Crack Chicken (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
01 -
1 packet (1 ounce) ranch seasoning blend
02 -
1 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
03 -
2 pounds chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
04 -
8 ounces softened cream cheese
05 -
1/2 cup crumbled cooked bacon (roughly 6 slices)
06 -
1/4 cup green onions, chopped for topping
07 -
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
08 -
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
09 -
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
10 -
1/2 cup chicken broth (optional for slow cooker method)
# Instructions:
01 -
To begin, place the chicken at the bottom of the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the ranch blend, garlic and onion powders, and black pepper, making sure the chicken is evenly seasoned. Pour chicken broth around the sides of the chicken if you're using it, so it doesn't dry out while cooking.
02 -
With the softened cream cheese, break it into smaller cubes and place them evenly on top of the chicken. No need to mix it yet—it will melt during cooking and combine nicely with other juices in the pot.
03 -
Pop the lid on and set to low for about 4-5 hours, or crank up to high for 2-3 hours. When done, the chicken should easily shred and have an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Slow cooking will let all the flavors soak right in.
04 -
Take the chicken out and shred it into smaller pieces with two forks. Put it back into the cooker and mix it into the creamy sauce so everything's evenly blended.
05 -
Now toss in the shredded pepper jack cheese and bacon bits. Stir it around until the cheese melts and the mixture is gooey and perfect. The heat in the cooker will make sure everything mixes smoothly.
06 -
Heat a big skillet over medium and let the chicken sizzle for 6-7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Once it reaches 165°F (74°C), remove it and shred it up with two forks on a cutting board.
07 -
In the same skillet, drop the cream cheese, ranch seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. Stir it on medium-low heat so the cream cheese melts into a smooth sauce. Use a spoon to scrape any flavorful bits left in the pan.
08 -
Mix the shredded chicken into your creamy sauce in the skillet. Add cheese and crumbled bacon, stirring everything around until it's velvety and all blended together.
09 -
Once done, transfer the chicken mix to a dish. Sprinkle fresh green onions on top for a bit of bright color and taste. Serve it warm and enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
This creamy, cheesy dish packed with bacon and ranch flavor is absolutely irresistible. It earned its name for being completely addictive!
02 -
Serve it loaded into buns, tucked into tortillas, piled onto baked potatoes, or paired with veggies or crackers as a delicious warm dip.
03 -
Keep it low-carb by spooning it over cauliflower rice or wrapping it in fresh, crisp lettuce leaves.