Creamy. Cheesy. Addictive. That’s the only way to describe this crack chicken. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with ranch-seasoned, cheddar-loaded, bacon-kissed goodness. And it comes together in the slow cooker, which means it practically makes itself—because some days, mama needs to hit autopilot and still serve a slam-dunk dinner.
So… What Is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken is a wildly popular comfort food dish that combines tender shredded chicken with cream cheese, cheddar, bacon, and ranch flavors. The name? Well, it comes from how ridiculously addictive it is. You take one bite… and suddenly you’re halfway through your plate. Some people also call it ranch chicken, bacon cheddar chicken, or even creamy ranch chicken—but no matter the name, it’s pure comfort.
Family-Tested, Guest-Approved
I knew this one was a winner before it even finished cooking. The smell alone had me hovering over the slow cooker like it was payday.
Once it was done, I served it up in different ways for the whole house:
- I had mine over a baked potato (because the balance of creamy chicken with that fluffy, earthy potato? Yes, please).
- My husband and daughter had theirs with spaghetti, topped with a little extra Parmesan for her.
- My boys (and their friends!) went full athlete mode and had theirs over both baked potato and pasta.
- Everyone cleaned their plates. Everyone went back for more.
This was the meal that brought the family to the kitchen and made me feel like I just won dinner without lifting more than a spoon.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
- Set it and forget it: Everything cooks in the slow cooker.
- Pantry-friendly seasoning: No need for a ranch packet—you can make your own!
- Big batch, big flavor: Feeds the whole crew, even surprise guests.
- Customizable: Serve it over baked potatoes, pasta, rice, or with crusty bread.
- Great for picky eaters: Creamy, cheesy, and comforting enough for everyone to love.
- Can be a dip! Yes, seriously. Add a little extra cheese and you’ve got a party appetizer.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
This creamy dish is super versatile. Try it with:
- Baked Potatoes (like I did)
- Spaghetti or pasta – classic comfort combo
- Rice – if you’re into it, I recommend using the Aroma rice cooker for fluffy, low-effort results
- Cobb Salad – adds a fresh and crunchy contrast
- Cranberry Apple Walnut Salad – sweet + savory heaven
- Homemade French Bread – great for scooping or sopping up sauce
- Or just serve it solo in a bowl with extra bacon and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes (like I did)
More Chicken Recipes You’ll Love:
- 🔪 Lemon Pepper Chicken
- 🍜 Rotisserie Chicken Noodle Soup
- Creamy Slow Cooked Turkey Breast with White Wine & Herbs – if you want a crack chicken spin-off with a touch of elegance
- Jamaican Brown Stew Chicken
- Beer Glazed BBQ Chicken
- 🍤 Not into chicken? Try Rasta Pasta with shrimp or salmon for a seafood version!
Recommended Equipment
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- Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker – the one I used for this recipe
- Ninja Multi-Cooker – another solid option
- Aroma Rice Cooker – for rice lovers
Easy, Cheesy, and Here to Stay
Honestly, I woke up the next morning thinking about this chicken. It was that good. This dish is officially on repeat in our house—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s delicious, filling, and makes everyone feel like dinner was something special. And that’s all I want at the end of the day.
Don’t Miss Out on More Comfort
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☕️ Buy me a coffee if this dish made your dinner easier (or just because you love what I’m cooking).
Until next bite,
– Camille
Creamy Delicious Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
Slow Cooker Crack Chicken (With Homemade Ranch Seasoning)
8
servings10
minutes6
hours6
hours10
minutesThis creamy, cheesy slow cooker crack chicken is seasoned in layers and finished with butter for rich, comforting flavor. Made with sharp cheddar, crispy bacon, and a pantry-friendly homemade ranch seasoning, it’s perfect served over baked potatoes, pasta, or rice. Easy, flavorful, and kid-approved.
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Ingredients
4.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter (for greasing slow cooker)
1½ cups cups of chicken broth
4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
½ cup sour cream
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
6-8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled (or ½ cup real bacon bits)
4 small pats of butter (about ½ tablespoon each), placed on top of the chicken
Optional: chopped green onions or parsley for garnish
- Homemade Ranch Seasoning (or use 1 ranch packet)
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon dried chives (optional)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon paprika
Directions
- Mix ranch seasoning: In a small bowl, combine all ranch seasoning ingredients. (Or use 1 packet of ranch dressing mix.)
- Lightly season the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry. Sprinkle about half of the ranch seasoning directly onto the chicken and rub to coat both sides.
- Prep the slow cooker: Lightly grease the slow cooker insert with olive oil or butter. Place the seasoned chicken in a single layer. Sprinkle the remaining ranch seasoning over and around the chicken. Add a small pat of butter on top of each breast. Pour chicken broth around the edges (avoid pouring over the chicken).
- Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 360 minutes or High for 240 minutes, until the chicken is tender and easily shreds.
- Shred: Remove the chicken and shred with two forks. Set aside.
- Make the sauce: To the hot broth, add cream cheese, sour cream, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and fully melted. (Turn slow cooker to High if needed.)
- Finish: Return shredded chicken to the sauce. Add crumbled bacon and stir everything together. Let warm through for an additional 10 minutes.
- Serve: Spoon over baked potatoes, pasta, or rice. Garnish with green onions or parsley if desired.
- Serving Suggestion:
- To make baked potatoes: scrub russet potatoes clean, rub with oil and salt, and bake at 425°F for 45–50 minutes until fork-tender.
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