If you're a fan of comfort food, especially the kind that fits into a keto lifestyle, then you're in for a treat. This keto crack chicken recipe is not only addictive and delicious but also incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and three different cooking methods, you'll be enjoying this craveable chicken comfort meal in no time.
What is Crack Chicken?
Crack chicken gets its name from its incredibly addicting flavor profile. It combines three irresistible ingredients: bacon, cheese, and ranch seasoning. The result is a creamy, chewy sauce mixed with shredded chicken, making it a versatile dish you'll want to put on everything.
Ingredients You'll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here's what you'll need:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts work best.
- Cream Cheese: Use block cream cheese, cut into cubes for easier melting.
- Ranch Seasoning: You can use a store-bought packet or make your own (recipe below).
- Bacon: Cooked and crumbled for that smoky, savory flavor.
- Cheddar Cheese: Shredded, for topping or mixing in.
- Green Onions: Freshly sliced, for garnish.
- Chicken Broth: To prevent burning when using Instant Pot.
Method 1: Slow Cooker Crack Chicken
One of the easiest ways to cook crack chicken is in a slow cooker. This method is perfect for busy days when you want to come home to a ready-made meal.
- Place the chicken breasts in the bottom of the slow cooker, spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray beforehand.
- Sprinkle the chicken breasts with ranch seasoning.
- Top with slices or cubes of cream cheese.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours. Alternatively, cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 4 to 6 hours, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Shred the chicken with two forks and stir well to combine with the cream cheese.
- Top with the shredded cheddar cheese and cover until the cheese has melted.
- Garnish with freshly sliced green onions.
Method 2: Instant Pot Crack Chicken
For a quicker cooking time, the Instant Pot is your best friend. This method is ideal for those last-minute dinner decisions.
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- Pour chicken broth into the liner of the Instant Pot to prevent burning.
- Add chicken and sprinkle ranch seasoning over chicken.
- Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. If using frozen chicken, pressure cook on high for 25 minutes.
- Allow the pressure valve to natural pressure release for at least 10 minutes, then quick-release the pressure after 10 minutes by turning the seal to “venting.” Once pressure pin drops, open lid and turn off the machine.
- Do a quick release, open lid and shred chicken.
- Switch to SAUTE mode and stir in cream cheese and bacon until cheese is melted.
- Top or stir in shredded cheese.
- Garnish with green onions.
Method 3: Oven-Baked Crack Chicken
If you prefer the traditional oven method, this recipe is just as simple and satisfying.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Pound chicken breast or thighs until they are about ¼ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
- Place chicken in a single layer of a 9x13 baking dish.
- In a medium bowl, mix together cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ½ cup cheddar cheese and bacon.
- Spread over the chicken.
- Top with remaining shredded cheddar cheese.
- Bake chicken in the oven for 20-25 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked.
Easy Ways to Shred Chicken
With so many recipes that call for shredded chicken, finding an easy way to do this tedious task is a must!
- With Your Hands: This method takes the most time since you must wait for the chicken to cool before shredding it.
- With Two Forks: This is still a time-consuming way to shred chicken, but it works. Hold one fork in each hand, and use them to pull the meat apart.
- With an Electric Mixer: My favorite way to shred chicken!
Serving Suggestions
Crack chicken is incredibly versatile and can be served in numerous ways:
- In Sandwiches: Tuck it into fluffy dinner rolls for a comforting meal.
- With Sides: Serve it with pasta, rice, potatoes, zoodles, or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option.
- As a Dip: Serve with tortilla chips or vegetables for a party-friendly appetizer.
- Over Low Carb Pasta: For A Keto Low Carb Meal serve over Low Carb Pasta.
Make it a Dip
Crack chicken isn’t just for sandwiches!
Make It Spicy
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the cream cheese mixture for a spicy kick.
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Storage Information & Meal Prep Instructions
Crack chicken can easily be meal prepped to eat throughout the week. To store, just let the chicken cool and then place in an airtight container for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Crack chicken can also be a freezer meal. Add chicken, ranch seasoning and cubed cream chicken to a freezer safe bag and freeze until you want to use it.
Keto Crack Chicken: FAQs
Why is my crack chicken watery?
If you made crack chicken using frozen chicken thighs or breasts, it could be watery from the extra moisture. If it’s a lot of water, drain some of it out before mixing the cream cheese in. Also, if you’re using frozen chicken, make sure to thaw it completely before you cook your crack chicken in the Instant Pot. Otherwise, the frozen chicken can leak excess liquid into the sauce and make it watery.
What type of chicken is commonly used in crack chicken?
Boneless skinless chicken breasts and chicken thighs work best for keto crack chicken. I start with chicken thighs instead of breasts. I feel the thighs have more moisture, and the overall dish turns out decadent with the thighs.
Can I use a rotisserie chicken to make crack chicken?
Yes! If using a precooked chicken, just shred the chicken then add the other ingredients to the shredded chicken either in a pot on the stove over medium heat until melted and well combined or in a pan baked at 400 degrees for 20-25 minutes.
How can I thicken crack chicken?
If the cream cheese sauce is a bit loose for your liking, you can easily thicken it by combining 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with an equal amount of the sauce (water or stock will work, too). Whisk until it’s smooth, and then stir it into the chicken. Want to save time? You can use one tablespoon of a store-bought ranch seasoning packet, but I highly recommend making it from scratch (recipe below!).
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Why is it called crack chicken?
This creamy ranch cream cheese chicken earned the name crack chicken, because the flavors are so addictive. Don’t be surprised when you’re hooked! It’s the combo of cheddar cheese, Ranch seasoning, and bacon as “crack”. ( There are no drugs included in this recipe, promise!