Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is the kind of dish that fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, wraps you in a warm, cozy embrace, and leaves your taste buds dancing with delight. It’s a comfort food classic, perfect for those days when you crave a hearty, indulgent meal that requires minimal effort. In this recipe, we’ll take you through the steps to create this creamy, flavorful masterpiece.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon (approximately 6 slices)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
For Serving:
- Cooked pasta, rice, or crusty bread (your choice)
Instructions
- Sear the Chicken (Optional): Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken breasts for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This step is optional but adds extra flavor to the dish.
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Place the seared or unseared chicken breasts in the slow cooker.
- Season the Chicken: Sprinkle the ranch seasoning mix, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper over the chicken.
- Creamy Layer: Cut the cream cheese into cubes and distribute them evenly over the seasoned chicken.
- Add Bacon: Sprinkle the cooked and crumbled bacon over the cream cheese.
- Pour in Chicken Broth: Pour the chicken broth into the slow cooker, ensuring it’s evenly distributed.
- Cook Slow and Low: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chicken should be tender and easy to shred.
- Shred the Chicken: Using two forks, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker. It should easily combine with the creamy sauce.
- Cheesy Finish: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the chicken, cover, and let it cook for an additional 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and gooey.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese has melted, garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve your Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken over cooked pasta, rice, or with some crusty bread to soak up that delicious sauce.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken
- Searing vs. Not Searing: Searing the chicken before slow cooking is optional but recommended as it adds extra flavor and helps the chicken maintain a firmer texture.
- Creamy Consistency: For a smoother sauce, ensure the cream cheese is at room temperature when adding it to the slow cooker.
- Bacon Bits: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits instead of frying and crumbling bacon.
- Flavor Variations: Experiment with different seasoning blends or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serving Ideas: This dish is versatile. Serve it over pasta, rice, or as a sandwich filling.
Variation: Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Pork
Looking to switch things up? Try this pork variation of the beloved Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken.
Ingredients:
- 2 pounds of boneless pork shoulder, cut into chunks
- 1 packet (1 ounce) of ranch seasoning mix
- 8 ounces of cream cheese
- 1/2 cup of chicken broth
- 1/2 cup of cooked and crumbled bacon (approximately 6 slices)
- 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon of olive oil
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Follow the same steps as the chicken recipe, substituting pork for chicken.
- Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours until the pork is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred the pork, add the cheese, and let it melt for a gooey, cheesy finish.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over your favorite base.
This Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Pork variation offers the same creamy, indulgent goodness but with a twist of savory pork.
Slow Cooker Cream Cheese Crack Chicken is a crowd-pleasing dish that combines convenience with incredible flavor. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, having a cozy family dinner, or simply craving a comforting meal, this recipe has you covered. Feel free to get creative with variations to suit your tastes, and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness that makes this dish a beloved classic.
