There’s something about the allure of crack chicken that pulls you in—it’s like a warm hug on a chilly day. The creamy blend of flavors, mingling like an unexpected friendship at a summer barbecue, transforms simple ingredients into a dish that’s hard to resist. Oh, and did I mention it’s made in a crock pot? Perfect for those days when you just want to let dinner cook itself while you catch up on that new series everyone’s talking about.
Steps
- Begin by placing the chicken thighs in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken thighs, then place the cream cheese on top.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on the low setting for 7 hours, ensuring the lid remains closed during this time to retain moisture and flavors.
- Once the cooking time is complete, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the cream cheese into the shredded chicken until well combined.
- Add the cooked bacon to the mixture and distribute it evenly. Then, sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the top of the mixture.
- Replace the lid and allow the cheese to melt for about 10 more minutes. Serve the dish over rice, garnishing with sliced green onions if desired.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trim excess fat if desired)
- 1 oz. packet ranch dressing seasoning mix
- 16 oz. cream cheese
- 8 slices bacon (sliced, cooked, and drained)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sliced green onions
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2760kcal | Carbohydrates: 28g | Protein: 176g | Fat: 212g | Saturated Fat: 104g | Cholesterol: 1100mg | Sodium: 4408mg | Potassium: 2332mg | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 5720IU | Vitamin C: 6.4mg | Calcium: 1188mg | Iron: 7.6mg
FAQ
- Can I substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts in this recipe?
- Yes, you can use chicken breasts if you prefer them over thighs for this recipe.
- Is it possible to use more than 2 lbs of chicken without adjusting the other ingredients?
- Yes, you can use more chicken without changing the quantities of the other ingredients, and it will still turn out delicious.
- How can I make this dish spicy?
- To add some heat, you can use a spicy ranch seasoning packet or include one jalapeno in the recipe.
- What are some serving suggestions for this dish?
- This dish can be served over white rice, mashed potatoes, inside baked potatoes, on toasted hamburger buns, or with crackers as a dip.
- How long should I cook the Crack Chicken in the slow cooker?
- Cook the chicken on low for 7 hours without opening the lid during the cooking time for best results.
Tips
- Opt for chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier and more flavorful dish. Thighs tend to retain moisture better, resulting in a richer texture.
- To reduce the sodium content, use only one packet of ranch seasoning mix. This helps balance the flavors without overwhelming the dish with saltiness.
- Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks to save time and minimize cleanup. This method also allows the chicken to absorb more flavors from the cooking juices.
- If you prefer a spicier version, consider using a spicy ranch packet or adding a chopped jalapeño to the mix for an extra kick.
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Shredding Forks (optional, but helpful for shredding chicken)
