The addictive flavor of crack dip in a complete meal.
A year or so ago, I discovered a wonderful party dip called crack dip. It’s got cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, cheddar cheese, green onions, and bacon all in one bowl, and it’s so crazy good you can dip pretty much anything in it and it will taste great. Seriously, I would eat a table leg with this stuff on it.
So when I heard that you can get that same flavor in a chicken dish, and make a whole meal out of it, you can bet my ears pricked up. And when I found out that you can make it in the Crockpot, naturally I was completely sold.
This Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken has all the delicious flavors of crack dip, plus tender slow-cooked chicken. And it’s amazingly easy to make: Just cook the chicken with the ranch seasoning and cream cheese, then shred it, stir it, and add the other ingredients.
Serve it up on buns, tortillas, or what have you, and you’ve got a hot meal bursting with crack-dip flavor. It’s much better than standing next to the table eating an entire bowlful of dip…uh, not that I’ve done that, of course.
RECIPE TIPS
Can you use bacon bits from a jar instead of the cooked, crumbled bacon?
If they are real bacon bits, and not fake soy things, then maybe you could get away with it. But I think it’s worth the trouble of cooking and crumbling some bacon for the flavor it provides. It’s not that much work, and the rest of the dish is so easy, you can easily make the time.
What’s a good side dish to serve with this creamy chicken?
The protein and starch are covered, so all you need is a green vegetable. A simple green salad would be just fine, or something like steamed broccoli or green beans with just a touch of butter, salt, and pepper. There’s so much flavor in the chicken, the veggie doesn’t need to be anything fancy.
Is this recipe keto friendly?
It is! All you have to do is leave out the bun and put it in a lettuce wrap, or treat it like a dip and dunk veggie strips into it.
How to Make Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients you will need:
chicken breasts
ranch dressing mix
cream cheese
cooked crumbled bacon
shredded cheddar cheese
green onions
- In the crockpot add your chicken, sprinkle with ranch and then place cream cheese on top. Cover and cook on low for 6 – 7 hours.
- Remove lid and shred chicken and stirring in the cream cheese. Add your cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions and give it a stir to combine.
- Serve on buns, croissants, tortillas, lettuce wrap or just scoop up with some veggies.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
TOOLS USED FOR THIS CREAMY CROCKPOT CRACK CHICKEN
Slow Cooker: Here is one of my favorite crockpots!
Slow Cooker Liners: Do you love easy clean-up jobs? Give these liners a try.
Looking for more free recipes? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Creamy Crockpot Crack Chicken
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken breasts
- 1 pkt ranch dressing mix
- 1 8 oz block cream cheese
- 1/2-3/4 cup cooked crumbled bacon depending on how much you like bacon
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 green onions sliced
- Buns
Instructions
- In crockpot add your chicken, sprinkle with ranch and then place cream cheese on top.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
- Remove lid and shred chicken and stirring in the cream cheese.
- Add your cheddar cheese, bacon and green onions and give it a stir to combine.
- Serve on buns, croissants, tortillas, etc.
Video
Save this recipe for later! Click the heart in the bottom right corner to save to your recipe box!
Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Ready for some more easy crockpot recipes?
- Crockpot Chicken and Gravy – a classic
- Slow Cooker Minestrone Soup – full of yummy veggies
- Beef Tips – family favorite
- Crock pot BBQ Chicken – fan favorite!
- Slow Cooker Chicken and Stuffing – a whole meal in one!
- Crockpot Honey Garlic Meatballs – a great appetizer or meal
- Crockpot Detox Soup – a super healthy meal
Krystie Scamehorn says
I was incredibly surprised at how well this recipe was received by my 8 year-old son. I followed the recipe exactly as written except I actually added a little more green onion, so I thought my son would notice. He didn’t. I served it on a bun and he ate it so fast. I’m keeping this surprisingly kid-friendly recipe.
Corey says
Yay! So happy you guys loved it Krystie!
Diane says
I make this a lot and add 1/2 cup of cream of chicken soup. We all love it and keeps it so creamy!
