs, and online recipe forums, with many variations and adaptations shared by home cooks. As with many internet-famous recipes, it’s challenging to pinpoint a specific origin, as it likely evolved organically through the sharing of ideas and recipes within the online cooking community. The Crack Chicken concept has expanded beyond the slow cooker version to include other variations.

How do you make this addicting chicken dinner?

In a large skillet fry the bacon until crispy. Crumble the bacon and set aside. In the same skillet add the onion and deglaze the skillet. Cook the onions until they begin to soften.

Add the cubed cream cheese cubes and chicken soup to the skillet, Use a whisk to combine the two and melt the cream cheese.

ADDING CREAM CHEESE AND CREAM OF CHICKEN SOUP

Whisk in the two ranch dressing packets, heavy cream, and whole milk into the skillet.

Add the Colby Jack cheese and half of the bacon bits fried earlier. Stir to combine.

Pour the crack chicken sauce over the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. Cover and set to HIGH for 2 hours. It’s important not to overcook the chicken and it’s difficult to say exactly how long to cook the chicken because all slow cookers heat at different temperatures. Your best bet is to check the chicken’s internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer will be your best bet. Once the breasts reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees F they are done.

POUR THE CRACK CHICKEN SAUCE OVER THE CHICKEN IN SLOW COOKER

Remove the chicken from the slow cooker and shred it with two forks. Return the chicken to the sauce and top with the remaining bacon, two cups of shredded cheddar cheese, and place the cover back on the slow cooker until the cheese melts. Garnish with the chopped green onion and enjoy!

**NOTE: If you want to make this a casserole; stir in the pre-cooked rice to the slow cooker. Or you can serve this individually over rice. In my photos, I mixed in the rice and made it into a casserole.

COMMON QUESTIONS AND PRO COOKING TIPS for EASY crack chicken RECIPE:

COMMONly asked QUESTIONS:

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?
- It’s recommended to use thawed chicken breasts for even cooking. If using frozen chicken, ensure it reaches a safe internal temperature before consuming.
Can I substitute cream of chicken soup with something else?
- While the soup contributes to the creamy texture, you can experiment with alternatives like cream of mushroom soup or a homemade white sauce for variation.
What can I serve with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken?
- Serve the chicken over white rice, pasta, or in sandwiches. It also pairs well with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Can I use a different cheese blend?
- Feel free to experiment with cheese blends based on your preference. Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend can add different flavors.
What happens if you overcook chicken in a slow cooker?
- Overcooking chicken in a slow cooker can lead to dry, tough meat as prolonged exposure to low heat causes the proteins to break down excessively. To avoid this, it’s important not to overcook and to use enough liquid to maintain the chicken’s moisture and tenderness.

Pro Cooking Chicken Tips:

Browning the Bacon: For enhanced flavor, consider browning the bacon before adding it to the slow cooker. Crispy, well-cooked bacon adds depth to the dish.

Shredding Chicken: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks for a convenient and mess-free process. Ensure the chicken is tender enough to shred easily.

Adjust Seasonings: Taste the dish before serving and adjust the seasoning, adding more ranch seasoning, black pepper, or salt if needed to suit your taste.

Fresh Herbs Garnish: Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives before serving to add a burst of color and freshness.

Use Low Sodium Ingredients: Opt for low-sodium or unsalted ingredients, especially with the cream of chicken soup, to control the overall saltiness of the dish.

WHAT DO YOU SERVE WITH CRACK CHICKEN?

Elevate crack chicken by easily pairing it with complementary sides that enhance the overall dining experience. Serve this creamy and savory chicken creation over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice, allowing the grains to absorb the rich, flavorful sauce. For a comforting twist, opt for creamy mashed potatoes to create a velvety base that perfectly complements the tender shredded chicken. Embrace a Tex-Mex fusion by presenting it in warm tortillas or wraps, adding fresh crisp lettuce and diced tomatoes. Steamed or roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, contribute a nutritious element and bring vibrant colors to the plate. A zesty side salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette offers a refreshing contrast to the indulgent richness, completing the meal with a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

SLOW COOKER CRACK CHICKEN ON A FORK. YUM!

LOOKING FOR MORE crockpot RECIPES? TRY ONE OF THESE!

Slow Cooker Beer Braised Corn Beef: This Slow Cooker Beer Braised Corned Beef has a classic corned beef flavor that is made even better with beer! Paired with carrots, cabbage, and potatoes this is the perfect meal for any cold winter night.

Crockpot Creamy Mushroom Steakbites: These Creamy Mushroom Steak Bites are a savory meal made with pantry staple ingredients to create a melt-in-your-mouth meal! This is the easiest recipe with simple ingredients that transform boring beef into a comforting meal.

The Best Crockpot Chili: With tender chunks of beef, flavorful beans, and a medley of aromatic spices, this chili is a surefire crowd-pleaser. Just toss everything into the slow cooker, let it simmer away, and come back to a pot of pure comfort.

HOW TO STORE, REHEAT, AND FREEZE LEFTOVER CRACK CHICKEN?

Storing chicken leftovers:

To store leftover Slow Cooker Crack Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the container within two hours of cooking to ensure food safety. Consume the leftovers within 3-4 days for the best quality, reheating them as desired for a quick and flavorful meal.

Reheating chicken leftovers:

To reheat leftover chicken, use the microwave for smaller portions by placing it in a microwave-safe dish and heating it in short intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly heated. For larger quantities, opt for stovetop reheating by placing the Crack Chicken in a pot or skillet with a bit of water to prevent sticking, heating over medium-low heat, and stirring occasionally until thoroughly heated. Alternatively, use the oven by preheating it to around 350°F (175°C), transfer it to an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake until heated through.

freezing leftovers:

To freeze leftover chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature. Portion the chicken into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion, or use zip-top freezer bags. Label the containers with the date, and freeze for up to 2-3 months.

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5 from 1 vote