3 Ways to Make Crack Chicken at Home

Imagine biting into a sandwich or dipping a chip into something that's irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and with a hint of tanginess, it's hard not to fall in love with Crack Chicken. But what exactly is this dish that has everyone hooked? Crack Chicken, a blend of shredded chicken, cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch, is a dish that gained popularity online for its addictive flavor profile. Here are three delectable methods to prepare this mouthwatering treat right in your kitchen.

Method 1: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

A slow cooker is an excellent tool for turning out a succulent and tender Crack Chicken dish, requiring little effort from you.

Ingredients:

• 2-3 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) of ranch dressing mix
• 2 blocks (8 oz each) of cream cheese
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cooked and crumbled bacon
• ¹⁄₄ cup of chopped chives
• ¹⁄₄ cup of chicken broth
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
2. Sprinkle ranch dressing mix over the chicken.
3. Pour in the chicken broth.
4. Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 4 hours.
5. Shred the chicken with two forks or a mixer, right in the pot.
6. Mix in cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon until melted and well combined.
7. Season with salt and pepper.
8. Cook for an additional 15-20 minutes until everything is hot and bubbly.
9. Garnish with chives.

💡 Note: If the mixture seems too thick, you can thin it out with a bit more chicken broth.

Method 2: Instant Pot Crack Chicken

Using an Instant Pot, you can whip up Crack Chicken with even less waiting time, making it perfect for a last-minute dinner or appetizer.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) of ranch dressing mix
• 1 cup of chicken broth
• 2 blocks (8 oz each) of cream cheese
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup cooked, crumbled bacon
• Chives, for garnish
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Add chicken, broth, and ranch mix to the Instant Pot.
2. Seal and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes.
3. Do a quick release of the pressure.
4. Shred the chicken using two forks.
5. Set the Instant Pot to sauté mode, add cream cheese, cheddar, and bacon. Stir until the cheeses are melted.
6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
7. Garnish with chives before serving.

Method 3: Stove-Top Crack Chicken

Prefer not to use appliances like slow cookers or Instant Pots? No worries, the stovetop method offers a quick and hands-on approach to making Crack Chicken.

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 packet (1 oz) of ranch dressing mix
• 2 blocks (8 oz each) of cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
• ¹⁄₂ cup of cooked, crumbled bacon
• ¹⁄₄ cup of chopped green onions
• ¹⁄₄ cup of milk (optional, for thinning)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the chicken in a large pot of water with the ranch mix for 20-30 minutes until cooked through.
2. Remove the chicken, shred it with forks, and set aside.
3. In the same pot, reduce heat to low, add cream cheese, and melt it, stirring until smooth.
4. Add the shredded chicken, cheddar cheese, and bacon to the pot. Stir to combine.
5. If the mixture is too thick, add a little milk to achieve your desired consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper as needed.
7. Garnish with green onions just before serving.

💡 Note: Keep the heat low to prevent the cheese from sticking to the bottom of the pot.

Preparing Crack Chicken at home offers a variety of methods to suit different schedules and kitchen setups. Whether you opt for the ease of a slow cooker, the speed of an Instant Pot, or the hands-on control of the stovetop, you're in for a treat. This dish, with its rich blend of flavors and textures, has earned its place in home-cooked meal rotations across the country. So, gather your ingredients, choose your cooking method, and get ready to indulge in a meal that's sure to become a family favorite.

Can I make Crack Chicken without bacon?

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Yes, you can omit the bacon or replace it with a vegetarian substitute like sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to achieve a similar texture.

Is there a lighter version of Crack Chicken?

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To lighten up Crack Chicken, you could use low-fat cream cheese or Greek yogurt in place of some of the cream cheese, and opt for chicken breast which is leaner.

How long can I store leftover Crack Chicken?

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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat it gently in a microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if it’s too thick.