Dolly says
The recipe turned out exactly as shown in the video. I used a 2015 Crock-Pot appliance that typically runs HOT, but I used low setting for 6 hours and all was well. The flavors were mild. It was OK but NOT “amazing.” We all thought it could benefit from some kind of green chile or banana pepper to spice it up a bit. We found it mildly boring. Probably won’t make it again without something to give it a kick.
Corey says
Hi Dolly!
To keep this kid friendly, extra spices were left out, but that is a great idea to add some banana peppers to the sandwiches you make. Yum!
Tuck says
I diced fresh jalapeños in mine and it turned out fantastic mixed them in when you do the cheese and bacon
Lisa Goines says
Add your choice of peppers and swap out the ranch seasoning with fiesta ranch seasoning.
Joni says
Lisa, I love your idea to use fiesta ranch seasoning. Thanks for the tip! I’ll be making this tomorrow.
Mindy Cruz says
This stuff is addicting! Super delicious on buns. I think it would probably be great as a dip as well.
Sharon says
I’m going to try this recipe but was wanting to know if it can be done in an instant pot and if so do you know how long it will take?
Dianna says
It doesn’t take long in a instant pot, just make sure you don’t add the cheese till the end or it will burn. I always do mine is the instant pot because I make up 10 pounds at a time.
Abby says
Can you cook on high for a shorter period of time? Thanks!
Joell says
I cooked mine on high for 4 hours and it turned out just fine.
Jennifer says
I ruined mine doing it on high😔
Sheila says
I’ve cooked on high for 4 hours and to me it was too dry. I think slow cooking for 6 hours is key.
Lisa Goines says
Instead of breast try thighs should be juicy
Krystle MacDonald says
I actually used breasts…..after the cook time, I de-boned and shredded it. It was AMAZINGLY tender and juicy!!! And I cooked on high for shorter time!!!
Lori says
Can you triple this recipe?
Teri says
Can you use frozen chicken breasts?
Rebecca says
In my research, you should not use frozen breasts in a crockpot. It’s unsafe. I always thaw mine!
Cara H. says
You can def put frozen chicken in a crockpot. I do it often, and it’s fine.
Caiti says
When using frozen do you change time and temp????
mac says
can i cook on low for 12 hours? i need it to be ready when i get off work and my only other option is a 1 1/2 hour cook time. Thanks!
Corey says
I think the chicken will dry out if you did it for 12 hours on low.
Jamie says
Been cooking frozen chx breasts in the crockpot on low for decades, never a problem.
Sawyer says
The problem is not how the chicken turns out. The problem with frozen chicken is that during the cooking process it stays at an unsafe temp and can grow bacteria. You cannot see that so you would not know you were doing something wrong.
Nan says
Used frozen breasts & put it on high for 2 hours, then on low for remainder of the time. Yum!
Emily Santillan says
I wonder if you can use thighs instead of breasts
Corey says
Yes, boneless, skinless thighs will work out just fine Emily.
Andria says
Can it be on high for shorter?
Canan says
I cooked on high for 3. 5hrs and it was perfect!
Jerry M Blankenship says
4 Hours on high. Delicious 😋
ALexis says
Anyone else eat without the buns? Other suggestions – rice?
Corey says
Rice is good! I also like making it as a wrap.
Justin says
We stuffed it into fresh tomatoes from the garden and it was great.
bethany says
you can use it as a dip on tortilla chips or on a four tortilla wrap with lettuce and tomatoes for a chicken wrap.
Dianna says
We fry corn tortillas up and use it on that for the kids and they love it that way. I fill up and piece of lettuce and eat mine that way. Equally as good.
Lisa Goines says
Try it over mashed potatoes, pasta or as a dip. It makes awesome burrito filling.
Jenn says
My family likes it over linguine
Erin says
Try over noodles! So good!
Gail Wensink says
I put this type of thing on tortilla wraps that I make from cauliflower, egg and shredded cheese. They are similar to a keto crust but made smaller for individual servings. Can’t wait to try this chicken recipe on them.
Jen says
I eat this with chip, as a dip all the time, or with lettuce as a lettuce wrap.
April says
I want to try this recipe tonight but was wondering could I not just chop up bacon and put it in raw and let it cook that way? I hate the smell of making bacon in the house so I’m trying to avoid having to cook it.
