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Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken, aka Crack Chicken, is one of the easiest and most versatile dinner recipes! Keto and low-carb friendly with only 2 NET CARBS per serving!

bacon cheddar ranch chicken aka crack chicken over cauliflower rice in bowl

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Crack Chicken

This is one of my favorite recipes because it is so versatile. I also like that it is low-carb, which is great for those friends and family members who are eating keto or low-carb.

chicken in slow cooker with seasoning and broth

I typically cook this using my slow cooker because I can pretty much forget about it while it cooks. You can also use your Instant Pot if you would like. I’ve included instructions for that method in case you prefer it.

What is Crack Chicken

“Crack” refers to recipes that use the classic combination of cream cheese, bacon, cheddar, and ranch.

How to serve Crack Chicken

If you are wondering how to serve Crack Chicken, let me tell you some of my favorite ways:

  • eat it as it is
  • as a sandwich filling on sandwich rolls, hamburger buns, or in a pita
  • make it a melt over an English muffin with extra cheese on top
  • over rice (or cauliflower rice if eating low-carb)
  • try it over pasta
  • over mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
  • in tortillas for a new taco or burrito flavor
  • in lettuce cups
  • with tortilla chips as a dip
  • use it as part of a casserole
  • as a pizza topping
  • Get creative – this recipe is so versatile that the possibilities are endless!
shredding chicken, adding cream cheese, and cheddar cheese

Crack Chicken recipe

Ingredients

  • boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • low-sodium chicken broth
  • dry Ranch dressing and seasoning mix
  • cream cheese
  • Cheddar cheese
  • cooked bacon
  • chopped green onions, for serving
adding bacon am=nd green onions

How to make Crack Chicken

Time needed: 8 hours

How to make Crack Chicken

  1. Put chicken in slow cooker.

    Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of a slow cooker crock.

  2. Pour Ranch mixture over chicken and top with cream cheese.

    In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth and Ranch mix. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the chicken. Place the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the top. 

  3. Cook chicken.

    Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (HIGH for 3-4 hours) or until the chicken is no longer pink and shreds easily. 

  4. Shred chicken and mix.

    Using two forks, shred the chicken while it is still inside the slow cooker. Stir everything until well combined.

  5. Stir in Cheddar and bacon.

    Add the Cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top and stir until well combined.

  6. Serve.

    Serve, garnished with green onions.

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Recipe Notes

  • Want to make this in your Instant Pot instead?
    • Place the chicken and cream cheese in your Instant Pot. Sprinkle Ranch dressing mix evenly over the top and add the broth. Cook on manual HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. After the time is up, perform a quick release. Shred chicken. Stir in the cheese and bacon. Serve, garnished with green onions.
  • This recipe easily doubles and freezes well.
closeup of crack chicken over cauliflower rice

Crack Chicken: FAQs

➡️ Is Crack Chicken keto-friendly?

Yes! This recipe, as written, is keto-friendly. You can also enjoy it over cauliflower rice or in lettuce cups or wraps. If low-carb tortillas fit into your macros for the day, those are a great option, too!

➡️ Can I freeze Crack Chicken?

Yes! Allow it to cool before transferring it to airtight freezer containers or a zip-top bag. Be sure to use it within 3 months. Allow it to thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat it in the microwave or oven.

➡️ How long can I refrigerate the leftovers?

Any leftovers are good for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Be sure to store the leftovers in an airtight container or zip-top bag.

➡️ What’s the best way to reheat Crack Chicken?

I usually microwave it until heated through. You can also reheat it in a 350°F oven for about 15-20 minutes or until heated through.

➡️ Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?

Yes! Place the chicken and cream cheese in your Instant Pot. Sprinkle Ranch dressing mix evenly over the top and add the broth. Cook on manual HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. After the time is up, perform a quick release. Shred chicken. Stir in the cheese and bacon. Serve, garnished with green onions.

overhead looking down onto a bowl of crack chicken over cauliflower rice

How did you like this recipe

Wasn’t this recipe awesome? My family loves it and the almost endless ways to enjoy it! Let me know in the comments if you made this and how you served it. I look forward to hearing from you.

chicken mixture and cauliflower rice in bowl

Other recipes you may enjoy

bacon cheddar ranch chicken over cauliflower rice in bowl
4.67 from 3 votes
Servings: 10 servings

Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken

By Jamie Sherman
Bacon Cheddar Ranch Chicken, aka Crack Chicken, is one of the easiest and most versatile dinner recipes! Keto and low-carb.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 7 hours 50 minutes
Total: 8 hours

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We’ll email this post to you, so you can come back to it later!

Ingredients 

  • 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • 1 packet dry Ranch dressing and seasoning mix, 1 oz.
  • 2 packages cream cheese, cut into cubes, 8 oz. each
  • 1 ½ cups Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
  • Chopped green onions, for serving

Instructions 

  • Place the chicken pieces in the bottom of a slow cooker crock. 
  • In a small bowl, combine the chicken broth and Ranch mix. Pour the mixture evenly over the top of the chicken. Place the cubes of cream cheese evenly over the top. 
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 7-8 hours (HIGH for 3-4 hours) or until the chicken is no longer pink and shreds easily. 
  • Using two forks, shred the chicken while it is still inside the slow cooker. Stir everything until well combined.
  • Add the Cheddar cheese and bacon evenly over the top and stir until well combined.
  • Serve, garnished with green onions.

Notes

Want to make this in your Instant Pot instead?

Place the chicken and cream cheese in your Instant Pot. Sprinkle Ranch dressing mix evenly over the top and add the broth. Cook on manual HIGH pressure for 15 minutes. After the time is up, perform a quick release. Shred chicken. Stir in the cheese and bacon. Serve, garnished with green onions.

How to serve Crack Chicken?

  • eat it as it is
  • as a sandwich filling on sandwich rolls, hamburger buns, or in a pita
  • make it a melt over an English muffin with extra cheese on top
  • over rice (or cauliflower rice if eating low-carb)
  • try it over pasta
  • over mashed potatoes or baked potatoes
  • in tortillas for a new taco or burrito flavor
  • in lettuce cups
  • with tortilla chips as a dip
  • use it as part of a casserole
  • as a pizza topping
  • Get creative – this recipe is so versatile that the possibilities are endless!

Nutrition

Calories: 371kcal, Carbohydrates: 5g, Protein: 28g, Fat: 26g, Saturated Fat: 14g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 7g, Trans Fat: 0.02g, Cholesterol: 127mg, Sodium: 680mg, Potassium: 451mg, Sugar: 2g, Vitamin A: 809IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 170mg, Iron: 0.5mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Jamie

Jamie Sherman founded Love Bakes Good Cakes in February 2012. She is a self-taught home cook passionate about sharing easy, delicious, and family-friendly recipes. From comforting classics to irresistible desserts, I believe homemade food brings people together. Join me on my journey of creating and sharing meals that bring joy to every table!

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4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. Marcia says:

    This is one of the best recipes I’ve ever done. Can’t thank you enough for this one.