The first time I made this, it was a Wednesday. Long day. Empty fridge. But I had bacon, ranch mix, and frozen chicken. By dinner, we had this creamy, comforting bowl of slow cooker crack chicken, and my whole family fell quiet at the first bite. That’s how you know it’s a keeper.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s a one-pot wonder. Just layer, pour, and walk away.
- Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays.
- Kids devour it, no questions asked.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully and freeze well.
- You can easily switch up the proteins or sneak in veggies.
What Is Crack Chicken?
It’s a wildly popular combo of cheddar, bacon, and ranch that originally came from a dip recipe. People started calling it “crack” because it’s that addictive. When you turn that flavor combo into a hot, creamy slow cooker meal, you get something truly irresistible.
This version simmers all day with chicken and bacon, soaking up every bit of cheesy ranch goodness.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Chicken breasts: Boneless and skinless, they shred perfectly.
- Chopped bacon: Adds smoky richness and texture.
- Cream cheese: For that thick, tangy base.
- Cream of chicken soup: Gives it body and a savory backbone.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Helps everything meld smoothly.
- Ranch dressing mix: The flavor bomb of the whole dish.
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Melty, salty, and comforting.
Optional Add-ins and Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs or tenderloins for a richer bite.
- Turkey bacon works great for a lighter version.
- Add chopped spinach, broccoli, or even frozen peas.
- Swap in a homemade ranch mix or cream of chicken if you want fewer preservatives.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Start by layering your chicken breasts and chopped bacon into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- In a small saucepan, melt together the cream cheese, soup, broth, ranch mix, and shredded cheddar. Stir until smooth.
- Pour the sauce over the chicken and bacon.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
- Serve it up: You can leave the chicken whole or shred it into the sauce for that creamy, pulled texture.
Tip: Use real, precooked bacon bits to save time. I usually shred the chicken with two forks right in the slow cooker before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This dish is a creamy dream over:
- Angel hair pasta
- Fluffy mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice
On the side, I love serving:
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- Cheesy Ranch Potatoes with Smoked Sausage as a hearty side dish
- Buttery biscuits
Got leftovers? Tuck the mixture into wraps, sliders, or stuff it inside baked potatoes. It’s wildly flexible.
Tips for Success & Storage
Tips for Best Results
- Soften cream cheese before melting to avoid lumps.
- Don’t skip melting the sauce before adding — it prevents curdling.
- Shredding the chicken near the end lets it soak in all that ranchy, cheesy sauce.
Storing & Freezing
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freeze in meal-size portions for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, warm on the stovetop or microwave gently with a splash of broth or milk.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken Recipe – Recipe Card
Print
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken: Amazing Creamy Comfort
- Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Chicken and bacon slow cooked in a creamy cheddar ranch sauce; easy to make and family-friendly. Serve over pasta, rice, or potatoes.
Ingredients
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
¾ cup cooked chopped bacon
1 (8-oz) package cream cheese
1 (10.5-oz) can unsalted cream of chicken soup
½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 (1-oz) packet ranch dressing mix
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
1. Place chicken breasts and chopped bacon into a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine cream cheese, cream of chicken soup, chicken broth, ranch mix, and cheddar cheese until smooth.
3. Pour sauce over the chicken and bacon in the slow cooker.
4. Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
5. Serve whole or shredded over angel hair pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes.
Notes
Substitute chicken thighs or tenderloins if preferred.
Use precooked real bacon bits for convenience.
Turkey bacon can be used for a lower-calorie option.
Add vegetables like spinach or broccoli directly to the slow cooker.
Shredding the chicken before serving is optional.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freeze portions for up to 3 months for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 4 hrs
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 810mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
More Such Recipes
For another creamy, cheesy dinner, try Crockpot Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta.
Craving something tropical? Crockpot Hawaiian BBQ Chicken brings sweet heat and island vibes.
If you’re looking for a baked variation, don’t miss Creamy Ranch Chicken.
FAQs
Can you use a slow cooker with a crack?
If your slow cooker insert has a crack, it’s not safe to use. Leaks and uneven heating can make cooking dangerous. Replace it before making this recipe.
Why is crack chicken called crack chicken?
It’s named for the combo of ranch, cheddar, and bacon — a mix folks find totally addictive. It started as a dip and took on a life of its own.
Can I put raw chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, this recipe uses raw chicken. As long as you cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, it’s perfectly safe. The internal temp should hit 165°F.
What is the best way to eat crack chicken?
Over mashed potatoes is a comfort food win. But it’s also great in buns, stuffed into sweet potatoes, or rolled into tortillas for wraps.
Final Thoughts
Slow cooker crack chicken is the kind of recipe that brings everyone to the table — hungry, happy, and asking for seconds. It’s creamy, savory, and just the kind of low-effort dinner that makes busy nights feel a little easier.
Got your own twist on it? Let me know in the comments. I love hearing how others make it their own. And if you share it on Pinterest or Facebook, tag me — I’d love to see!
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