Corey says
I have only made the recipe as written April. Let me know if you try that out and how it worked out 🙂
Britt says
You could always use the ready bacon you crisp up in the microwave. Or cook it in your oven.
Summer Turner says
I personally use prepackaged 100% real bacon bits.
Charity Faulkner says
I loved the recipe, if you don’t want the smell of making bacon, use precooked bacon.
Rita says
Use Real bacon bits instead.
Becky says
How long would I cook this on high? What would the cooking time be for frozen chicken on high and low?
Barb says
Can you freeze this. If so how to thaw it?
mary perkins says
can this be frozen?
Corey says
Yes Mary 🙂 You can freeze leftovers
Mary says
I don’t want to freeze leftovers. I want to make enough to put in the freezer for company. for laterfor anytime! LoVE this stuff!
Ashley says
How much is a serving ?
Sammy Snark says
I think for typical usda serving a protein is the size of your palm. So just grab a small handful and toss it on a bun. Lol
Cookie D H says
Delicious! I found myself standing over the pot just eating it with a spoon 🙂
Claudia Hedberg says
This recipe turned out AWESOME it was sooo easy and the most delicious meal I have had in awhile. I added red pepper flakes after shredding the chicken and it gave it the perfect kick and added some extra flavor! This was a fan favorite and we loved using it as a leftover to take to lunch w/ chips!😋
Tammy Stoker says
This recipe was wonderful. The whole family loved it (even my picky eater) and it will definitely go into our regular meal rotation.
Vannessa says
Hi! Just curious how much is a serving? I see it serves 6 but what is the measurement for a serving?
Thanks in advance,
Vannessa
kim says
Can you use already cooked shredded chicken?
Kate E. says
We really enjoyed this dish! So yummy!
Brandi says
I am making this tonight for dinner- looks awesome. My only question is it says serves 6 and gives the nutrition facts. By chance do you know how much each serving is? Thank you.
Krystle says
I am making this tonight for dinner and I was just curious is there no liquid needed for this recipe?
Joell says
The chicken actually creates its own liquid as it cooks. You’ll see. 😉
Karen Harmon says
When I made this, the chicken created toooo much liquid and the whole thing was too watery. How do I avoid this next time? I used defrosted chicken, cooked on low for 6 hours.
Also, I used the refrigerated leftovers like chicken salad, cold on a sandwich and on a bed of mixed greens. Yummy!
Canan says
Such a delicious recipe! My fiance loves it and it told me I need to make it again. Makes a really good dip too.
I cooked it on high for 3.5hrs instead of on slow and it was amazing!
Lori says
Really liked this but mine was kind of dry. I think I used too much chicken. Is there anything I can add to it to make it more moist for the 2nd day if eating ? Than you
Corey says
You could add some sour cream, or milk.
Sabreena Geeslin says
I usually double the recipe & add half a can of chicken broth because mine came out kinda dry the first time I ever made it. But I’ve made several times since & it’s moist & delicious. We like it on tortillas.
Erika says
How long did you cook it since you doubled it?
Maria says
Can you freeze this dish
Corey says
You sure cam Maria!
Danielle Raposo says
Just wondering if can double the recipe!?
I have a few people coming over tonight and would love to make this for everyone! Any other recommendations on making bigger portions?
Corey says
Yes you can, as long as you have a big enough crockpot. I would suggest at least a 6qt. Cooking times will be about the same, but allow for another 30-60 mins just incase 🙂
Phyllis says
I wanted the double my batch will that be a problem with the extra liquid I’m going to get from the chicken
Corey says
It shouldn’t be a problem in regards to the liquid. Just make sure you are using a large enough slow cooker.
Lisa says
Hi I live in England but I’m from America. In England you cant get ranch in powder form so can I use the salad dressing one as I can get this
Corey says
I have a recipe for the dry powder Lisa. https://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2014/07/diy-homemade-ranch-dressing-mix.html
Penny Acio says
Oh my goodness!!! I just made this for the first time today and it is incredible! So easy to do!!! The flavor is awesome! Will definitely be making this again!
Nubia_az says
Thinking of adding some jalapeños next time and cutting back on some ranch dressing cause it was a bit on the salty side for my taste. Other than that enjoyed it very much
Corey says
Jalapenos sound like a yummy idea!
