Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

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🍗 Recipe: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken

  • Prep time: 10 minutes

  • Cook time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)

  • Servings: 6

  • Difficulty: Easy

Ingredients

  • Chicken: 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for extra moisture).

  • Cream Cheese: 2 blocks (8 oz each), softened and cubed.

  • Ranch Seasoning: 1 packet (1 oz) Hidden Valley or homemade equivalent.

  • Bacon: 8–10 slices, cooked until crispy and crumbled.

  • Cheese: 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

  • Garnish: 1/4 cup chopped green onions or chives.

Instructions

  1. Layer the Base: Place the raw chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker.

  2. Season & Cream: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning packet evenly over the chicken. Place the cubed cream cheese on top.

  3. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The chicken should be tender enough to shred easily.

  4. Shred: Remove the chicken to a bowl or shred it directly in the pot using two forks. Mix well with the melted cream cheese and ranch juices until creamy.

  5. The Finisher: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and half of the crumbled bacon. Cover for 5–10 minutes until the cheese is bubbling and melted.

  6. Serve: Top with the remaining bacon and green onions.

📝 Recipe Notes & Tips

  • Don’t Add Water: It’s tempting to add broth, but don’t! The chicken releases plenty of moisture, and adding liquid will make the sauce runny instead of creamy.

  • Low is Better: For the most tender chicken, the “Low” setting is superior. High heat can sometimes make chicken breasts a bit stringy.

  • Lighten it Up: You can use “Neufchâtel” cheese and low-fat cheddar, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

📊 Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Approximate values based on standard ingredients:

Nutrient Amount
Calories 480 kcal
Total Fat 32g
Net Carbs 4g
Protein 38g
Sodium 850mg

✨ Benefits of This Dish

  • Keto/Low-Carb Friendly: Naturally high in protein and fat with very few carbs, making it a staple for ketogenic diets.

  • Versatility: It’s a “chameleon” meal. Serve it as a dip with celery, in a wrap, over pasta, or on a brioche bun.

  • Meal Prep King: This freezes beautifully and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have melded.

❓ Common Q&A

Q: Can I use frozen chicken?

A: It’s generally recommended to thaw chicken first for food safety (to ensure it spends less time in the “danger zone” temperature). If you must use frozen, add 1–2 hours to the cook time.

Q: My sauce is too thick. How do I fix it?

A: If it’s too thick for your liking, stir in a splash of heavy cream or chicken broth 15 minutes before serving.

Q: How long does it stay fresh?

A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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