Description
Savory crack chicken recipe brings together creamy, cheesy goodness with tender shredded chicken. Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible dish that beckons you to indulge in its rich, satisfying flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 2 pounds (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup (120 grams) cooked bacon, crumbled (about 6 slices)
Cheeses and Dairy:
- 8 ounces (227 grams) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup (100 grams) shredded pepper jack cheese
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
- 1 packet (1 ounce/28 grams) ranch seasoning mix
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth (optional, for slow cooker method)
Garnish:
- 1/4 cup (15 grams) green onions, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the slow cooker by placing chicken breasts at the bottom, ensuring they are evenly spread out.
- Season the chicken thoroughly with ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper, covering every piece.
- Pour chicken broth around the chicken to prevent sticking and create steam during cooking.
- Cut softened cream cheese into chunks and distribute evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4-5 hours or high heat for 2-3 hours until chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and shred using two forks into bite-sized pieces.
- Return shredded chicken to the slow cooker and mix thoroughly with the melted cream cheese sauce.
- Incorporate shredded pepper jack cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring until cheese melts completely.
- For stovetop method, cook chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In the same skillet, create a sauce by melting cream cheese with seasonings over medium-low heat.
- Combine shredded chicken with cream cheese sauce, adding pepper jack cheese and bacon.
- Stir until cheese melts and ingredients are well combined.
- Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with freshly chopped green onions.
- Serve hot and enjoy the creamy, savory chicken mixture.
Notes
- Customize Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by selecting mild or hot ranch seasoning, or adding red pepper flakes for those who love extra kick.
- Protein Swap Possibilities: Replace chicken breasts with chicken thighs for richer flavor, or use turkey for a leaner alternative that still delivers delicious results.
- Low-Carb Friendly: Skip traditional bread and serve over cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or wrapped in lettuce leaves for a keto-friendly meal option.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This recipe freezes wonderfully. Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months, then reheat gently to maintain creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours (slow cooker) or 14 minutes (stovetop)
- Category: Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 463
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 1070 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 118 mg