If you don’t already know and love the deliciousness that is Crack Chicken, let me fill you in. It’s pure cheesy, bacon comfort food! You get juicy, slow-cooked chicken mixed with a tangy cream cheese and ranch sauce, then top that all off with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese. It’s seriously so good!
For more Crack Chicken recipes, try our One Pot Crack Chicken Casserole.
Why My Recipe
- Set it and forget it with this easy slow cooker version of the famous chicken, bacon, ranch combination!
- Spicy options included for those of us who like to bring the heat.
- Rachel literally wrote the Idiot’s Guide to Slow Cooker Cooking, so you know this recipe will be easy to follow!
This slow cooker recipe is a total game-changer. It’s a dump and go dinner that everyone loves. Trust me, one bite and you’ll understand how it got its name! This recipe is one that even picky kids love, thanks to the gooey cheese and crispy bacon, and we’ve included spicy options for those who love a little kick.
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 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 Onion: 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 Options
If you’re looking to bring the heat, we have three options for you to consider, each with its own spicy vibe.
Jalapeños: Mix in a whole minced jalapeño and let it cook down with your chicken. If you’re looking for a little crunch, top with pickled or fresh jalapeño slices.
Red Pepper Flakes: For a more even heat throughout, add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes with your ranch seasoning.
Hot Sauce: 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’re trying to please everyone, serve with some hot sauce on the side, so everyone can add their own level of heat.
Serving Suggestions
In a Sandwich: Spoon onto toasted slider buns for a craveable sandwich. Add some lettuce if you want to pretend you’re adding nutritional value.
In a Wrap: Roll it up in a large flour tortilla along with lettuce, diced tomatoes, and any other veggies you like.
Over Rice: Doesn’t matter if it’s white or brown rice, it’s gonna be delicious.
Over Pasta: Cook up some fettuccine or egg noodles and scoop your chicken right on top.
As a Salad: Toss with some crisp romaine, cherry tomatoes, and a light dressing to balance out the richness of the chicken.
On a Baked Potato: Top a warm baked potato with a heavenly helping and a dollop of sour cream and green onions for the best loaded potato ever.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze in an airtight container or plastic freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat on the stovetop in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a splash of milk to bring some moisture back to the chicken.
Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between for even heating. Cover with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.
Try this in a croissant! GREAT for a gathering this way along with a fruit plate, salad, etc. Thank you Rachel!!💗
Oh my gosh, yes! Croissant sandwiches are one of my favorite indulgences.
It’s delicious. Love it’s a crock pot recipe. My family loved it.
Making this as I’m writing. It smells amazing.. Thank you for the recipe..
This is absolutely amazing! We really enjoy it.
This was absolutely delicious! I’ve tried a lot of different crack chicken recipes and yours is a perfect ratio of ingredients that comes out SO GOOD! I followed it to a T and it was the perfect consistency, juicy and tasty. The whole family loved it! All your recipes are so amazing and they make me feel like I can actually cook! Thank you for all you do and your great recipes!
Delicious!!!
Love All of the Chicken recipes! Would choose wraps, salads or just plain for myself. To serve I would also use the pasta and/or rice. Awesome recipe(s)!!! I love chicken as well 😋🌸 Thank you for the Inspiration
Delicious!!
OMG so delicious! Love all of Your recipes. You have made me such a better cook. Thank You both!!!!!
Thank you so much for all of your recipes. They definitely open my eyes too how bland I was making my dishes. You have allowed me to be more creative and not only my family thanks you, But I thank you.
I love your easy recipes