Description
Creamy crack chicken delivers an irresistible blend of shredded chicken, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon that guarantees instant addiction. Comfort food enthusiasts will savor this easy one-pan meal perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings where you crave maximum flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Cheeses and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Extras:
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Place raw chicken breasts in a slow cooker or skillet, evenly distributing ranch seasoning across the surface.
- Layer cream cheese on top of seasoned chicken, ensuring complete coverage. For slow cooker, set on low temperature and allow to simmer for 4-6 hours; alternatively, in a skillet, cook for 20-25 minutes, rotating chicken midway through cooking process.
- Confirm chicken has reached proper internal temperature, then use two forks to meticulously pull and shred meat directly within cooking vessel.
- Incorporate shredded cheddar cheese and crispy bacon pieces into the mixture, continuing to heat for an additional 2-3 minutes until cheese melts completely and ingredients integrate seamlessly.
- Optional: Sprinkle freshly chopped green onions over the top for enhanced visual appeal and subtle flavor boost before serving.
Notes
- Swap chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier texture that remains tender during slow cooking.
- Reduce sodium by using low-sodium ranch seasoning and uncured bacon for a healthier version.
- Use dairy-free cream cheese and vegan cheese alternatives to make this recipe friendly for lactose-intolerant or dairy-sensitive individuals.
- Add extra crunch by toasting panko breadcrumbs and sprinkling them on top just before serving for a delightful textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (slow cooker) or 25 minutes (skillet)
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 555 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 0.3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg