Easy Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe

Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is an easy crockpot recipe that takes only 10 minutes to prep. Tender chicken, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and crispy bacon come together into a creamy, addictive recipe every time!

I love slow cooker recipes that are quick and easy to prepare. I can't get along without them! That's why this recipe for Crack Chicken in the slow cooker is one of our favorites.

In addition to taking just a few minutes to prep, this easy crockpot dinner is so versatile. With more than ten different ways to serve it up, you can enjoy this easy recipe over and over again without ever getting tired of it! 

In fact, it's so good that you just might get addicted! (Which is where its name is said to originate.)

If you're new to slow cooking, check out our Crock Pot Tips and Tricks!

Slow cooking makes dinner so easy. Try Pork Chops in the Crock-Pot for a hearty meal topped with amazing gravy, Slow Cooker Chicken Bacon Ranch Tater Tot Casserole that is incredibly easy to prep and tastes similar to crack chicken, or traditional Crock Pot Chicken and Potatoes.

Jump to:

• Ingredient Notes
• Substitutions
• Step-By-Step Instructions
• More Amazing Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes
• Can You Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken with Frozen Chicken
• Erin's Tips & Tricks
• What to Serve with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
• Is Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Low Carb?
• Can You Freeze the Recipe?
• Printable Recipe

Ingredient Notes

This versatile dinner recipe uses a few simple ingredients. I bet you already have everything you need to make this crockpot chicken with cream cheese in your fridge and pantry and fridge! 

To make this delicious cream cheese chicken recipe, you'll need the following:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs – trimmed of excess fat. Breast meat also works.
• Ranch seasoning mix – use a pre-made mix or whip up your own favorite ranch dressing mix recipe.
• Cream cheese – full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese is fine for this easy dinner.
• Garlic powder – optional but can add an extra kick of flavor.
• Bacon – cooked and crumbled. (Here's how to bake a large batch of bacon in the oven.)
• Green onions – to add some texture and flavor to the finished dish.

Substitutions

While we love this recipe just as it is, there are a few simple ways to change the flavors and ingredients. Try it the traditional way first, then make these substitutions to change things up the next time you make slow cooker crack chicken:

• Add a kick to your crack chicken by topping it with spicy ranch seasoning. 
• Use chicken breasts in place of chicken thighs.
• Lighten up the meal by using reduced-fat cream cheese instead of regular cream cheese.
• Spice up your crack chicken with shredded pepper jack in place of the shredded cheddar cheese.

Step-By-Step Instructions

This flavorful dish could not be easier to make. Prepping it takes only about 10 minutes, and then you can let the slow cooker work its magic. 

Step 1 – Add the Chicken

Start by placing your chicken thighs in the insert of the slow cooker.

Tip: To prevent the chicken from sticking to the bottom of the pot as it cooks, spray the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray before placing the raw chicken inside.

Step 2 – Season the Chicken

Sprinkle the ranch dressing mix directly on top of the chicken.

Make sure to coat all your chicken thighs with seasoning thoroughly. This will ensure your chicken gets tons of flavor as it cooks.

Step 3 – Add the Cream Cheese

Finish your prep work by placing the cream cheese directly on top of the chicken. There is no need to soften or slice the cream cheese before adding it to the slow cooker. 

Keeping the cream cheese in blocks helps keep the chicken from drying out as it cooks.

Step 4 – Cover and Cook

Place the lid on and cook your slow cooker ranch chicken with cream cheese for five to six hours on low. 

Step 5 – Shred the Chicken

When the cooking time is up, it's time to get your chicken ready to enjoy! Use two forks to shred the chicken in the crockpot. 

Or remove the chicken to a cutting board for easier access. Once the chicken is shredded, add it back to the pot and stir the chicken and cream cheese until they're well combined.

It will start to thicken at this point. 

Step 6 – Add in Cheese and Bacon

Toss in the cooked bacon and top with shredded cheese. 

When serving, make sure the shredded cheese is mixed well throughout the dish to ensure you get lots of cheese in every scrumptious bite.

Step 7 – Melt the Cheese

Place the lid back on the slow cooker and let the crack chicken cook for ten more minutes.

Note: When stirring all the ingredients together, you may notice the mixture is a little runny. Letting your cream cheese chicken cook these extra minutes will give the ingredients a chance to thicken and let the shredded cheese have time to melt.

Step 8 – Garnish and Enjoy

Once the cheddar cheese melts, it's time to enjoy your crack chicken. All you have to do is sprinkle some green onion over the top and take a bite!

More Amazing Slow-Cooker Chicken Recipes

Slow Cooker Chicken Noodle Soup
Slow Cooker Honey Garlic Chicken
Crock Pot Salsa Verde Chicken
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken
Slow Cooker Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Can You Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken with Frozen Chicken

Although opinions have changed over the years, it is now considered safe to use frozen chicken in your crockpot. In short, yes, you can Make Crock Pot Crack Chicken with frozen chicken.

Erin's Tips & Tricks

• Chicken: You can use chicken thighs or chicken breast meat to make crack chicken.
• Ranch Seasoning: You can use a prepackaged ranch seasoning mix or make your own ranch seasoning.
• Equipment: We use a 6-quart crockpot for cooking the recipe.
• It will thicken! Once the chicken is done cooking, there will be lots of liquid. After the chicken is shredded, the dish will thicken perfectly.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

While this delicious slow cooker recipe is terrific on its own, it's such a versatile dish!

There are so many surprising ways to enjoy this easy recipe. When thinking about serving options for your crack chicken, consider serving it:

• on top of brown rice or white rice
• over a baked potato
• on toasted sandwich rolls
• top your favorite pasta or zoodles
• over quinoa
• as a dip for chips, pita bread, crackers, and veggies
• in lettuce wraps
• as a pizza topping
• as a meat topper for nachos

The dinner/snack possibilities are endless with this easy dish! We like it with Roasted Brussels Sprouts!

Is Cream Cheese Crack Chicken Low Carb?

When you make following the instructions above, Crack Chicken is low-carb and perfect for the Keto diet. All that cream cheese provides plenty of fat, and each serving has low net carbs.

This recipe is also gluten-free, making it an excellent choice for anyone with gluten intolerance. 

Can You Freeze the Recipe?

Yes, you can freeze this slow cooker crack chicken recipe! 

Make sure the recipe is cooled completely after cooking. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer Ziploc bag and put the freezer. Make sure to label and date it!

Follow our tips for Preventing Freezer Burn!

It will last up to 3 months in the freezer. To defrost, place in the refrigerator the night before and reheat either on the stove-top or oven on medium heat for about 5-10 minutes or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

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Printable Recipe