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    Home » Recipes » Slow Cooker | Instant Pot

    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    Published: Sep 14, 2022 · Modified: May 3, 2025 by Jenna · This post may contain affiliate links · 80 Comments

    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    Move over tailgating recipes. This recipe for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is going to be your new favorite recipe to make for game day. It's even healthy too! The chicken is full of protein and you can top it with your favorite veggies like tomatoes or lettuce leaves and serve it over a whole wheat bun. Guaranteed to keep you full while watching the big game!

    Slow cooker crack chicken in a bun on a white plate.

    For more easy slow cooker recipes be sure to check out Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar), Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork, and Slow Cooker Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup! 

    Jump to:
    • What is Crack Chicken?
    • Ingredients for Crack Chicken 
    • Substitution Tips
    • How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken  
    • Recipe Tips
    • Best Crock Pot Tips
    • Recipe FAQs
    • Other Recipes to Try 
    • Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    What is Crack Chicken?

    It's called "crack chicken" because it's so addicting you won't be able to stop eating it and all it has is 3 easy ingredients!  Chicken, Ranch seasoning and cream cheese. When I come back from shopping after work, my house smelled pretty amazing.

    There is also a recipe for crack dip out there that looks really good and I plan on making that soon. It's the same concept as this but it's just something you serve with chips. 🙂 Crack is good

    Ingredients for Crack Chicken 

    • Boneless chicken breasts, thawed - They’re lean and quick-cooking and always come out juicy and tender. Use an instant-read thermometer to make sure that the chicken is not over cooked.  When reading labels for chicken breasts try to find ones that say Organic or Free Range. 
    • Blocks fat free cream cheese - or regular cream cheese if not following a specific diet
    • Packets dry Ranch seasoning
    • 8 oz bacon, cooked crisply and crumbled (optional)
    • Extra toppings: cheddar cheese, parsley, green onions or chives for garnish 

    Substitution Tips

    Don't like ranch seasoning? Then try these recipes Crock Pot Salsa Chicken (2 Ingredients) or Instant Pot Shredded BBQ Chicken (2 Ingredients)

    How to Make Slow Cooker Crack Chicken  

    Step 1 In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts on the bottom and then the brick of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning packet over the cream cheese and chicken.

    Step 2 Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.

    Step 3 Once the chicken shreds stir with a large fork or spoon, so the chicken shreds and all the ingredients combine.

    Recipe Tips

    If the sauce is too thick you can add some water to thin it out. The chicken should produce some water during the cooking process.

    Add in crumbled bacon and cheese on top.

    This recipe definitely can be low carb or made Keto if you don't use a bun! The base recipe is already low carb and keto-friendly. If you are on keto I would add some more fat by adding in a couple of tablespoons of butter with the cream cheese (use full-fat cream cheese instead).

    Makes 8 servings, serving size about ¾ cup.

    Best Crock Pot Tips

    One benefit of using a slow cooker is that it saves time and effort. You can add all of your ingredients to the pot, set the temperature, and let the slow cooker do the rest. Go to work and come home to a great meal!

    When choosing a slow cooker think of the size of your family first. Do you have a large family of 6 or more? You probably want a larger crockpot that is 7 qt or more. For smaller families that are 4 or less choose a 4 qt slow cooker and just adjust the recipe ingredients in half. No need to change the cooking times.

    It can cook simple basic food such as Crock Pot Potato Soup, 2 Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Chicken, Slow Cooker Beef Stew, and Slow Cooker Hawaiian Pulled Pork.

    Recipe FAQs

    Can I make my own ranch seasoning?

    Yes, you can I have a recipe for a dry ranch seasoning mix recipe here that doesn't have a lot of sodium in it. Ranch seasoning usually consists of garlic powder, onion powder, and dried dill. 

    How to store leftovers?

    Always store leftovers in clean, food-grade containers. The type of container doesn’t really matter. Use zip lock, glass, plastic,  whatever!  Make sure to store any leftovers in an airtight container before putting it in the freezer or fridge. 

    What is the best crock pot?

    Elite Gourmet - Electric oval slow cooker has adjustable temps and can make anything from entrees, sauces, stews & dips. Plus it’s dishwasher safe. This one also comes in a 4 quart size!

    Can I make Crack Chicken in the Instant Pot?

    For Instant Pot: place all 4 ingredients in your Instant Pot and set the pressure cook time to 15 minutes. Do a quick release.