Joni says
Delicious! I followed the recipe as written since this was my first time making it. I was nervous about putting chicken breasts into a slow cooker with only ranch powder and cream cheese on top, but it really worked! I didn’t end up trying it with Fiesta ranch, but maybe next time. Of course there will be a next time!
Chris says
So easy and was tasty, just added a little ranch dressing on the sandwich to make a little more juicy. Will also be good as a salad on a lettuce leaf.
Gina says
Could you use rotisserie chicken and add the other ingredients?
Kayleen says
What are some ideas for sides with the crack chicken?
Corey says
I love to have a green veggie or a side salad with ours 🙂
Kate says
French fries would be good, too.
Debbie says
I served it with broccoli salad (no bacon) since there is bacon in the chicken mix. Delicious combo!
Kristine says
Very easy to make. Recipe as easy as shown. Found it to be incredibly bland. It was ok but not “crack” worthy. Felt it needed something added for flavor.
Corey says
Maybe you could add some chili flakes next time Kristine? Or your favorite hot sauce?
Sharon McLaughlin says
I liked it but I would enjoy it more if it was kicked up a notch. Has anyone tried canned diced green chilies in the recipe?
Julie says
This was super, my family devoured the entire dish in under 10 minutes, no leftovers!
I did change to using a Ninja Foodie, 8 quart, on pressure cook, for 20 minutes. After adding the cheese and bacon, I cooked on low to medium sear for 5-6 minutes. Excellent!
Brittany says
Potentially stupid question..hah. Is this served hot or cold?
Corey says
No stupid at all. We usually eat this hot. 🙂
Delaney says
Do you guys drain some of the chicken juices?
Mary says
Wondering why the cream cheese gets put in the crockpot to cook instead of adding later with other ingredients?
Dezi says
Thank you for adding the nutrition information! This made it sooo much easier to add into my FitnessPal!
Teyla says
I don’t have ranch mix. Can I use ranch dressing instead?
Corey says
I have only made it with the dry mix, so I can’t say for sure.
Allison T says
Can you use ranch dressing instead of the mix or would that make it too liquidy? I make my own ranch dressing my family loves so I didn’t know if I can use that?
Corey says
I have only made the recipe as written Allison, so I can’t say for sure.
Amy says
What is considered a serving? I see that it serves 6, so is it 1 cup per serving?
Corey says
It should be there about or slightly more than a cup.
Florida Smittys says
I really liked the simplicity of the recipe, and that cream of chicken or mushroom soup was not required.
RD says
didn’t have any luck with this recipe. the chicken somehow burnt and all dried up even on low. maybe next time!
Lorah says
I am trying this recipe tonight! I did add a few extra ingredients like onions and mushrooms, and used chicken tenderloins in a smaller crock point so Hoping it turns out amazing, it smells amazing!
Kevin says
My family loves this. We have made it twice now. I highly recommend trying it with McCormick street taco southwest ranch, it gives it a little extra without being spicy.
Kim Garza says
I want to try it but was also wondering if you could do this in the instant pot and for how long?
Annette says
Don’t skip the bun if you are on Keto; Franz Bakery in Portland,Oregon makes
Keto hamburger buns and they are available in grocery stores in WA and OR.
Jess says
I loved this recipe! It’s my husbands favorite! Thanks!
Anne Mooney says
I put in raw bacon chopped up, cooked up quit nicely with the chicken.
Chris says
If you dislike the smell of bacon cooking, get some bacon bits. They are precooked and add the same great flovor.
Nancy says
Can you make this a day ahead and then warm it up next day to serve ?
J. Miles says
i add a can of rotel tomatoes on top of the chicken and then top with cream cheese. Once shredded, i add it as the filling for quesadillas! YUM
Kristy Buchanan says
Crowd pleaser! Kids picked between street taco shells and slider buns – both were great. Good warmed up the next day too!
Lori says
For those who want the added “kick,” I used spicy ranch flavoring and added a 4oz. can of green chiles. Our family enjoys spice too. Delish!
Corey says
Love this idea Lori!
Lisa says
At what point did you add the green chiles?