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Published: Jul 10, 2025 by Leo Martini · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

Crack Chicken Recipe

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Alright, so let me tell you — the first time I made this Crack Chicken Recipe, it didn’t even make it to the dinner table. Yep, folks just stood around the slow cooker with forks in hand like it was a buffet line. There’s something about the combo of juicy chicken thighs, creamy ranch-spiked cheese, and smoky bacon that kinda, sorta hijacks your brain in the best way.

I heard about crack chicken from my neighbor down the street — she whipped it up in her Instant Pot. Me? I stuck to my roots and let that slow cooker do its slow magic. That extra time? It gives you a texture that’s rich, silky, and just a little indulgent. And let’s be honest, anything with cream cheese tends to have people asking for seconds… or thirds. You know how it goes.

Now, a quick word about ingredients. You’re looking at a short list here: boneless chicken thighs (for that super tender vibe), one packet of ranch seasoning, a hefty block of cream cheese, crispy bacon, shredded cheddar, and a little green onion for that fresh bite at the end. That’s it. Pretty much pantry stuff, right? This dish is a big hit at Sunday dinners and chill weekends alike. It’s basically what comfort food wants to be when it grows up.

Crack Chicken Recipe – Chicken Thighs with Cream Cheese and Ranch in Slow Cooker
Chicken thighs layered with cream cheese and ranch seasoning, slow cooker ready

You can go classic and spoon it over some warm white rice. Or — and hear me out — load it into a baked potato or pile it on a toasted sandwich bun. Works great as a dip too if you're feeling snacky. It’s pretty flexible that way, kinda like your favorite pair of Sunday sweatpants.

By the way, if this sort of belly-hugging dish is your thing, you might want to check out a few other hearty favorites like Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie, Mississippi Chicken, or the oh-so-cozy Chicken with Bacon Gravy. And if you’re feeling adventurous, that Root Beer Chicken adds a sweet twist!

Crack Chicken Recipe – Melted Cheese and Bacon Mixed into Shredded Chicken
Crack chicken shredded and mixed with cream cheese, cheddar, and crispy bacon

So if you’ve got a block of cream cheese and some chicken thighs in your fridge, don’t wait. Your slow cooker is about to become your best friend.

Crack Chicken Recipe
Crack Chicken Recipe - 2 Crack Chicken Recipe - 3

Crack Chicken Recipe

By Leo Martini

Published: July 9, 2025

4.4/5 (86 ratings)

This slow cooker Crack Chicken Recipe is rich, creamy, and loaded with bacon, cheddar cheese, and ranch flavor — perfect over rice, buns, or baked potatoes.

Prep Time: 10m Cook Time: 7h 10m Total Time: 7h 20m Yield: 6 servings Category: Dinner Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Add the chicken thighs to the slow cooker. Sprinkle over the ranch seasoning mix. Place the cream cheese on top. Image for step: Step 1
  2. Step 2: Cover and cook on LOW for 7 hours without opening the lid. Image for step: Step 2
  3. Step 3: Shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker using two forks. Mix in the cream cheese until creamy. Image for step: Step 3
  4. Step 4: Stir in the bacon. Spread into an even layer and top with shredded cheddar. Cover for 10 more minutes. Garnish with green onions. Image for step: Step 4

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Calories: 690 calories

Fat: 53g

Saturated Fat: 26g

Cholesterol: 275mg

Sodium: 1102mg

Carbohydrates: 7g

Fiber: 0g

Sugar: 2g

Protein: 44g

Keywords: Crack Chicken Recipe, original crack chicken recipe, easy crack chicken recipe, baked crack chicken recipe, crack chicken ingredients

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FAQs

What are the ingredients for crack chicken?

Crack chicken usually includes boneless chicken thighs or breasts, ranch seasoning, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, cooked bacon, and green onions.

Why is it called crack chicken?

It got the nickname because the mix of creamy cheese, savory chicken, and crispy bacon tends to be really addictive — folks just keep coming back for more.

Do you put chicken broth in crack chicken?

Nope, traditional slow cooker crack chicken doesn't use broth. The cream cheese melts into the chicken juices, making its own rich sauce.

What are the ingredients in crack chicken casserole?

A crack chicken casserole often includes the original crack chicken mix (chicken, ranch, cream cheese, bacon, cheddar), sometimes combined with pasta or rice, and baked until bubbly.

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Hey there! I'm Leonardo "Leo" Martini, the chef and vibrant spirit behind Leo Martini Healthy Recipes and the "Leo's Vitality Kitchen" YouTube channel. Read More…

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