Description
Craving a weeknight dinner that’s as addictive as it is easy? Meet Crack Chicken – a creamy, cheesy, bacon-y dish that lives up to its name. This slow-cooker or oven-baked recipe features tender chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon, creating a flavor explosion with a perfect creamy texture. Customizable and make-ahead friendly, it’s sure to become your new weeknight dinner hero.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 8 oz full-fat cream cheese, cubed
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 8 slices thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 green onions, chopped (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Your Chicken: Trim any excess fat from your boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Layer It Up: Place your seasoned chicken thighs in the bottom of your slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix over the chicken, ensuring it’s evenly distributed. Then, dot the chicken with cubes of cream cheese.
- Step 3: Low and Slow: Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 4 hours.
- Step 4: Shred It Up: Once the chicken is cooked through, it should shred easily with two forks. Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, then stir in the cooked and crumbled bacon.
- Step 5: Melt the Cheese: Add your shredded cheddar cheese to the slow cooker and stir until it’s completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or milk to thin it out.
- Step 6: Serve and Savor: Serve your crack chicken on toasted buns, over rice, or with your favorite veggies. Don’t forget the extra toppings – chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and a dollop of sour cream are always a hit.
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or hot sauce.
- Swap ranch seasoning for buffalo sauce for a tangy twist.
- Try different cheeses like mozzarella or pepper jack.
- Use turkey bacon and low-fat cream cheese for a healthier version.
- Serve as sliders, over baked potatoes, with pasta, rice, quinoa, or as a salad topper.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (slow cooker) or 20-25 minutes (oven)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker, Oven-Baked
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Crack chicken, creamy chicken, cheesy chicken, bacon, ranch seasoning, slow cooker, oven-baked, easy weeknight dinner, family favorite, customizable recipe, make-ahead meal
