Slow Cooker Crack Chicken: Easy Dinner
Effortless Comfort Food Main Course.
Creamy, cheesy shredded chicken with ranch and turkey ham, made effortlessly in the slow cooker.
I remember the first time I made this. It was a chaotic Tuesday, rain was pouring down, and I had zero energy to cook. I found a version of this recipe and just went for it. A few hours later, wow. The chicken was so tender, and the creamy, savory flavor was just what we needed. It’s become our go-to for game nights or when we just need a little extra comfort. It feels like a secret weapon for an effortless, delicious meal.
Why This Recipe is a Lifesaver
- •So easy—just dump everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic.
- •Incredibly creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavor.
- •Perfect for feeding a crowd on game day or at a potluck.
- •So versatile! Serve it on buns, salads, or with your favorite crackers.
- •The ultimate comfort food for any day of the week, rain or shine.
My family is officially obsessed! I made this for dinner last night, and my kids have already asked when we can have it again. It's so creamy and delicious on buns. Easiest dinner I've made all week!
Essential Ingredient Guide
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work perfectly here. They become so tender in the slow cooker, they just fall apart. You could also use chicken thighs for an even richer flavor.
- Cream Cheese: This is what makes the dish so, well, creamy. I always use the full-fat block style cream cheese. It melts down into the most luscious sauce. Let it soften a bit before adding to help it melt smoothly.
- Dry Ranch Seasoning: The little packet is pure magic. It provides all the savory, herby flavor you need with zero effort. It’s the heart and soul of this recipe, really.
- Cheddar Cheese: I recommend shredding your own from a block. It melts so much better than the pre-shredded kind, which has anti-caking agents. A sharp cheddar gives it a nice, bold flavor.
Complete Cooking Process
- Start by placing your chicken breasts at the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over them.
- Dot the top with cubes of softened cream cheese. That's it, prep is done!
- Put the lid on and set it to LOW for 4 to 6 hours. I prefer the low and slow method, as it makes the chicken incredibly tender.
- Just let it go. The best part is smelling the wonderful aroma fill your kitchen.
- Once the chicken is cooked, take two forks and shred it right there in the crock pot.
- Stir the shredded chicken, melted cream cheese, and juices together until it's all one creamy mixture.
- Finally, stir in the shredded cheddar until it's completely melted.
Your Questions Answered
→Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would be delicious and are even more forgiving in a slow cooker, resulting in super moist chicken.
→Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
You can! Cook the chicken, ranch, and cream cheese on high pressure for about 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then shred and stir in the cheese.
→How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It reheats beautifully in the microwave for a quick lunch.
→Is this recipe keto-friendly?
It is! Just be sure to serve it in lettuce wraps or on its own instead of on buns to keep it low-carb.
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken: Easy Dinner
Slow cooker crack chicken is the dinner everyone craves! Creamy, flavorful, and easy to make in your crock pot. Comfort food!
Timing
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
4-6 hours
Total Time
4 hours 10 minutes
Recipe Details
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 012 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 028 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
- 031 (1-ounce) packet dry ranch seasoning mix
- 041 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
For Serving
- 018 slices cooked turkey ham, crumbled
- 021/4 cup chopped green onions or chives
- 03Brioche buns, lettuce wraps, or crackers
Instructions
Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of your slow cooker in a single layer.
Sprinkle the dry ranch seasoning mix evenly over the chicken. Place the cubes of cream cheese on top.
Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or on HIGH for 2-3 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
Once cooked, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. It should fall apart easily.
Stir everything together until the cream cheese is fully melted and incorporated, creating a creamy sauce.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it's melted and gooey.
Serve the chicken mixture warm on buns, in lettuce wraps, or with crackers. Top with crumbled turkey ham and fresh green onions.
Notes & Tips
- 1If you're short on time, you can cook this on HIGH for 2-3 hours.
- 2For an extra creamy finish, stir in a dollop of sour cream along with the cheddar cheese.
- 3This recipe doubles easily to feed a larger crowd.
Tools You'll Need
- •Use full-fat block cream cheese for the creamiest, most stable sauce.
- •Try not to lift the lid while it's cooking! Every time you do, you release heat and add to the cooking time.
- •Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker to save on dishes and keep all the flavorful juices.
- •If the mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a splash of milk or chicken broth to reach your desired consistency.