    Other Recipes to Try 

    • Air Fryer Breakfast
    • Frozen Air Fryer Pancakes
    • How to Air Fry Jimmy Dean Breakfast Sandwich
    • Air Fryer Frozen Garlic Bread

    If you tried this Slow Cooker Crack Chicken or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. I love hearing from you! Follow along on Tiktok @jennarecipediaries

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

    5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 12 reviews
    • Author: Jenna
    • Prep Time: 10 min
    • Cook Time: 6 to 8 hrs
    • Total Time: 6 to 8 hrs
    • Yield: 8
    • Category: Dinner
    • Method: Slow Cooker
    • Cuisine: American
    Print Recipe
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    Description

    Move over tailgating recipes. This recipe for Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is going to be your new favorite recipe to make for game day.


    Ingredients

    Scale
    • 2 lbs boneless chicken breasts
    • 1 (8 oz) blocks fat free cream cheese
    • 1 (1 oz) packets dry Ranch seasoning
    • Extra toppings: melted cheese or pickles
    • 8 oz bacon, cooked crisply and crumbled (optional)


    Instructions

    1. In a slow cooker, place the chicken breasts on the bottom and then the brick of cream cheese on top of the chicken. Sprinkle the Ranch seasoning packet over the cream cheese and chicken. 
    2. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4 hours, until chicken shreds easily.
    3. Once chicken shreds stir with a large fork or spoon, so the chicken shreds and all the ingredients combine.
    4. Add in crumbled bacon and stir to incorporate.
    5. Serve warm.
    6. For Instant Pot: place all 4 ingredients in your Instant Pot and set the pressure cook time to 15 minutes. Do a quick release.
    7. Makes 8 servings, serving size about ¾ cup. 

    Notes

    My WW Personal Points: 3 Click here to see in recipe builder (will have to log in)

     Use the scanner app to find low-point bun options in your area. Not included in the nutrition info. 

    Make it low carb and skip the bun! 

    Optional: add cheese on top of the chicken. 


    Nutrition

    • Serving Size: ¾ cup
    • Calories: 284
    • Sugar: 2g
    • Fat: 15g
    • Saturated Fat: 9g
    • Carbohydrates: 3g
    • Fiber: 2g
    • Protein: 33g

    Did you make this recipe?

    Tag @recipediariesww on Instagram

    Disclaimer: Do not use the nutrition info calculator to figure out points for this because it will be wrong. It has the chicken included in the nutrition info and will make the points much higher than what the recipe builder states.

    Save

    More Easy Slow Cooker Recipes

    • Instant Pot Jasmine Rice
    • Instant Pot Quinoa
    • Homemade Applesauce Recipe
    • Slow Cooker Creamy Tomato Tortellini Soup

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lydia says

      July 30, 2017 at 5:51 pm

      I love the jalapeno cream cheese idea!! Im.making this tomorrow ...i hope it comes out good

    2. Malissa says

      May 21, 2017 at 8:59 pm

      Made this today, I was unsure on my chicken lbs but assumed it was between 1.5 - 2 lbs. I used a block and a half of cream cheese and two small buttermilk ranch dressing packets. Once I shredded the chicken, I did like it, but felt like it needed something more for our personal taste. I added some grated Parmesan and continued to cook on low for about 30 mins. I used a pound of bacon and crumbled half inside before serving and left the rest for sandwich toppings. 'My husband came up with the brilliant idea to top this with BBQ sauce and it truly made the sandwich for me. I absolutely loved it. I will definitely make this again! Great base recipe that can be made to suit family preferences. Thank you!

    3. Renee says

      April 13, 2017 at 12:03 pm

      Hi. What kind of rolls were used in this picture? Thanks

    4. CURTIS says

      April 05, 2017 at 12:39 pm

      This recipe is amazing! Thanks for posting!

    5. CURTIS says

      April 05, 2017 at 12:38 pm

      Just kidding. Lol

    6. CURTIS says

      April 05, 2017 at 12:35 pm

      Chickens are mammals too..just sayin..lol

    7. Dede says

      February 26, 2017 at 10:45 am

      You don't eat mammals, but you eat chicken?

    8. lauren says

      February 20, 2017 at 2:08 am

      Should I get original ranch dressing seasoning or buttermilk? Fixing to make this for the first time so I need opinions ! ( :. Also, what is the best kind of buns to use? And what have you all used for sides?

    9. Susan says

      February 19, 2017 at 7:50 pm

      Made this tonight. It was delicious. I halved the recipe and used Jalapeno Cream Cheese. Too make like the picture, I stirred in some shredded cheddar cheese just before serving. Halved was perfect for 3 people. Really, really good.

    10. Melissa says

      February 10, 2017 at 2:19 pm

      How much is a serving size? 3 oz? 4 oz? And what's the macro breakdown per serving (carbs, protein, fat, etc.)?

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    Hey, I'm Jenna! I'm a graphic designer, photographer, and home cook from From Fargo ND. I love my Ninja Creami, Air Fryer, and Blackstone. I created this blog to share recipe tips and tricks with everyone, enjoy!

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    Slow Cooker Crack Chicken