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You are here: Home / Blog / Crack Chicken Recipe

July 10, 2025

Crack Chicken Recipe

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Let me tell you somethin’—the first time I tasted this crack chicken recipe, I was over at my buddy Joey’s place, and his wife served it on toasted buns like some sort of love letter to comfort food. One bite in and I nearly dropped the plate. Creamy, cheesy, smoky, and packed with that ranch kick we all secretly crave—it’s the kind of dish that makes your eyes close for a second longer than necessary. Yeah, it’s that kind of good. If you’re looking for something warm to sip while this simmers, I highly recommend my bone broth recipe—super simple and incredibly soothing.

crack chicken ingredients laid out in a home kitchen
Everything you need for my favorite crack chicken recipe—laid out and ready to work their magic

Now, before we get too ahead of ourselves, I gotta say: there’s a reason folks call it crack chicken. I didn’t name it, alright? But I get it. It’s nothin’ fancy—just simple, hearty stuff that gets your taste buds dancin’ and your brain goin’ “wait, why is this so good?” It’s one of those dishes that practically hugs you from the inside. And believe me, as a kid growin’ up in a South Philly row home where dinner was the most sacred part of the day, that kinda food meant everything.

I like to keep it old-school and use chicken thighs for this one. Don’t get me wrong—breasts are fine, but thighs? They’ve got that juicy, rich flavor that stands up to the cream cheese and cheddar like a champ. We’re talkin’ full flavor, no dry bites, just the way Nonna would’ve liked it.

chicken in slow cooker with cream cheese and ranch
Starting off this baked crack chicken recipe in the slow cooker—just layer, cover, and wait for the magic

Now, if you’re lookin’ for an easy crack chicken recipe, it doesn’t get much simpler than this. Toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do its thing while you go about your day. The smell alone might stop your mailman in his tracks.

When it’s all cooked through—about 7 hours on low—you’ll shred that chicken right in the pot. No need for fancy tools. I just grab two forks and go to town. Then in goes the bacon (and not the wimpy kind either), followed by a big ol’ handful of shredded cheddar. Let it melt. Sprinkle on green onions if you’re feelin’ fancy.

cheesy crack chicken in slow cooker with bacon
All shredded up and cheesy—my favorite stage of this easy crack chicken recipe

And hey, you got options. Serve it over rice, stuff it into baked potatoes, or pile it high on a toasted roll. I’ve even scooped it up with crackers like a dip during game night. It’s one of those original crack chicken recipes that lets you do your own thing.

plated crack chicken over rice
Crack chicken served hot over rice—pure comfort on a plate

FAQs

What are the ingredients for crack chicken?

The basics? Chicken thighs, ranch seasoning mix, cream cheese, cooked bacon, cheddar cheese, and green onions. That’s your flavor-packed dream team right there.

Why is it called crack chicken?Honestly?

Probably ‘cause it’s so dang addictive. That creamy, savory combo hits all the right spots. People try it once and go, “Wait, I need more of that.”

Do you put chicken broth in crack chicken?

You can, but I usually don’t. The chicken releases enough juices during the slow cooking, and the cream cheese adds all the creaminess you need.

What are the ingredients in crack chicken casserole?

Pretty much the same as regular crack chicken, but folks usually mix in pasta or rice, maybe even a little sour cream or extra cheese, and bake it in the oven till bubbly.

crack chicken served over white rice with bacon and cheese
Comfort in every bite—steamy crack chicken over rice, with bacon and melty cheese
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Crack Chicken Recipe

cheesy crack chicken in slow cooker with bacon
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Slow Cooker Crack Chicken is rich, creamy, and downright irresistible. Made with tender chicken thighs, cream cheese, cheddar, ranch seasoning, and crispy bacon, it’s the kind of dish that keeps folks coming back for more.

  • Author: Michael Carter
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 7 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Slow Cooked
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

2 lbs. boneless skinless chicken thighs (trim off any extra fat)

1 oz. packet ranch seasoning mix

16 oz. cream cheese

8 slices of thick-cut bacon, cooked and crumbled

1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup sliced green onions

Instructions

  1. Place the chicken thighs into your slow cooker.
  2. Sprinkle the ranch seasoning over the chicken.
  3. Top with cream cheese.
  4. Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours—don’t peek!
  5. After 7 hours, shred the chicken right in the slow cooker using two forks.
  6. Stir in the cooked bacon.
  7. Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar.
  8. Cover again for about 10 minutes to let the cheese melt.
  9. Garnish with green onions before serving.
  10. Serve over rice, potatoes, buns, or enjoy as-is!

Notes

  • You can use chicken breasts if you prefer a leaner bite, but I swear by thighs.
  • Want a spicy twist? Add a diced jalapeño or use spicy ranch seasoning.
  • Leftovers? Store ’em in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Great for meal prep or potlucks—just double the batch and you’re golden!

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 690kcal
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 1102mg
  • Fat: 53g
  • Saturated Fat: 26g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Protein: 44g
  • Cholesterol: 275mg

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Filed Under: Blog

About Michael Carter

Hi, I'm Michael Carter, the face behind Easy Recipes List! I'm a 30-year-old chef from California passionate about making cooking accessible and fun for everyone. With a degree in Nutrition and Culinary Arts from the University of California and experience in healthy cooking in Los Angeles, I believe delicious food doesn't have to be complicated.
I create quick, practical recipes using fresh ingredients, perfect for busy families and beginner cooks. When I'm not in the kitchen, you can find me exploring new cuisines through travel, snapping photos of my creations, or catching a game.
My motto? Fun Cooking, Easier Life! Let's get cooking!

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Hi, I'm Michael Carter, the face behind Easy Recipes List! I'm a 30-year-old chef from California passionate about making cooking accessible and fun for everyone.

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